Name
William George Ford
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
12/04/1917
39
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
31567
Bedfordshire Regiment
6th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
DUISANS BRITISH CEMETERY, ETRUN
III. E. 12.
France
Headstone Inscription
JESUS SAID "COME UNTO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST
UK & Other Memorials
Elstree Town Memorial, Church of St Nicholas Memorial, Elstree
Pre War
William George was born in 1877 in Elstree to James Ford, a fly (cab) proprietor and Farmer, and Elizabeth (nee ). On the 1891 Census the family were living at Elstree. On the 1901 Census William was listed as an accountant’s clerk. On 30 Aug 1906 William married Josephine Fanny Cook. On the 1911 Census William and Josephine were living at New Cottage, Aldenham Road, Elstree. He had 2 Brothers and 2 Sisters.
Recorded as born in Watford (believed more accurately to be Elstree) and was living in Elstree when he enlisted in Bedford.
Wartime Service
William was enlisted in the Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 31567 and posted to 6th Battalion.
This Battalion was deployed the Arras Sector and took part in First Battle of the Scarpe (10 Apr 1916) particularly the capture of Monchy-le-Preux. It was probable the William was wounded in this fighting and died of his wounds on 12 Apr 1917.
Additional Information
His widow, Mrs Josephine F. Ford, of Yew Cottage, Aldenham Rd., Elstree, ordered his headstone inscription: "JESUS SAID "COME UNTO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST" Probate of £627 13s 1d was granted to his widow.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild
