South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project

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 The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One

Private 42291 William Henry BATCHELOR - 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Queen Alexandra)


Killed in Action Monday, April 2, 1917 aged 29

 Military History

Theatre

France & Flanders

Action/Battle/Other

Local actions near Arras

Place of Death

Henin-sur-Cojeul 

 

Medals

British War and Victory Medals

Medal Citation (if app)

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Enlisted Date/Place

September 1916 at Rugby

 

Commonwealth War Graves Page

Arras Memorial

SWFHS War Memorial(s)

Flecknoe & Napton on the Hill

Other War Memorial(s)

 

Previous Regiments/Units

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Circumstances Leading to Death (Normally from War Diary)

On the day William was killed his battalion were ordered to carry out a 2nd attempt (the 1st was on 31st March) to seize and then hold the village of Henin-sur-Cojeul. The attack began under the normal artillery barrage but encountered issues with heavy machine gun fire and units being delayed causing some to be slow to support others. However the day was ultimately succesful and the battalion seized and held all of its objectives forcing the enemy forces to retire in a NE direction towards St. Martin-sur-Cojeul before being relieved in the lines by the 16th Bn Manchester Regiment later that night.
Henin map200  arras
 Map of Operations nr Henin  Arrar Memorial

 Personal & Family History

Birth Date & Place

Apr Qtr 1888 at Napton on the Hill

Baptism Date & Place

26 Oct 1894 Napton on the Hill

Parents

John and Marie of Napton on the Hill

Wife & Marriage

Annie nee Ball
14 Nov 1910

Children

  • Arthur William b1911
  • Frank b1914

 

 

Occupation(s)

  • 1910 - Labourer
  • 1911 - Labourer in Cement Works

Schools & Colleges

 

Address History

  • 1891 - Tomlow, Napton
  • 1901 - Upper Tomlow, Napton
  • 1910 - Flecknoe
  • 1911 - Flecknoe
  • 1917 - Old Olive Bush Farm, Flecknoe

Other Information