William Read was born in Grays, Essex, and in the 1891 census William aged 10, was living there with his parents Alfred, aged 44, and Maria aged 43, together with three brothers and three sisters.

By the 1901 census William, aged 20 was boarding with the gardener and his wife, at Cranham Hall, near Upminster, Romford, Essex. He was employed as a Coachman. The family employed a large number of staff including a governess, bailiff, cook, parlour maid, as well as many outside staff. It is possible that William enlisted in the Army around this time, and may have served in the South African Campaign (The 2nd Boer War 1899-1902) as he stated that he had previous Army service on his later attestation papers. He may also have been wounded as his medical records show that he had scars under his left eye and on the right side of his face.

By the 1911 census, William was living in lodgings in Huddersfield, aged 30, single, and was employed as a Coachman at Carlecotes Hall, Dunford Bridge, working for the Chapman family.

William enlisted at Sheffield on 12th June 1915 in the 2nd Btn, York and Lancs Regiment. His “burnt records” have survived and so we know that he was 34years and 10mths old, 5ft 6ins tall, weighed 9st, 37ins chest, and was in good health. He gave his occupation as ‘Groom’ and his address as Carlecotes Hall.

William trained with the 3rd Btn, Y & L in Sunderland, and was promoted to Lance Corporal (unpaid) from the 18th July 1915. His promotion was confirmed and paid from the 8th October 1915. He re-joined the 2nd Btn in Belgium on the 23rd April 1916, was wounded in action on the 21st May 1916 (shrapnel wound to right elbow), which caused him to be sent to hospital. He was declared fit for active service on the 11th June 1916, when he rejoined the 2nd Btn. The battalion had fought through the later battles of 1915 and was involved in the first battle that used tanks towards the end of the Somme campaign in 1916. William was killed in action on the 13th August 1916.

Janet Dyson