mrfrank Posted 17 November , 2013 Share Posted 17 November , 2013 I'm currently researching those named on the village war memorial. This is the only officer named thereon and he fell on the opening day of the Passchendaele offensive. I only have the basic information taken from the CWGC. I'd be most grateful if anyone can provide any further details regarding his background and/or service history and in particular anything linking him to the village (Digby, Lincolnshire). Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ss002d6252 Posted 17 November , 2013 Share Posted 17 November , 2013 SDGW doesn't have much Name: William Francis Wells-coleDeath Date: 31 Jul 1917Rank: 2/LieutenantRegiment: Lincolnshire RegimentBattalion: 1st BattalionType of Casualty: Killed in action Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ss002d6252 Posted 17 November , 2013 Share Posted 17 November , 2013 From the 1901 census it would appear be was born in early 1898 in Hampstead but was living in Monk Hopton, Shropshire.In 1911 they were living at 5 High Street, Bridgnorth. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfrank Posted 17 November , 2013 Author Share Posted 17 November , 2013 Thanks for that welcome information Craig. I've found out he was commissioned from RMC Sandhurst in July 1916. However, a link to the village remains elusive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Taylor Posted 18 November , 2013 Share Posted 18 November , 2013 Mr Frank Either he was serving with another battalion or there is an error in commemoration location or CWGC details. 1st Lincolns were on the Arras front (not near Ypres) on 31st July 1917 and mention no officer casualties at this time in their war diary. The Regimental History has him killed with 8th Lincolns though the war diary initially reported him missing. Kind regards Colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGM Posted 18 November , 2013 Share Posted 18 November , 2013 According to the 1901 census his parents were both born in Lincolnshire so the family had roots there. Father: William Francis Wells-Cole was a retired farmer, (age 41) born in Newstead, Lincolnshire Mother: Ellen (age 27) born Kelry, (Kelsey?) Lincolnshire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfrank Posted 3 January , 2021 Author Share Posted 3 January , 2021 Just come back to this and finally found a definite link to the village here: https://skipperswar.com/tag/willie-wells-cole/ Seems he lived in the village Manor House possibly with other family for a short while after the death of his parents. In confirmation of the family link, also found in the Red Cross records one ‘M. Wells-Cole’ who enrolled as a VAD nurse to work in the neighbouring village’s (Scopwick) VAD hospital between Oct 18 and Feb 19. She gave her residence as ‘Digby’ on enrolment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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