Name
William Joseph Randall
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
11/02/1916
28
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lance Corporal
26628
Royal Engineers
1st Field Sqdn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY
II. A. 1.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield Town Memorial, Hatfield In Memoriam Book, St Luke's Church Memorial, Bishops Hatfield
Pre War
William was the son of Isaac and Fanny Randall, of New Town, Hatfield, Herts. and born around 1888.
In the 1891 Census William was 3, is living with his parents and siblings in Hatfield Park. His father was working as a gatekeeper. In 1901 the address was recorded as the Park Lodge, Hatfield. Isaac still a gatekeeper, but now William was working as a bookstall lad. Then by 1911 William, aged 23, had enlisted and in the Army as a driver with 3rd Field Troop, Royal Engineers, at the Canterbury Barracks.
Officially recorded as born in Hatfield and was there when he enlisted in Aldershot.
When war was declared William was already in the Army.
Wartime Service
When war came William was already L/Corporal 26628, 1st Field Coy. of Royal Engineers, Number:
In the Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of September 1914, first list of men mobilised from Hatfield, recorded: “Randall, William –Newtown – Royal Engineers 1st Field Squadron.” and in March 1916: “The Roll of Honour includes two of our Hatfield men who died doing their duty, and whose names will never be forgotten, for they, like so many others have upheld the honour of their King and Country and have given their brave lives in the cause of justice. Parishioners can earnestly offer their respectful sympathy to a bereaved Mother and sorrowing Father........... Mr Randall has kindly permitted the publication of the following letter.....
Dear Mr Randall,
I very much regret to inform you that today we lost your son, Corporal Randall. He was killed by a shell when out for a walk two miles behind the lines. It was all the more sad because he has been six weeks at work in the front line trenches, and had done excellent work. He was a most excellent N.C.O in every way and a most gallant man, and the whole squadron mourns one of their best comrades. I have arranged for all his personal effects to be sent to you by registered post. He will be buried tomorrow in the British Cemetery, Vermelles, and a cross put up and flowers planted and though my loss is but a trifle compared with yours, yet I mourn sincerely the loss of one o my best N.C.O.s, and that of a gallant man.
Yours Sincerely, G. Ogilvy, Captain, R.E."
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Additional Information
The family memorial in St Luke’s Churchyard reads:
In loving memory
also William J Randall L.Cpl. RE
killed in action February 11th 1916
aged 28
interred at Vermelles
The brother of Harry Randall, D.C.M. who also died
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir Committee Ledger: Mr J Randall (Father) of St Albans Rd. Newtown, Hatfield, received an “In Memoriam and Roll of Honour Album”.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
