William lived at 42 Albany Street, Ilkeston. He enlisted on the 26th of April 1915, age 21 years. He was a Coal Miner by trade.   

William fought in the Great War (1914-18) and was part of the 16th (Chatsworth Rifles) Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters. He joined the expeditionary force in France, with the rest of his Battalion, on the 6th of March 1916. 

He was awarded the Military Medal (MM), which was also reported in the London Gazette on the 19th of February 1917 ‘for gallantry in action on 13.11.1916 in the attack on St Pierre Division.’ 

He was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), whilst serving with the 1/7th Battalion which was reported in the London Gazette of the 3rd of June 1918:  

‘for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty throughout operations.  On one occasion he volunteered to carry an urgent message to the front line though a heavy barrage. During four days continuous fighting he set a magnificent example of courage and fortitude to the non-commissioned officers and men of his company.’   

During his service, William rose through the ranks to become Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2). 

William was Killed in Action on the 21st of March 1918 when serving with the 2/7th (Robin Hood) Battalion, during the German attack on our positions at Noreuil, France. 

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.  He is also commemorated on the Ilkeston Town War Memorial. His Father, William, was paid his soldier’s pension.