South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project

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The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One


Private 38654 William Edward EALES - 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

Killed in Action on Sunday 22nd September 1918 aged 34


Military History

     
Theatre of War Medals Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial
France & Flanders British War & Victory Medals Vis-en-Artois Memorial
     
Arrived in Theatre Medal Citation (if app) SWFHS Area Memorials
After 1st January 1917 ~ Kenilworth War Memorial
    Kenilworth St. John's
Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed Date and Place Mobilised Kenilworth St. Nicholas
Hundred Day Offensive Dec 1916 in Coventry  
     
Place of Death Previous Regiments or Units Other War Memorials 
NE of Metz-en-Couture  266955 Army Ordnance Corps  
     

Circumstances of Death

William is listed as being killed in action on 22nd September 1918. The 1st Battalion war diary entries for the period 21st to 23rd September 1918 are transcribed below.

NE of Metz-en-Couture (Map Ref 57c.Q.16.c.2.2) 21st Sept  1918: Fine and bright. Situation normal. Enemy’s artillery very active all day. Casualties to 12 men, 2 other ranks wounded. Enemy bombing planes were active over back areas during the night.

NE of Metz-en-Couture – 22nd Sept  1918: Cloudy and some showers during the evening. Situation normal. Enemy artillery again active on our front and support lines and around Battalion HQ. An enemy patrol which attempted to reach our lines was driven off by our Lewis Gun and Rifle fire.

NE of Metz-en-Couture 23rd Sept  1918: Heavy showers during forenoon turning out into a bright afternoon. Situation normal. Enemy artillery much quieter. A number of enemy aeroplanes crossed our lines during the day, but were very high.

Enemy bombing planes were very active from about 8pm until midnight, bombing back areas and approaches to front line.

Two of our patrols went out at night and encountered enemy posts. All returned safely.



 Personal & Family History

 

Birth Date/Place Baptism Date/Place
9 Aug 1884 in Exeter 12 Jun 1887 in Camden
   
Parents Names Abode
William Henry and Maria (died 1899) Eales  7 Fairhaven Street, Cheltenham                  
   
Wife and Marriage Details Children
Helen Eales nee Rawlins Frances Barbara Eales born 17 Apr 1917               
24 Aug 1914 at Kenilworth St. Nicholas  
   
Schools Colleges
  ~
   
Address History Employment History
1884 - Exeter 1891 - Scholar
1887 - 27 Clarence Gardens, Camden 1901 - Pupil Teacher at a School 
1891 - 13 Metry Place, Leeds 1902 - App Clerk for L&NW Railway
1901 - 11 Summerfield Road, Aston Manor 1911 - Cycle Manufacturer Order Clerk
1911 - 80 Priory Road, Kenilworth   
1915 - 55 Waverley Rd., Kenilworth