Bert Killip facts for kids

Albert Edward Killip (born in 1879) was a British activist who believed in socialism. Socialism is an idea about how society should be organized, where everyone works together and shares resources.

Killip was born in Birkenhead, a town in England. He went to school there and started working at a young age. He had several jobs, including selling newspapers, helping a butcher, and even lighting street lamps.

Early Steps in Activism

As a young man, Albert Killip joined a group called the Social Democratic Federation (SDF). This group worked to improve the lives of working people. Because of his activities with the SDF, he sometimes faced difficulties, like losing his job.

He later studied at Ruskin College, which was a college for working-class students. After his studies, he worked as a salesman for J. W. Gott. He also helped organize for the British Secular League, another group led by Gott.

Working in Leeds

In 1907, Killip moved to Leeds and became a full-time organizer for the SDF there. He was very creative in finding ways to raise money for the group. He even started making and selling toffees and chocolates under the brand name "Red Flag"!

At first, Killip was not a supporter of the Labour Party, which is a major political party in Britain. He even ran against a Labour Party leader in a local election in Armley in 1909.

Joining the Labour Party

Over time, things changed. In 1911, the SDF joined with other groups to form a new party called the British Socialist Party. Then, in 1913, this new party decided to work with the Labour Party.

Because of this, Albert Killip became an important part of the Labour Party in Leeds. He served as a vice-president of the Leeds Labour Party. From 1913 to 1915, he also worked as an elective auditor for the city. This meant he helped check the city's finances.

World War I and New Parties

When World War I started, Killip supported Britain's involvement in the war. In 1915, he joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, which was part of the British Army. He served as a sergeant for about a year.

After his military service, Killip left the SDF. In 1916, he helped start a new group called the National Socialist Party (NSP). In 1918, he became the secretary for a group in Leeds that helped soldiers who had returned from the war.

Later Life and Politics

Later in his life, Albert Killip moved to West Ham, an area in London. There, he continued his political work. He became a member of the town council, helping to make decisions for the local community.

He also worked as an election agent for the Labour Party. This meant he helped organize election campaigns for other politicians. He worked with Tom Kennedy in a special election in 1921. He also helped with campaigns in the Plaistow and Silvertown areas.