28th Aug 1924 |
Born in Lower Holloway, Islington, London, England, United Kingdom. (Lower Holloway, Islington, London, England, United Kingdom.).1,2 |
Nov 2009 |
Cremated in ??? Chapel, Enfield Crematorium (Enfield Crematorium, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.) Eulogy given by David Bridge at Albert's Cremation on ?? Nov 2009.
Albert Victor Carney - 28 Aug 1924 to 17 Nov 2009
I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Albert for just 35 of his 85 years.
How can one describe Albert and his life?
Well.., he had two brothers, Len & John and two sisters Dolly & Fran.
When big sister Dolly was learning Violin at school, Albert & Len used to pluck the strings until they broke, at which point Dolly went running to their mum telling her about what the boys had done.
The boys just laughed of course, and ran away.
Most of you would know that Albert was an Accountant for many years, before, during and after World War 2 (WW2).
He served his country during World War 2 in the Royal Army Ordanance Corp (RAOC). Enlisting at Kineton (Near Stratford upon Avon) around 1942.
His sign up papers list him as: Height 5 Feet 10 Inches; Complexion "Fresh; Hair "Brown", Cap size 6 7/8".
However I only recall a silver haired and jovial Albert.
Whilst in the Army they removed all his teeth, we know not why, he took great pleasure in telling everyone this fact.
In his youth, Albert loved playing football, he played at centre forward position for many British Army matches in the post war years, the team being made up from the various Army units.
Apparently he scored 7 of 13 goals in a single match. One match on 15 Apr 1950, the team Represented "Arsenal" against Ahli.
He served in France, Germany and Libya. He was demobed on 30 May 1953 in Didcot, where my daughter Rebecca now lives and he was discharged from the reserves on 19-Apr-1960.
By this point he had reached the Rank of Colour Sergeant which he held for 5 years 69 days, from the age of 25 yrs 8 Months.
It has been said that he was the youngest ever Colour Sergeant.
I would like to now read a short extract from one of his officers.
I write from considerable personal knowledge of Sergeant Carney and do not hesitate to describe him as being most gentlemanly in manner, most loyal in service and most conscientious and efficient in the performance of his duties.
In particular, his account keeping has been a model of painstaking accuracy. Captain Vincent
Further discharge comments.
This NCO is of outstanding ability in all spheres, enterprising and efficient. He can always be relied upon to carry out any task assigned.
Extremely smart and good bearing. Absolutely Trustworthy. Someone in whom complete confidence can be placed.
He has always given unsparingly of his best, no matter how troublesome his allotted tasks and he has devoted himself to the sport of his units with the same enthusiasm.
His departure is regretted (after 12 years in the Army service).
These are the values about Albert that we all remember.
Alberts first City job required him to wear a bowler hat, which he disliked, needless to say, he only stayed a few weeks.
He enjoyed gardening, in fact, he was mowing Margaret & Dave's grass just 7 weeks ago.
He was a caring and loving man. He cared for his mother for many years and later did the same for his father.
He cared about his friends, neighbours, extended family and even the general public
He was an Uncle, a Great Uncle and even a Great Great Uncle.
He was a modest man, in Sept 1977, whilst shopping in the Seven Sisters Road, Holloway, he witnessed an Armed Robbery taking place at the Bank of Cyprus.
Ignoring his own safety, he "got involved" and restrained one of the armed gunmen from behind until the armed undercover police could take over, however he did not know that the undercover police were even present.
All of this at the age of 53, the age I am now.
For this act of bravery, he received the Binney Memorial Medal which was awarded for the "bravest action performed in support of law and order in the London area during 1977 by a non-police person".
Additionally, in Nov 1978 he received a Certificate from the High Sheriff of London and a monetary award (about £100), the award read " to a person who has great courage".
This is our Albert; Modest, Kind and Courageous.
Albert loved gardening and gardens and often visited craft fairs with Margaret & Dave.
His Peony, from 34 Conewood Street lives on in the gardens of Margaret and her Daughter Angie, along with his Daffodils, Tulips and Marigolds.
He may have been taken from us all, but his memory lives on in these gardens.
He was a good "Baker" too; making his Dundee Cake, Cherry Cake and, of course his Bakewell Tarts.
Apparently on one occasion, the wife of his Nephew Robin kept disappearing into Margarets kitchen. They later found very little Bakewell Tart left, "it was so good" was her excuse.
To summarise Albert, he was:
- Courageous
- Caring
- Trustworthy
- Liked a laugh and a Joke
- Loyal
- Modest
A Gentleman to the end, Bless Him.
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