World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
William Nichol
Forename(s):
William
Surname:
Nichol
Initial(s):
W
Service Number:
1616
Rank:
Lance-Corporal
Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 1/7th Battalion Territorial Force
Died:
17/06/1916
Aged:
26
Buried:
La Laiterie Military Cemetery
Service History:
Enlisted Alwinton, Northumberland.
Went out to France in April 1915.
As befitting a champion shot, became a sniper. Ironically, it was a sniper's bullet that killed him on 17 June 1916, during a short period in the trenches when he & 3 others fell.
(Source: 'The Valley Remembers'; Edited by Sandy Hunter; Upper Coquetdale WW1 Project; 2014; pp. 15-16)
Background:
Born in 1890, at Elsdon, Northumberland, the eldest son of Andrew & Jane Nichol of Grasslees, Elsdon.
Pre-enlistment occupation: Shepherd.
Nichol was an excellent shot, as evidenced by him winning Holystone Rifle Club's 'Short' Challenge Cup in 1909, 1910 & 1913.
(Source: 'The Valley Remembers'; Edited by Sandy Hunter; Upper Coquetdale WW1 Project; 2014; pp. 15-16)
Local Memorial:
Alwinton, St. Michael & All Angels' Church
Elsdon, St. Cuthbert's Church
(Source: newmp.org.uk)
