Private William F warrender 19329

[tarantini]

On 26th November 2017, we visited the war grave of our very own hero, our Great Granddad William Warrender. It was very emotional but we were so glad we made the journey all the way to Noeux-Les-Mines (France) on this very important occasion. I must say that the CWGC do an absolutely fabulous job in the upkeep of the graves. 

 

I must say that the visit has now got me asking loads more questions, but do not know where the answers would be found. We found ourselves stood at the grave and wondering how many of his remains lay beneath us. Was he simply shot or worse blown up? A bit morbid, but its thoughts that naturally go through your head. Anyways, I have attached a couple of images for you guys to see :-)

[HolymoleyRE]

"Stand Firm"

I presume you have looked at the War Diary of the 3rd Battalion?

 

Which indicates that they came off the line on the 26th to form what I make out to be the Reserve.  No clear indications of an cause of death, there is a record of one OR killed on the 26th.  They appear to have come under enemy shelling previously and post death, as well as what appears to be raiding parties armed with stick bombs.

Edited 4 December , 2017 by HolymoleyRE

[Mark1959]

It would seem that WFW was also a Boer War veteran. Fragments of docs exist to show a WFW born Chatwell, Newport, Shropshire enlisted on 6/6/1899 in the Worcesters. He was then living in Saltley, Birmigham. Aged 19y9m or so he claimed. This is a Militia attestation.  Now not clear how a Militia man came to serve in S Africa but that was there from 21/12/1901 to 9/10/1902. Medal rolls show a W Warrender 6th Worcs. his number is given as 5813 but the docs seem to show 5413. But seems probable to be the same man. So he was due Queens South Africa Medal with Cape Colony and South Africa 1902 clasps. Needs a bit more research but fits with the above chap killed on 26/11/17 with the same name and born in the same place.

edit - now see a previous thread. Sorry for the waste of time.

Edited 4 December , 2017 by Mark1959

[tarantini]

Thanks Guys. Sorry for the delay in getting back, but I did not get a notification of any replies so i will have to check my settings.

 

It was a humbling experience to make the visit, and we are planning to to go again as soon as we can.