He was discharged from his second term of engagement in 1903.

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Curtis rejoined his old battalion during the Great War, in the Special Reserve on 19 September 1914. He served at his former rank of sergeant until 5 May 1915 when he was discharged as medically unfit for further service. He was presented with the Silver War Badge (No. 127396) for his Great War service.

 

Prior to the Great War, Curtis had been enrolled as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, serving from 1910 until his retirement in 1931.

 

He was born on 6 January 1866 at Guildford, Surrey, the son of William and Sarah Curtis. Albert attested with the 1/Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders on 2 December 1881 at the very young age of 14 years and served a full twelve years with the Highlanders. His overseas posting included South Africa, Ceylon and Hong Kong. Discharged in January 1893, he reenlisted with the 2/East Surrey Regiment in January 1894. Curtis married Miss Annie Ellen Reilly at Aldershot on 6 September 1895.

 

Sergeant Albert Edward Curtis, VC passed away form heart failure in 1940

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Cabinet Photograph

A. Wildman & Co. = Photographer

The Maybury Studio

Woking, Surrey, England

c. 1901

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Below: The photographs reverse side showing its period ink inscription.