Name
William Sharp
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
25/11/1917
24
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
5961
15th (The King's) Hussars
"C" Squadron
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL
Panel 1.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Hitchin memorials
Pre War
He was the son of Mr and Mrs Harry Sharp of 3, Davies Alley, Queen Street, Hitchin. He was born in St. Mary's parish, Hitchin and resided there.
Wartime Service
William enlisted in Hitchin and held Regimental Number 5961 in ‘C’ Squadron of the 15th Hussars. He was killed in action.
At the date of his death the Squadron was part of the 9th Cavalry Brigade in the 1st Cavalry Division of the Cavalry Corps in the 3rd Army. The unit was taking part in the Battle of Cambrai and had been sent to the northern and eastern part of Bourlon Wood west of Cambrai. The wood had just been wrenched from German control and counter attacks were expected. The 15th Hussars had been sent in on the 23rd November and gave great service as a mobile foot battalion. On the 24th November a counter-attack was made against fresh German reinforcements and was said to have demoralised the Germans due to the standard of musketry of the 15th Hussars. It was considered very much a soldiers’ battle. They continued fighting throughout the 25th November until relieved that night in front of Bourlon village.
He has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 1 on the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing in Louverval in France.
Acknowledgments
David C Baines, Jonty Wild
