Name
William Whitfield
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
38
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
6938
Bedfordshire Regiment
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Post Office Memorial
Pre War
William was born in Watford and was an old soldier having served in South Africa between 7 January 1902 and 4 March 1902, India 5 March 1902 and 23 December 1908 and was enlisted into the Army Reserve on 11 March 1913.
In the 1911 census he was living at 2 Alexandra Road, Chipperfield with his wife of one year, Louisa (21) born in Rickmansworth and his daughter Doris May aged 1 who was born in Bushey. William was working as a postman.
Prior to re-enlistment he worked as a postman and was married, 31 and lived at The Pond, Chipperfield. Later amended to 39 Sutton Road, Watford, Herts
His was married and had a daughter Doris May and their place of residence (when discharged in 1915) was 39 Sutton Road, Watford, Herts and was recorded as having an exemplary record and a pension was awarded.
Wartime Service
He was mobilized from the Army Reserve and served at Home 5 August 1914 to 29 August 1914, posted to the 3rd Bedfords 7 August 1914
He served in France with the BEF 30 August 1914 to 19 October 1914 and in October he received a bullet wound to his left thigh which also fractured his femur having served only 51 days.
He was Home for treatment from 20 October 1914 until discharged as no longer physically fit for service 6 August 1915.
Including previous service, he had served for 14 years and 122 days
On discharge he was given a Silver War Badge number 80945.
Additional Information
Although William appears on a Watford memorial and we know that he was wounded and discharged, confirmation that he died has not yet been found. Any information to help us would be gratefully received.
Has a entry in the National Roll of the Great War.
Not listed in the CWGC records
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk), Jonty Wild
