Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Private William McQuitty was serving with the 2^nd Battalion Scots Guards when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 21 September 1916.  In the visitors’ book he conveyed his “thanks for the kindness received at the GER Rest Room”.

We have not been able to trace William’s service record, but we think he may be William Alexander McQuitty who was born in 1895 in Ballyclare, Antrim, Ireland to parents Alexander, a master blacksmith and Agnes.  In the 1901 Census, William (5) was living at 85 Le Ballyclare, Ballyclare with his parents and siblings Mary (3) and James (1).  It seems that William’s mother died before the next census took place, because in 1911 he is living at 17 Wilson’s Row, Ballyclare with his father and his wife of one year, Martha and an additional sibling Robert, born in 1903.  William was registered as working in ‘Parcills in Bleachgreen’; Bleachgreen was a former station operated by Northern Ireland Railways, but closed in 1977.  The family were Presbyterian.  The 1901 Census records that Alexander and his wife could both read and write and the 1911 Census records that Martha and the children could read and write.

We have been able to trace William’s medal card which reveals that he was awarded the British War and Allied Victory medals and the 15 Star.  William was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to his right foot and was discharged on 14 December 1918.  He was awarded the Silver War Badge. William served from 22 December 1914 until 14 December 1918.

William married Sarah Laird in 1920 in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about William McQuitty.