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 Wilson
Forename(s):
William
Surname:
Wilson
Initial(s):
W
Service Number:
129074
Rank:
Pioneer
Regiment:
Royal Engineers, 'A' Special Company
Died:
29/04/1917
Aged:
24
Buried:
London Rifle Brigade Cemetery
Service History:
Enlisted at Alnwick, Northumberland.
Formerly 27362, Northumberland Fusiliers.
There were no 'Special Companies' in 1914, they were formed in 1915 in response to the first use by the Germans of poison gas as a weapon of war. For anyone interested in the subject, a useful starting point might be http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-corps-of-royal-engineers-in-the-first-world-war/the-special-companies-of-the-royal-engineers-poison-gas/.
Background:
Born & resident at Shilbottle, Northumberland, the son of John & Sarah Ann Wilson.
One of two sons lost: see, also, Private Mossman Wilson (Regimental serial #290502; Northumberland Fusiliers, 9th [Service] Battalion; Died 23 April 1917). The brothers (of three then serving in the war) fell only 6 days apart.
Local Memorial:
Shilbottle, St. James' Church
Shilbottle War Memorial