Name
Willie/William James Reeves
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
01/07/1916
18
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
10507
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
108th Company
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
SERRE ROAD CEMETERY No.2
Plot XIX, Row A, Grave 7.
France
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour,
Christ Church Memorial, Watford,
St Michael and All Angels Church Memorial, Watford,
St Mary's Parish Church Memorial, Watford,
Sun Engraving Company Memorial, Watford
Pre War
Son of William James and Louisa Ann (nee WILSON) REEVES of Watford.
His parents married 17 April 1886 at All Saints, Croxley Green, Herts. Louisa died 1937 in Watford aged 76, and was buried 29 December in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; William died 1945 in Watford aged 87, and was buried 19 December, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
Willie was born 1897 in Watford, and baptised 26 September 1897 at St John the Evangelist, Watford.
On the 1901 Census, aged 3 he lived in Watford, with his parents and three siblings. On the 1911 Census, a school boy aged 13 he still lived in Watford, with his father and two siblings.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Watford, and was formerly Private 18517 Cameron Highlanders. He was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and was killed in action.
Additional Information
Recorded as William REEVES at St Mary's; W REEVE at Christ Church; William J REEVES at St Michael's; W REEVES on Sun Engraving,
Unfortunately, Willie’s Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
There is a Death announcement for Willie in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 12 August 1916, and In Memoriams in the issues dated 7 July 1917, 6 July 1918 and 5 July 1919; plus an article in the St Michael’s Parish Magazine dated August 1916.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
