Many will have known Albert, a D Day veteran and a real hero living amongst us until he passed away last year. I later approached his widow, Betty and daughter, Karen, to get their permission for Albert to be honoured with a street named after him.
With the Armed Forces Community Garden being in Monkspath I sought assistance from the councils highways and environment officers for the approach to Hillfield Local Nature Reserve, and road to the community garden, be named after Albert. Their support was fantastic and today we made this happen.
‘Albert was a smashing yet humble man who I was honoured to know and befriend. This is a most fitting tribute to Albert and his family, especially as it leads to the Armed Forces Community Garden. It is poignant that the opening of Albert Price Way falls on the one-year anniversary of Albert’s passing. He will remain in our heartfelt memory’.
Karen said ‘Albert was a well-known and popular figure in Monkspath and a great supporter of the Armed Forces Garden in Hillfield Park. He was very modest about his exploits and bravery during WW2 and determined to do his duty from joining the Home Guard at age 14 to landing on Gold Beach with the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards on D-day. He would feel very honoured by having this road named after him. Betty and I love him, miss him and are so very proud of him.’
We thank the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Councillor Shahin Ashraf MBE for making the time to attend the opening of Albert Price Way this morning and the support she has shown to Betty and Karen these past twelve months.
I am sure many people will continue to have Albert and his family in our thoughts for many years to come.
Feature photo is of Albert and Betty, taken by me at the opening of the Armed Forces Community Garden a couple of years ago.
You can find out more about Albert and his role in Operation Smash, a t D Day rehersal, when Dan Snow interviewed him at home: https://cllrkenhawkins.co.uk/2018/07/23/albert-price-a-monkspath-resident-and-a-hero/
Ken Hawkins 