Remembering Constable Albert Wright of Lanarkshire Constabulary
CONSTABLE ALBERT WRIGHT
LANARKSHIRE CONSTABULARY – 1938 to 1943
Albert Wright was born on the 28th of October 1915 at 64 Fernie Street, Glasgow, the son of William and Rachel Wright. His father was a Hammerman by trade and at the time a Reservist in the Seaforth Highlanders.
Albert was raised and educated in the Maryhill area of Glasgow. On leaving school he trained as a slater. On the 3rd of May 1934, he joined the Scots Guards at their recruiting centre in Glasgow and was allocated the army number: 2694825.
He served with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards at home and in Egypt between November 1935 and December 1936. During his service he gained all his educational certificates and became a very proficient swimmer. He was placed into the Army Reserve on the 2nd of May 1938.
On leaving the army he successfully applied to join Lanarkshire Constabulary and was posted to Hamilton, following his initial training. His army training paid off as he was successful in several of the Lanarkshire Constabulary sporting events held in June 1939 at Fir Park.
The outbreak of World War 2 on the 3rd of September 1939 interrupted Alberts new police career. As a reservist he was one of the first to be called to the colours and on the 1st of December 1939 he was mobilized and posted to Pirbright Army Camp in Surrey.
Albert was engaged in the training of recruits at the camp until his transfer to the 3rd Battalion Scots Guards on the 12th of November 1940. He remained on the depot strength until the 14th of December 1942 when he was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards and they travelled to Tunisia.
Albert participated in significant actions through January and February until they were sent to Southeast Tunisia.
On the 6th of March 1943, the 2nd Battalion was involved in a fierce engagement with Rommel’s Afrika Korp and Italian forces. This became known as the Battle of Medenine, the last commanded by Rommel in the North Africa campaign.
The fighting was intense with German Panzers and Infantry advancing. Several close combat encounters took place and in one action Albert and eight of his comrades were killed in action. He was 27 years of age.
Albert is buried at the SFAX Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Tunisia. His headstone is marked ‘Thy Will Be Done.’
Albert is also remembered on the Lanarkshire Constabulary War Memorial at the former Lanarkshire Constabulary Headquarters, Beckford Street, Hamilton. He is remembered each year at the annual service of remembrance.
Alberts brother Andrew McKenzie Wright was killed on the 24th of March 1942, whilst serving with the Royal Artillery 2/1 Maritime Regiment.
May they Rest in Peace.
Laanrkshire Constabulary Memorial
