Military History

William is listed as being killed in action on 25 Apr 1917. The 11th Battalion War diary entries for the period 24th to 27th April are transcribed below.

24.4.17 – Gavrelle: Battn in touch with a battalion of the Yorks & Lancs Regt om the left and 8^th E. Lancs on the right. Continued to hold above position [100yds east of Gavrelle-Roeux Road] until 3am night of 24^th/25^th when relieved by 6^th Bedfords. 2^nd Lt H.C.B Bowen wounded. Nothing else of importance occurred during this period

25.4.17 – Chilli Trench: When relieved Battn took up position of support in Chili Trench. 2^nd Lt Weller and two platoons of D Coy including two Lewis Guns rejoined from 10. R.Fs.

26.4.17 to 27.4.17 – Chilli Trench: Battn held this trench until night of 27^th/28^th. During this period a communication trench was dug from Chili Trench to new front line trench (Clasp Tr). Trenches were deepened, fire steps and gun emplacements made. Snipers were placed in suitable positions.

On night of 27th-28th a jumping off trench was dug 50 yards west of Gavrelle-Roeux Road on the battalions frontage.

Artillery on both sides continued to be active. Enemy appeared nervous and night signals were sent up on several occasions and heavy artillery fire opened on our positions. Great aerial activity particularly on our side.