Name
William John Crook
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
13/11/1916
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
25244
Bedfordshire Regiment
4th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Pier and Face 2C
France
UK & Other Memorials
St. Thomas’ Church Memorial, West Hyde
Pre War
William was born on the 4th of August 1896 in West Hyde and baptised there on the 8th of November. His parents were Joseph, a Labourer, and Sarah (nee Miles) Crook.
In 1901 they were living with their six children Troy Mill Cottage, 6 Yes, West Hyde. In 1911 they were at Corner Hall Cottage, West Hyde, and Joseph was now a Carter. William’s mother died later that year.
Wartime Service
4th Battalion landed in France on the 25th of July 1916 becoming part of 190th Brigade 63rd (Royal Naval) Division.
On the 13th of November 1916 the Battalion was operating on the north bank of the river Ancre. At 6.45pm they advanced, along with the rest of the Brigade, sustaining heavy casualties on or near the enemy front line. A strong point was established between the enemy front and second lines which had been passed over by the leading Brigade. The Battalion advanced to the enemy second line and then pushed forward to Station Road and beyond. In the evening all available men were taken down to Hamel, refitted, and moved into position in Station Road close to Beaucourt Road.
Casualties during the day, including William, were 14 officers killed and other ranks 48 killed, 9 died of wounds, 108 wounded, 16 missing.
Acknowledgments
P Szelelwski, Tanya Britton, Mike Collins
