More about Albert Jules Stoessel

Albert was the brother of Pte Frederick C. Stoessel, 225898,  Cameron Highlanders, also believed to be related to Pte Alexander Stoessel, 4351, 4th Battalion, Black Watch.

Albert Jules Stoessel  383115  Yorks and Lancaster Regiment

DUNDEE SOLDIER WOUNDED FOR SECOND TIME

IN “ MOST SUCCESSFUL BATTLE.”

Pte. Bert Stoessel, Yorks and Lancs, whose relatives reside at 1 Forebank Terrace, Dundee, has been wounded for the second time.

Pte. Stoessel, who joined the army two-and-a-half years ago, has seen service in both Egypt and France, and was wounded for the first time while on a listening patrol near the Verdun lines.  His second injury was sustained in the last great push.  He gives an interesting account of the battle in a letter to his mother and sister, in the course of which he says :―”At 3.10 a.m. the biggest earthquake for miles around opened the ground, and then the thousands of guns belched forth together.  Our battalion’s objectives was the fourth line of German trenches.  We went over very excited, but in the best of spirits.  Two hours after we reached our objective.

“Our artillery was marvellous.  Nothing human could stand against it.  In the afternoon I was getting my gun in position when I got my little bit―a sniper, I believe.  I had three miles of No Man’s Land to cross to the first dressing station, and there I had some very welcome cocoa and sandwiches.  I should say it has been the most successful battle since the beginning.  Ypres, where I have spent the last nine months has always been a nasty place, but now old Fritz is down the hill and we’re on top.”

Prior to enlisting, Pte. Stoessel was employed as a clerk with Nicoll & Smibert Ltd., bakers.  His brother Fred, Cameron Highlanders, who is at present in hospital in Salonika with a fractured arm, is a well-known footballer, having served with the Dundee Hibs.

Dundee Courier 15th June 1917