112078 Gnr William Bennett died of his wounds in the battle of Arras on the 18th April 1917. He was 38 at the time and was serving in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was married to Marry Bennett (Maiden name Thomas)with three son's and two daughter at his time of death but unbeknown to him would lose his son David William a month after his death.

He and his son Pte David William Bennett (Royal Welch fusiliers) who was killed in Palestine paid the ultimate price serving their country as did his Brother Benjamin Bennett. Little is know about Benjamin as my grandfather was only three when his father William was killed. 

William and Mary  had two son's and two daughter who survived the Great War, Elizabeth, George, Annie and  Thomas Leslie. Mary Bennett passed away approximately 14 years after his death when my Grandfather was 17.

George moved to Regina in Canada to work on a farm and later came back to the U.K. while serving in the Canadian Army during the Second World War.

Thomas Leslie answered the call during the Second World War but was given a job in agriculture as there was a national shortage at the time, which is lucky for me as he was my Grandfather. I might not be writing this if he had been sent to fight. He went on to marry Elsie Bennett (Maiden name Jones) and eventually settled in Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury and had three Sons, William Leslie, David Michael and Ronald Thomas

I am the Middle son of William Leslie Bennett and feel very fortunate to have had my family members sacrifice so much for our country. I try to visit William's Grave in Tilloy, Arras every few years and hope to be there next April for the 100 year Anniversary of his death.

David William who was killed in Palastine was buried in the Gaza strip so i have been unable to visit his grave.  

Sgt Huw Bennett.

 

Huw Bennett