William Ward (see also James Ward, his brother)
CWGC record:
WARD, W | Private | 2153 | 27/03/1915 | 24 | Cheshire Regiment | United Kingdom | H. 60. | KEMMEL CHATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY |
Brother of Walter Ward of 3 New Terrace, Helsby, Warrington
1911: At No. 4 Railway Cottage, Mouldsworth:
John William Ward Head 46 Plate layer born Elton Cheshire
Sarah Ward Wife 44 Kelsall
William Ward Son 19 Porter-lampman Chester
With Railway Company
James Henry Ward Son 17 Tyre Builder Kelsall
Walter Ward Son 11 Mouldsworth
Elizabeth Ethel Ward Dau 8 Mouldsworth
Sarah Ann Ward Dau 7 Mouldsworth
Cheshire Observer 17 April 1915:
‘We regret to announce that intimation has been received that Pte William Ward No. 2153 of the 5th (Earl of Chester’s) Batt, Cheshire Regiment has been killed in action. It is understood that he was hit in the stomach and met his death on March 27th. Deceased was popular in his company, was a porter at Mouldsworth Station until he answered the call for mobilization. For four years he worked at Frodsham…….When Capt Jolliffe raised the men at Kelsall deceased was among the early ones to join. He was unmarried, and is survived by a widowed mother, two brothers and two sisters, with whom much sympathy will be felt’
His father died in 19131
All the details in the above newspaper report fit with those in the 1911 census (as above)
Medal Rolls card:
First served in France 15.2.1915 Killed in Action 27.3.1915
He was awarded the Victory medal, British War medal, and 1914-15 Star
No other military records have been found
Plaque in his memory2:
William Ward: born May 23rd 1891, Private 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment, ‘member of the Sunday School’, killed in action at Neuve Chappel March 27th 1915, ‘erected by scholars and friends’
He is buried at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery which is 5 miles south of Ypres
NOTES
- Father’s death: John W Ward, aged 48 June Q 1913 (Chester 8a 446)
- Plaque preserved at the Albion Inn, Chester (see Appendix)
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