Military History

William is listed as being killed in action on 3 Sep 1916 during the attack on Falfemont Farm. The was diary for that day is transcribed, in full, below.

September 3^rd – 4am: Battalion arrived in position of assembly about 4:00 AM

Bodmin (Front Assembly) Trench B&C Coys
Cornwall (Rear Assembly) Trench A&D Coys

Battalion HQRTs immediately in rear of Cornwall trench. Morning was fine and evening quiet at 9:00am an attack was launched by the 13th Brigade on Falfemont Farm on our right, roused him [the enemy] to activity with the result that our assembly trenches were shelled causing few casualties. This died away about 10:00am during the morning. Our final dispositions were made and the information issued to all concerned in the assault. Our artillery had subjected the various objectives term methodic and effective bombardment since Daybreak on 2^nd. All ranks were full of confidence and in high spirits.

12 Noon: Zero hour. Intense artillery barrage placed on 1st objective undercover of which the battalion went over in four waves as under:

1^st Wave – 2 platoons C Coy         2 platoons B Coy
2^nd Wave – 2 platoons C Coy        2 platoons B Coy
3^rd Wave – 2 platoons D Coy        2 platoons A Coy
4^th Wave – 2 platoons D Coy        2 platoons A Coy

First two waves went straight into the first objective. Third wave into the intermediate line on the sunken Rd until the 4th wave occupied Bodmin trench.

Enemy started a very heavy barrage but quite undeterred our men pressed on steadily to their objective nor were they hindered by severe machine gunfire brought to bear on them, the men serving these however was soon disposed of by our rifle fire an indication off excellent marksmanship and coolness. It was during this advance that most of the casualties both the officers and men were sustained. Lieutenants Kitson, Forbes, Teague & Hitchens Being killed or fatally wounded at the head of their platoons.

The first objective was found to be full of enemy dead and wounded, many were still unhurt but were speedily disposed of by our own men. Consolidation was at once commenced and the work of clearing out the dugouts very effectually preceded with.

In the meantime our artillery barrage had lifted gradually until at 12:50 PM it became intense on the second objective. All four waves assaulted the second objective which was reached with very few casualties. Battalion Headquarters moved forward to 1st objective and thence after a few minutes pause on to the second objective where it was established.

2.pm: artillery barrage placed on 3rd objective to which Battalion now advanced and captured without difficulty consolidation was at once preceded with. Battalion were now subjected to an annoying enfilade M.G fire from direction of Falfemont Farm, captain Taylor being woon did for the first time by this fire. The sorting out of units which had by now become very mixed up owing to the 20th Division on our left overlapping their right boundary, was taken in hand.

About 5.30pm: Captain Taylor was wounded for a second time by a spent bullet and Battalion HQ moved to a shell hole a few yards in rear of 2nd objective. During the night the companies in the first objective were relieved by the East Surrey 's and the Battalion consolidated and held the second objective. The 20^th Division being on the left and two companies of the Devon’s on the right extending down to Wedge Wood.

4^th: Night passed quietly, cold but fine with slight rain toward the morning. END