William John Belton

Formerly a Deck Hand with the Royal Naval Reserve, William John died on 23rd of November 1919 at the age of 25.

William was born at Lowestoft on 15 November 1894, a son of Joseph and Alice Belton. In 1901 his family lived at 58 Reeve Street and by 1911 they were living at 34 Worthing Road and William was working as a fisherman. 

William joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 10 August 1914. He stated that he was living at High House, Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft. From 10 August 1914 William served with the trawler Retriever; he joined the Anchor Star on 17 January 1917. He joined the Caledonia on 8 May 1917, and the George Hodges (sic) on 1 September 1917. William then joined the Gunner on 2 June 1918 and, from 1 July 1918 served with the Egmont. 

William was demobilized on 16 May 1919. It was apparent that he was unwell and, in fact, had contracted tuberculosis. This was attributable to his was service and he was granted a disablement pension. 

He died at a hospital in the Ipswich area.