Albert Jakeway was born of musical parents; his father having been converted and joining The Salvation Army in 1886 in Ferndale, Wales. For three years his father was an officer, and then an Envoy for a short while before the family moved to Keighley, Yorkshire, in 1901, from which corps Albert entered Training to be a Salvation Army Officer.

When Albert was only nine years of age, he became an unofficial member of the Songster Brigade, singing in the alto section. Two years later he learned to play a brass instrument and at 15, he became a member of the Senior Band, first of all on Baritone, and later Euphonium. He also became Deputy Songster Leader and this stirred a desire to write music. He had little knowledge of harmony at this time and was unable to play the piano. However, determined to fulfil this desire to compose, he obtained a piano and set himself the task of learning harmony.

Soon after his entry into the Training College in August 1914, he came into close contact with Bramwell Coles, who was a fellow cadet. From Coles he gained tips on the composition of music which were to prove of great value. His musical career was beginning to develop although it was not entirely successful at first.

Albert Jakeway played Bass superbly and was a member of the International Staff Band for 18 years. He could triple-tongue with ease and fluency, and it has been said by those who knew him best that at one time there were no two finer exponents playing side by side than Albert and his brother Vic.

Albert was also a first-class athlete and could have become a cricketer or swimmer. He would take delight in using these skills at music schools and regularly took an early morning swim in the open-air swimming pool at London Fields even though, in winter months, he and his fellow-bathers would occasionally have to break the ice to do so.

It was while he was stationed as a Corps Officer in the north of England that he began to make good use of such text books as Richard Slater’s ‘First Lessons in Harmony’, and others of that type. He did not find it easy to study, surrounded as he was by many corps activities, but his persistence was rewarded in the publication of his first composition, the song ‘I’m a bandsman’, in ‘The Musical Salvationist ‘ in 1916. Col. Fred Hawkes commented that “Lieutenant Jakeway is at the threshold of a musical career.” Prophetic words indeed, for Albert Jakeway would in time serve the interests of Salvation Army musicians in an official capacity for longer than anyone, with the exception only of Fred Hawkes and Richard Slater.

During 1916-1919 he was a corps officer at South Shields, where he had the additional advantage of close association with Bandmaster George Marshall from which he learned much. His first published march ‘Assurance’ was printed in 1919 (Band Journal No. 825). During this appointment he married Lieutenant Isabella Menzies, commencing ministry as a couple.

In 1924 there was a challenge of a new appointment to Czechoslovakia. The Salvation Army had commenced work in that country in 1918, immediately following the cessation of hostilities which marked the end of the First World War. Post-war conditions had been pitiful, with the population being almost at starvation level. The Jakeways applied themselves with great courage in extremely hostile conditions. Albert very quickly started a band and composed a march entitled ‘Czechoslovakia’, dedicating it to his fellow comrades who were standing strong against great opposition.

Eighteen months into this appointment the Jakeways were recalled to London, where Albert was to serve in the International Music Editorial Department. Here he would remain for the rest of his active officership, 32 years - becoming the Head in 1952. During this time he served as Bandmaster at Tottenham Citadel for 4 years and at Clapton Congress Hall for 17 years. It was not long after transferring to Clapton that the Jakeways suffered a huge loss. Three children in all were born to them: Albert, Derek and Mavis, but Mavis tragically died in her mother’s arms at the age of three. The shock took its toll, Isabella being paralysed for several days; however, she fought back with great courage, proving her great faith in God.

In addition to these various musical appointments Albert Jakeway also conducted the famous Rosehill Band, making 32 broadcasts for the BBC as well as eight gramophone recordings.

Of his music, virtually all of which is merely a memory these days, for styles in composition have changed so rapidly and radically during the last 50 years, the march ‘Rosehill’, is probably his best-known item. Although his Tone Poem ‘Where duty calls’ enjoyed great success during the late forties and early fifties. Of his composing method he once said that “occasionally he was blessed with a whiff of real inspiration, but usually his work was accomplished by steady workmanship.”

Albert Jakeway retired with the rank of Colonel on 28 December 1958. Following the Promotion to Glory of Isabella in December 1975, Albert married Netta Ringham. During their happy 15 years of marriage they travelled extensively. The highlight of these years was the Composers’ Festival which formed part of the International Congress of 1990 and was held at Wembley Arena. Here, at the age of 96, Albert conducted the massed bands in his march ‘Rosehill’. The huge congregation gave the composer an extended ovation which marked the respect that many had for his life and work within Salvation Army ministry.