Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Sergeant W Williams was serving with the 2/1 Battalion West Somerset Yeomanry when he passed through Peterborough East Station and signed the visitors’ book on 10 April 1917.  His entry reveals that he originated from Taunton, Somerset.

Research has identified a William Williams who was born in Taunton, Somerset on 9 February 1880, to parents Thomas and Elizabeth.  In 1881, William was living at Upper High Street, Rices Court, Taunton with father Thomas (30), a mason, mother Elizabeth (30) and siblings Henry (9), Elizabeth (6) and Thomas (3).  By 1891, his mother was a silk weaver and there are two additional children in the family Charles (8) and John (6).

William joined the Somerset Light Infantry in 1900, purchasing his discharge in February 1901.  He attested again on 5 February 1901, joining the Imperial Yeomanry (Service No 26203).  He was 20 years of age and gave his occupation as a bricklayer.  He was of slight build, standing at 5ft 6in, weighed 8st 3lbs, with a 34in chest, sallow complexion, brown eyes and hair.  He was discharged as medically unfit on 2 April 1902.  He served in South Africa from 14 March 1901 to 1 March 1902.  His father, Thomas, was listed as next of kin, living at Union Gate.

William married Jessie Burt, in Taunton in 1905.  In 1911, they were living at Upper High Street, Taunton; William is a bricklayer and Jessie an ironer.  They had one daughter Elsie, born in 1920.

From his Silver War Badge record we know that William attested to join the West Somerset Yeomanry on 7 September 1914 and was discharged on 11 June 1917 as no longer physically fit for war service, aged 35 years.  He did not serve overseas.

In 1939, William and Jessie are living at 24 Moorland Road, Taunton with their daughter Elsie.  William is a bricklayer and Jessie and Elsie are skirt makers.  William died in Taunton in 1945, aged 64.

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