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Bone Mill Lane, Camp Street, Durham Light Infantry, North Lancashire Regiment, North Street, Nursery Street, Red Cross Street, William Underwood
One of our readers has shared this story about his uncle:
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William Underwood was born 06 August 1892 at 136 North Street Wolverhampton to Anne Underwood. 1901 Census has him living at 74 Camp Street Wolverhampton and in the 1911 Census he was at 6 Nursery Street, occupation Boot maker. In 23 March his Attestation papers has him living at 7 Red Cross Street.
He joined the Durham Light Infantry then transferred to the 1/5 Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. His Army service record makes interesting reading, disobeying orders, improperly dressed, absent from guard, on 26 September 1916 has him wounded in action. He was killed in action on 30 November 1917 (100 years ago today).
The Battalion War diaries for that day state that a heavy German bombardment was along the whole battalion front followed by an attack. Battalion made a stand but were forced to withdraw after being outflanked. Casualties for that day: 3 officers wounded, 2 officers wounded & missing, 16 officers missing, 2 other ranks killed, 27 other ranks wounded, 384 other ranks missing. Unfortunately I have no photos of William, but I have a Bible he sent home to his half Sister Ida Newman (my Mother) his memorial plaque and scroll. In his will he leaves all to his Mother Mrs Anne Newman 32 Bonemill Lane, Wolverhampton.
William was born in Wolverhampton in about 1892. In around 1910, William enlisted with the 3rd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment (service number 12238), so he appeared at Shaft Barracks, Western Heights, Dover, in 1911.
Edward was born in 1888 in Wolverhampton, the son of William and Jane Purchase. The family were living at 24 Derry Street, Wolverhampton, in 1901, together with Edward’s siblings Bessie, William, Amy, David, George, Jane and Richard.
Wolverhampton's War 