On Tuesday 29 April, the Mayor of Solihull unveiled the new sign for ‘Albert Price Way’ at Hillfield Park, to honour the life of the D-Day veteran who passed away last year. The Mayor was joined by Albert’s wife Betty Price and daughter Karen, as well as several of their friends, neighbours, and local councillors Cllr Ken Hawkins and Cllr Keith Green.
The unveiling of the new road sign was a celebration of his life, and it will stand as a symbol of the remarkable impact he had on the community.
Albert’s Life:
Albert Price was just 18 years old when he took part in a D-Day test run in April 1944 on Studland Beach in Dorset. In June, he and the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards landed on Gold Beach in Normandy. As a gunner, Albert witnessed the loss of many of his friends on that fateful day, but he always carried with him the pride of having done his part.
A young man then, Albert Price had lied about his age two years before D-Day to join the army early, but would be blessed with a long life and even reached the age of 98. He used his time to commemorate the young men he served with and was instrumental in the building of the Armed Forces Garden in Hillfield Park in 2022.
As well as being involved in the design consultation, Albert was a special guest at the grand opening of the garden after it was delayed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quiet and serene, the Armed Forces Garden is a place for veterans of any conflict to come, relax and heal. Anyone can come to the garden and reflect on the many sacrifices of the brave that never came home.
After leading an extraordinary life, Albert passed away in April 2024 with hundreds coming to pay their respects. Proud standard bearers escorted the hearse that carried him to rest.
The Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Shahin Ashraf MBE, said:
“I am very proud to have been invited to help officially unveil Albert Price Way with Albert’s wife Betty and daughter Karen. Albert loved Hillfield Park and did so much to shape the Armed Forces Garden. There is also the poppy mural walk which he helped to create. And now, this sign for Albert Price Way will also stand as a reminder of his life and his spirit.”
Albert’s daughter 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.”
If you would like to find out where you can attend VE Day 80 events around the Solihull borough, and celebrate heroes of the Second World War like Albert, then click here: VE Day 80th Anniversary events in Solihull | solihull.gov.uk