[Portrait of Albert Arthur Hensler], c.1915.
Photographic Image
Identifier:
PC 2016.06.14.01-01Description
Albert Arthur Hensler worked as a railway clerk in Halifax before enlisting underage on August 11, 1915. According to his family, Hensler was a pacifist, but volunteered anyway for undisclosed reasons. Initially, Private Hensler was attached to the 64th Battalion, but after arriving in England, was transfered to the 40th Reserve Battalion, and later to the 25th Battalion.The 25th Battalion was sent to Vimy Ridge as support for the 24th and 26th Battalions during their initial objective, after which the 25th was to take the next objective- Turko-Graben. Private Hensler was assigned as the company runner during the battle and ran messages, often under heavy fire, from the Company Commander to the platoons out in the attack. For "his inspiring example of personal bravery," Private Hensler was awarded the Military Medal.
Following the end of the war, Private Hensler served with the Army of Occupation in the Rhineland; he was demobilized in Halifax on May 25th, 1919.
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