Albert Edward HOOKINS was born on 13 February 1883 at 12 Worley Court, St Botolph in London. He was the 8th of 9 children born to Henry Charles HOOKINS and Caroline (nee BAKER). His christening took place at St Botolph in Aldgate on11 March 1883.
By 1891 he was living at 7 Royal Albert Buildings, St Botolph with his parents and 5 of his siblings. He joined the Army Service Corps in London on 10 April 1899 and was allocated a service number of 14649. He served in South Africa from 1899-1902 and was decorated with the Queens South Africa medal (3 clasps) and the Kings South Africa medal (2 clasps).
He married Lilian Ada WHITEHEAD on 23 April 1905 at Christ Church in Stepney and when their first child was born the following year they were living at 55 Great Dover Street, Trinity Street, Newington North although this child sadly died in the following year.
In the 1911 Census Albert and Lilian were living at 1a Alsace Street, Bagelot Street, Walworth with 3 more children although the son born early in 1911 was also to die towards the end of 1912. Also with the family in 1911 was Sidney who was a brother to Lilian. Albert's job is recorded here as a Carman for a firm involved in blacking which is thought to be related to the coating placed on itmes such as stoves. This possibly fits in with his brother-in-law's occupation as a farrier. Lilian's occupation at this time was as a cigar maker.
In the 1st World War Albert is listed again with the Army Service Corps and is recorded as being a Driver.
Lilian died on 11 February 1954 at St Helen's Hospital in St Leonards, Sussex with Albert to die 4 years later on 21 October 1958 also at St Leonards. They were survived by a married son and married daughter and 3 grandchildren.
