Name
William Thomas Graves
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
124625
Royal Air Force
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Biography
William Graves was born in 1881 at Abbots Langley. He was one of six children (three sons and three daughters) born to George and Ellen Graves. His brother Arthur also served in the Great War. George Graves was a former Cavalry soldier and in 1881 was employed at the Leavesden Asylum as an Attendant. From 1881 the family lived at Breakspear Road, Abbots Langley
In the 1901 Census Ellen was listed as a Widow and was the Head of Household. The family continued to live at Breakspeare Road. Ellen worked as a Dressmaker, and William worked as a Gardener.
In 1908 William married Gertrude Castle, and by the 1911 Census the couple had two daughters, and lived at the Model Cottages, Tibbs Hill, Trowley Bottom, Abbots Langley. In March 1917 the Abbots Langley Parish Magazine noted that a son had been born to William and Gertrude.
William was not listed in the Abbots Langley Parish Magazine Roll of Honour until March 1918, when he was recorded serving with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). He was then recorded each month through to the end of the War, serving with the newly formed Royal Air Force (RAF).
He was recorded in the Autumn 1918 and Spring 1919 Absent Voter Records serving as a Private Air Mechanic with the RAF, and still living at Troley Bottom.
William Graves survived the War, as did his brother Arthur.
Additional Information
Formerly Royal Flying Corps
Acknowledgments
Roger Yapp - www.backtothefront.org
