Military History

Williams medal card shows that he entered France on 19 Aug 1914 as part of 8th Brigade RFA. He was a reservist aged only 16 when he entered the war. We have not yet established when William first became a reservist.

William is listed as dying of wounds on 11 Oct 1918 at the Alexandria Park Military Hospital in Stockport. His death certificate [click here to view] states that he died from a gun shot wound to the abdomen (13 days) and heart failure (2 days), this information means that William was wounded 13 days prior to his death which was 29 September 1918. The 15th Brigade war diary entries for the period 28th to 30th September are transcribed below.

Neuville – 28^th: Barrage for attack on previous final objective. Successful advance made. Reports received that enemy is falling back behind the line of the Canal de Lescaut – presumably on account of ? advance further north.

Batteries came into action just north of Beaucamp about 6pm. HQ came up one mile E of Havrincourt Wood.

Neuville – 29^th: Barrages in support of attacks at 3.30 and 8am. 52^nd and A/15 came into action 800 yards behind our front line. 52^nd Battery missed round and manned 2 77mm guns close up behind Infantry and fired same with good effect doing considerable damage and knocking out an enemy gun.

HQ moved to Beaucamp

Neuville – 30^th: Barrage for attack at 4am. The enemy had retired behind Canal de Lescaut. Batteries moved up as follows: D/15 500 yards N of La Vacqerie, A/15 500 yard, 52^nd 1500 yards e where main road crosses Emden Trench in Hindenburg front line. HQ 100 yds NE of village. 52^nd having one gun out of action brought up Bosch 77mm to compete.

The Brigade came under the orders of 37^th D.A. from 8pm.