ALBERT EDWARD DOMINY
In 1911, the 17 year old Albert Dominy was living with his parents Charles and Edith Dominy at No. 11 Sun Street, Portsea, a small cul-de-sac off Britain Street. Charles had been in the Royal Navy for most of the previous 20 years, often away from the home, as he was for the 1891 and 1901 Censuses.
The house in Sun Street was probably no larger than the typical 'two-up-two-down' found in so many streets of Portsea and in addition to Albert and his parents there were five other children, Lillian (14), Fred 11, Charly (7), George (3) and Florly (u/1) living there. It must have been rather crowded so it's no surprise that Albert should get out by enlisting in the army the following year.
Albert's postings for the next two years are currently unknown but shortly after the outbreak of war the 2nd Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment, of which he was a member, was serving in India. From there the Regiment moved to Mesopotamia where after taking part in battles under General Townshend he was captured by the Turkish army in April 1916. In December that year he died whilst still in the hands of the Turks.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission list Private Albert Edward Dominy, 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, died 31/12/1916, aged 23. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Dominy, of 12 Sun Street, Portsea, Portsmouth. Remembered on the Basra Memorial (Panel 22 and 63).
Albert Dominy is also remembered on the St. George's Church WW1 memorial and the Cenotaph.
He is listed in the 'National Roll of the Great War' Section X, p. 66 with the narrative "He enlisted in November 1912 and from September 1914 until June 1915, served in India. He then proceeded to Mesopotamia, where he served with General Townshends forces, fought at Kut-al-Amara in December 1915, and was taken prisoner when the town capitulated in April 1916. Unfortunately whilst in Turkish hands he died in December of that year and was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, and the General Service and Victory medals."
Tim Backhouse
December 2013