Military History

William is listed as being killed in action on 13th October 1918. The 4th Brigade War Diary entry for the 13th and 14th October are transcribed below along with an obituary in a Melton Mowbray newspaper. However on the day he was killed it appears that he was attached to another Battery.

Vieux Chien – 13 Oct 1918: 129 SB completed move by road. All preparations made for the attack tomorrow. The main attack will be will be north of the 2^nd Artillery by the French and Belgians. Enemy harassed at night as usual.

Vieux Chien – 14 Oct 1918: Attack commenced at 5.35am and was quite unexpected by the enemy and resulted in a great many prisoners and guns and ohh objectives with very small casualties.

Brigade commander and CO’s I reconnoitered forward and the whole brigade commenced moving forward at 9.30am and took up forward positions SW of Morseele with Brigade HQ Just behind at Cornet Farm. The move was carried out very successfully. Perfect weather.

Mrs. Warwick, 25, Craven-street, Melton Mowbray, has received information that her husband, Gunner W. Warwick Royal Garrison Artillery, was killed in action on the 13th inst. The news was conveyed in the following letter dated October 16th, 1918.

Dear Mrs. Warwick, It is with great regret I now pen you this letter informing you of the death of your husband, who was unfortunately killed in action. It happened about 3.30 p.m. on the 13th of this month. He was on duty with his gun when an enemy shell exploded quite near him, therefore killing him instantly. I am sure he did not suffer.

He was buried quite decently. The majority of our section attended his funeral; also a C.E. Chaplain read the burial service over him. Although he was only about a month in my section I got to know him quite well. He was a good man, and I cannot say too much for him. It is not too much to say that your husband was well thought of and respected by officers and men alike. We are sorry to lose him.

Unfortunately I am prevented by the Censorship Regulations from telling you where the grave is situated. I have no doubt the military authorities will inform you, and you may rest assured that as long as we are able we shall keep his resting place as you yourself would like it kept. This will no doubt be a terrible burden for you to bear, but it should cheer you a little to know that he died for England. No one could wish for a better death. The officers, N.C.O.’s and men join with me and send you their deepest sympathy. Believe me to be, Yours truly, A. F. Cooper, 2nd. Lieut.