Name
William Thomas Day
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
14/10/1914
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
7489
Bedfordshire Regiment
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star (with Clasp & Roses), British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
LE TOURET MEMORIAL
Panel 10 and 11.
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Harpenden Town Memorial
Pre War
William Thomas was born in 1878 in Harpenden to George Day, Bricklayer's Labourer, and Hannah (nee Munt). The family were living at Lower Cravells Road.
By 1901 the family were living at West Common, Harpenden and William was a Bricklayer's Labourer. William enlisted in 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 7489. His service number indicates enlistment about Jun 1903.
Wartime Service
At the outbreak of war the !st Battalion was serving in Ireland. They were recalled and sent to France on on 15 Aug 1914 as part of the 'Old Contemptibles'. William followed on 21 Aug 1914. The Battalion was engaged in the Retreat from Mons, Le Cateau, and The Battles of the Marne and Aisne before being rushed north to Givenchy-le-Bassee.
The Battalion were heavily shelled in the front line on 13 Oct 1914 suffering over 150 Casualties. William may have been among these casualties as he is recorded variously as killed in action or died of wounds. His remains seem not to have been recovered as he is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £5 and arrears of £15 11s 3d paid to his father.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild, Mary Skinner, Harpenden & District Local History Society (www.harpenden-history.org.uk)
