Military History

William is listed as being killed in action on 4 Apr 1918 having originally been reported as missing in action, his death was later presumed as being on this date. The Red Cross Prisoner of War section received two letters enquiring about his whereabouts on 2 Aug 1918 and 20 Nov 1918. William's remains were never found and he is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial.

The 8th Battalion war diary for the period 4th to 7th April 1918 is transcribed below:

Bois de Faire – 4^th [April 1918]: About 4am report of a probable attack was received & shortly after the position was heavily shelled for four hours, owing to the nature of the position our casualties were slight during this bombardment. At the end of this time the troops on the left fell back soon followed by the troops on the right. Owing to the danger to the right flank Capt Tetley formed a defensive flank with 2 Lewis Guns and 30 men under 2 Lt Neilson.

About 9am Capt Tetley was wounded in the head and arm, he insisted on making the position  secure before going back to the dressing station.

At 10am Lt. Neilson reported that his position was being enfiladed and was becoming impossible to hold, the garrison having been reduced to 10 men. Major Young of the 7^th RB [Rifle Brigade] took charge of the situation and decided to withdraw to ridge N of Bois de Vaire.

Aubigne 5.6.7 [April 1918] In the evening the Bn (2 Officers and 430 R) moved to support line in front of Aubigne & remained there until evening of the 7^th when they were relieved and marched to St. Fuscien.