Name
William Anstee
15 Apr 1881
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
18/09/1918
37
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Serjeant
57336
Welsh Regiment
13th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL
Panel 7.
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Potters Bar memorials
Pre War
William Anstee was born on 15 Apr 1881 (baptised 5 Jun 1881) in Arthingworth, Market Harborough, to James Anstee, a blacksmith, and Mary Ann (nee Allen).
On the 1881 Census the family of parents, Arthur (born 1859), Sarah (born 1870), George (born 1871), James (born 1872), Tom (born 1874),Elizabeth (born 1875), Margaret (born )1878 and Francis (born 1880) were living in Arthingworth.
On the 1891 Census the family consisting of parents, Tom, Margaret, Francis, and William were living at Arthingworth, Market Harborough. James, William’s father died in 1899.
On the 1901 Census William was working as a Groom at Gore Lodge Stables with a coachman and 3 other grooms. William’s mother died in 1906.
On the 1911 Census William was working as a barman for Frank Freter, Susan Freter (nee Anstee, William’s sister0, their son Charles Freter (born 1896) and Louise Pfitzner (niece of Frank and 3 ermployees at 123 Rodney Road, Walworth, S E London.
Wartime Service
On 21 Mar 1917 William posted to 13 (Service) Battalion (2nd Rhondda), Welsh Regiment as Acting Sergeant 57336, and went France to join them in the field.
The 13 Battalion were a part of 114 Brigade 38(Welsh) Division. In 1917 the Battalion were a part of 3rd Ypres (Paschendael) at Pilkem and Langemarck. In 1918 the Battalion were involved in the Battles of Havrincourt (12 Sep 1918) and Epehy (18 Sep 1918). During the latter William (now a Master Cook and acting Company Quarter Master Sergeant) had come up to the Front line joining a Lewis Gun Section. As the advance had proceeded about 200 yards a shell came over killing William and two others and injuring two more of the section. His remains were not recovered and he is remembered on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £16 10s and arrears of £27 13s 3d was paid to his executor. Brother Francis serves in Army Service Corps as driver M/281632 from Jan 1917 to Jul 1919.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
