William Henry Husbands was born 29 January 1884 at Myddle, Ellesmere and was baptised in March. His father and mother were Thomas and Mary Husbands; Thomas was an agricultural labourer. Living with them was Frederick, a step brother from his mother’s first marriage, and brother Thomas. William was the youngest. Mary, his mother, died in early 1901. He worked as a labourer employed by London and North Western Railways. He and his widowed father were still living at Myddle. In summer 1911 he married Harriet Pike at Ellesmere. They came to live in Oswestry; by the end of the war Harriet was at 52 Parry Buildings, Castle Street (Cripplegate).

William enlisted at Shrewsbury joining King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, probably in 1915. There are discrepancies over which battalions he served in, as he is registered as alternating between the 6th & 7th battalions. It is most likely that he first served in 7 Bn, was wounded, and was then posted to 6 Bn. It is certain that he spent time in 5 Corps Reinforcement Camp, again, probable after he his return from his wounding. He was KIA on 29 November 1917 near to Marnieres during the Battle of Cambrai; William is buried at Favreuil British Cemetery near to Baupame, he is also commemorated at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry.

Acknowledgements.

References and Sources

END