Military History

William is listed as both dying of wounds or being killed in action on 13th March 1915, the final day of the Battle of Neuve Chappelle. The events of that day are listed below:

"Darkness closed in with heavy rain. About 9 p.m. (on the 12th March) came orders that a night attack on the enemy's position was to be made: the 2nd Devons were coming up to assist. The survivors of the 1st Worcestershire braced themselves for a further effort. By that time the platoons had shrunk to little groups of men led by junior N.C.O's. (Corpl. J. Tromans showed great skill and courage in leading his platoon after his officer had fallen ; he was subsequently awarded the D.C.M.); one company had lost all its officers and was commanded by the company-sergeant-major (C.S.M F. G. Morgan, was subsequently awarded the D.C.M.); but the fighting spirit still remained. The Devons came up in the darkness, plans were concerted, and from 11 p.m. onwards the two battalions lay out on the soaked ground awaiting the order to advance. But the order did not arrive: instead at 3 a.m., word came that the attack was cancelled and that the Worcestershire would withdraw into reserve. The Battalion (the Battalion was brought out of action by Major J. F. S. Winnington, who was awarded the D.S O. for his cool and gallant leadership) moved back through the darkness and at 4-45 a.m., in the first light of dawn, reached their allotted position near Rue Tilleloy, behind "B" Lines.

With the cancelling of the orders for that night attack the battle of Neuve Chapelle came to an end. The infantry of both sides were exhausted, and no fresh reinforcements were brought up to renew the fight. During the next three days the British and German artilleries kept up an angry fire. Then their activity died away, and the work of burying the dead and consolidating the new trench line proceeded without further interruption. The trenches which the 1st Worcestershire had held against the Bavarian attack became part of the new line, while the ruined buildings which the Foresters had taken and which Captain Arden's charge had recaptured formed a salient which became known afterwards to many units of the Army as "The Duck's Bill."

Save for that gain of ground and for the proud memory of that bayonet fight there was but little profit visible to the regimental officers and men from the battle of Neuve Chapelle.

The losses had been terribly severe. The 1st Worcestershire had lost over 370 of all ranks, including 19 officers (see details below). The Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel E. C. F. Wodehouse, D.S.O. and the Adjutant, Lieutenant J. S. Veasey, a brilliant young officer, were among the dead. The Battalion had gone into action on the 10th March 1915, with a strength of 26 officers and 870 rank and file. On the morning of March 13th the whole Battalion could muster no more than 7 officers and 450 men.

The full story of the Battle of Neuve Chappelle can be found here and is taken from the excellent Worcestershire Regiment website.