William James Healey was born in Oswestry in 1895 and was the eldest child of James and Mary Healey. A younger brother, Robert, was born in 1896, as well as two other siblings, whom would not survive into adulthood. The family lived at 10 Chapel Street and then at 6 and 21 Oswald Row (Place) in Oswestry. William worked as a general labourer – possibly in the building industry given that his father was a bricklayer. Military records list him as a Special Reserve in King’s Shropshire Light Infantry – given his age this would mean he had likely joined just before the war in 1913/14. At mobilisation he would have reported to 3 Bn KSLI. He went over to France in a draft on 12 February 1915 and was posted to 2 Bn KSLI, joining the battalion on either 17 February at Dickebusch or on the 22nd at Westoutre.

William is listed variously as KIA or presumed dead on 29 April 1915 during the Battle of St Julien on 24 April – 4 May 1915, Second Ypres. By the 29^th April the 2 Bn KSLI had been withdrawn to support lines at Bellewaerde Wood. The battalion War Diary records no engagements nor casualties for this period. The battalion was on working party duties and it is possible he was KIA whilst out working in the trenches. It is also possible that he was KIA during the actions of the previous few days at St Julien and Hill 37 (see above) and not ’missed’ until 29 April. His body was lost and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres. He is also commemorated on St Oswald’s Church, and at Our Lady and St Oswald’s RC Church, Oswestry.

Acknowledgements.

References and Sources

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