Pte Alfred Ball, 22996, 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, died on July 29th, 1917, from shrapnel wounds sustained on the battlefield in France. He was aged 21 and single.

According to Sgt C. B. Sell in a letter to parents Henry and Alice Ball, of 22 Bailey Street, Luton, their son was proceeding down the trench to fetch rations for himself and comrades and was unfortunately hit on the way. Comrades in the trench did all they could for him and carried him to a dressing station. The sergeant's letter ended with the hope that Pte Ball would soon recover.

However, War Office notification followed, stating that Pte Ball died on July 29th, soon after sustaining his wounds.

Alfred Ball had enlisted in the Bedfordshire Regiment in 1915 and went to France in May 1916. Since then he had been invalided home to a London hospital, but soon recovered and returned to his regiment.

Prior to enlistment he was employed by hat manufacturer Alfred Sapwell, of Cheapside. In the 1911 Census he is described as a core maker in an iron foundry living at 22 Bailey Street with his parents,five sisters and two brothers.