Military History

William is listed as being killed in action on 2nd November 1917. The 2nd/6th Battalion war dairy entries for the period 1st to 3rd November are transcribed below. They show that William was the only man killed during a seven (7) day tour of the front line trenches near Fampoux. The Warwickshire Roll of Honour states that we was killed when he was struck by a shell whilst guarding a water tank.

Greenland Hill Sector - 1.11.17: In reply to a bombardment on his front line trenches at C.25.d.5.0 (opposite 47^th Division) and to a bombardment on his front line from I.d.95.45 to I.2.c.02.27 the enemy’s artillery was very active during the afternoon. Cork support was heavily shelled with 4.2’s and 5.9’s. Chicken Reserve, Caledonian Venue and Civil Venue were also shelled.

There was a very noticeable increase in the amount of hostile artillery. Patrols were sent out by night to obtain information about enemy posts between I.2.c.05.05 and I.2.a.05.00. Fighting patrols of 1 NCO and 10 men each patrolled No Mans Land throughout the night. One enemy working party was seen and dispersed with Lewis Gun fire.

Greenland Hill Sector - 2.11.17: The increased hostile artillery activity shown on the 1^st inst was maintained. Systematic shelling of Cork Support, Chicken Reserve, Civil Venue, Curse support  and Caledonian Venue were carried out from 10am till dusk. Our T.M’s carried several shoots during the day on the enemy’s wire and front line.

Fighting patrols of 1 NCO and 10 men each patrolled No Mans Land continually throughout the night.

Greenland Hill Sector - 3.11.17: Hostile artillery was far less active during the day. The battalion was relieved by the 2^nd/5^th R War R and withdrew to support in Harry and Humid Trench. Relief was successfully completed by 8.45pm.

Total casualties during the tour [28 Oct to 3 Nov] in the trenches, killed 1 OR & wounded 4 OR’s.