William Howlett

A Private with the 1st Battalion, William died on 24th of June 1917 at the age of 28. 

William was born at Lowestoft in 1889, a son of Robert and Mary Ann Howlett. In 1891 his family lived at Laundry Road. William's mother died in 1895 and in 1901 William and his father lodged with Maria Baldry at 92 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft. William's father died around 1908. In 1911 William was till lodging with Maria Baldry at 92 Cambridge Road and he worked as a grocer's assistant.

William had, at least, four half-siblings from his father's first marriage: Mary Swan, Sarah Moore, Robert Howlett, and James Howlett. 

William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and was posted to the 1st Battalion in France.

On 22 June 1917 C and D Companies of the 1st Battalion moved to Mazingarbe. On the night of 24/25 June C and D Companies took part in a trench raid in the Hulluch Sector. The 1st Battalion War Diary has:

This party remained in the enemy trenches for three and a half hours, doing damage to a great extent. 15 prisoners were taken, and two trench mortars. Some trouble was experienced in getting the enemy out of his dug-outs, but this was overcome by gentle persuasion with tear bombs and mobile charges.

The Battalion's casualties were: one officer and three other ranks killed; four officers and 46 other ranks wounded; one officer and 18 other ranks missing.

William was among those who were unaccounted for after the raid and he was later presumed to have been killed in action.