Military History

William is listed as being killed in action on 11th August 1917. The 11th Battalion war diary for the period 10th to 13th August is transcribed below.

Trenches near Kemmel - 10/8/1917: Enemy snipers & machine guns were active in the front line neighbourhood. Back area was heavily shelled by H.E. intermittently during the evening & a large number of gas shells were put down.

Counter measures were taken against enemy snipers and a number of hits were claimed. A joint post was formed with the 47^th Australian Battalion on our right.

Trenches near Kemmel - 11/8/1917 - 6.30am: Brigadier General MacLachlan was killed near our Right Company HQ after making a tour of inspection round the outpost line. Improvements were made in the Outpost Line & Support trenches & fire positions were made.

Night 11-12/8/17: Battalion changed over with 10^th Loyal North Lancs and became Battalion in support for Right sub-sector.

During the relief a heavy barrage was put down by the enemy between the front and support lines & a direct hit was obtained on D Coy HQ.

Trenches near Kemmel - 12/8/1917: Battalion was in support line with C & A Coys as left and right forward Coys ready to move into close support on signal from front line. Battalion was arranged in depth with B Coy at the Tower south of Oostraverne Wood & D Coy in dug-outs near Bttn HQ in Onaret Wood.

Trenches near Kemmel - 13/8/1917: Battalion was employed in clearing and improving support positions. Preparations were commenced for minor offensive operation to be carried out on this front.

At night working parties were found for the front and support lines for the new C.T. [Communication Trench] between HQ & forward battalion and front line.