Military History

William is listed as being killed in action on 30th May 1918 having originally been reported as missing. His family twice wrote the Red Cross, in August and November 1918 asking if they had him recorded as a Prisoner of War. The 8th Battalion war diary entries for the 28th to 31st May 1918 are transcribed below.

Sarry – 28.5.1: The battalion embussed for a new area. Transport moved by road at 12 noon. Surplus personnel remained at Sarry (strength 140 RO’s). Busses arrived 10pm and moved under secret orders to Chalons-Epernay, thence due N.

Chambrecy – 29.5.18: Arrived at Chambrecy at 4.30am and Battalion sent out at once to cover the village as an outpost line whilst remainder of Brigade had Breakfast and rested.

9am: Received orders to advance with 8/Glouc R on right, Worcs on left and Warwicks in Reserve and occupy line of road from Lhery to Tramery - length of advance about 3 miles. Advanced in artillery formation for 2.5 miles, then extended over a ridge and came under fire of field guns ("A" Coy had 5 casualties). On our position by 1pm in depth.

No tools and had to scratch in. English and French troops observed withdrawing from Prin Chateau and woods on either flank, and at 2pm the Brigade formed the front line – 74^th Brigade on left, 58th Brigade on right, 56th in front of Sarry Village. Enemy visible in small numbers but did not attempt to attack.

Rations were late as limbers did not arrive in neighbourhood till midnight, and the lorry which delivered them at Bde HQ in Chambrecy, would not get up to us. Quiet night but enemy massing on my left and advancing to gain touch at dusk.

Chambrecy – 30.5.18: Rations arrived at Bn H.Q. at 8 a.m., but had to be returned as enemy at that time made an attack in force on the left of the Brigade - the 1/6th Cheshires withdrew and left the 10/Worcs in the air. After a fight they were driven out of Lhery village, and the whole line withdrew in good order to the ridge 1000 yds in rear.

The enemy made an attack in 8 lines on the left and centre, causing the Worcesters to form a defensive flank and gradually penetrated into Romigny. The position became untenable and the front-line Battalion withdrew at 4pm to the high ground covering Chambrecy covered by 10th Warwicks.

Casualties - Killed 2/Lt A A Wyatt, wounded 2/Lts F Finch, L.G. Kitchen, F. Oakey, F.D Glasgow (slight) - Died of Wounds 2/Lt A.H. Edmonds and 60 O.R.

Chambrecy – 31.5.18: A quiet night. Warwicks on left were heavily shelled in Ville en Tardenois and had heavy casualties eventually withdrawing, and at night establishing themselves on the left of the Worcesters who were in support. A Battalion of the 22nd Regiment (French) were in support in the centre of the line.