Name
William George Sharp
1893
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
25/11/1917
24
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
5961
15th (The King's) Hussars
"C" Squadron
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL
Panel 1.
France
Headstone Inscription
NA
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Hitchin memorials
Pre War
William was born in 1893 in Hitchin and christened on 30 April 1893 in Hitchin and his parents were Harry and Jane Shap.
In 1901 the family were living at 3 Davies Alley, Queen Street, Hitchin. Present were both parents: Harry (38) and Jane (30), with Harry and working as a hay binder and Jane as a charwoman. Their children were: Clara (9), William (8), Mary (6), Annie (4), James (2) and Luther (11 months).
By 1911 the family were still living at the same address. Present were both parents, with Harry's work now called a hay trusser. The children present were now: Annie, Daughter Naomi (13), Thomas (12), Arthur (10), Ethel (9), Elsie (6), Mabel (4) and Albert (10 months) – it is thought that some of these were mis-written in one or the other census. However, William was absent, presumably working elsewhere, but has yet to be found in the census. The census recorded that his parents had been married for 20 years with 14 children, of whom 2 had died.
Officially recorded as born, living and enlisting in Hitchin.
Wartime Service
William enlisted in Hitchin and held Regimental Number 5961 in ‘C’ Squadron of the 15th Hussars. He was killed in action.
At the date of his death the Squadron was part of the 9th Cavalry Brigade in the 1st Cavalry Division of the Cavalry Corps in the 3rd Army. The unit was taking part in the Battle of Cambrai and had been sent to the northern and eastern part of Bourlon Wood west of Cambrai. The wood had just been wrenched from German control and counter attacks were expected. The 15th Hussars had been sent in on the 23rd November and gave great service as a mobile foot battalion. On the 24th November a counter-attack was made against fresh German reinforcements and was said to have demoralised the Germans due to the standard of musketry of the 15th Hussars. It was considered very much a soldiers’ battle. They continued fighting throughout the 25th November until relieved that night in front of Bourlon village.
He has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 1 on the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing in Louverval in France.
Additional Information
After his death £13 2s 7d pay owing was authorised to go to his father on 17 April 1918. Later, a war gratuity of £19 was authorised to be paid to him on 19 February 1919.
Acknowledgments
David C Baines, Jonty Wild
