William Ernest Neale

A Private with 1/4th Bn., William died on 19th of April 1917 at the age of 26. 

William was born at Stibbard, Norfolk, on 10 June 1891, a son of Henry and Sarah Ann Neale. He was baptised at Stibbard parish church on 12 July 1891, and his family lived at Stibbard. In 1901 his family was still living at Stibbard, but by 1911 they were living at Holkham, near Wells, and William was a farm labourer. 

William was still living at Holkham when he volunteered and enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment, at Norwich, on 15 September 1914. Initially his service number was 2896. 

On 30 October 1915 William married Florence Edith Lawrence, whose mother lived at 18 Nelson Terrace, Pakefield. They were married at Holy Trinity Church, Dalston, London. 

On 16 March 1916 William was posted to the 1/4th Battalion, then serving in Egypt. In 1917 he was renumbered 200539. On 19 April 1917 the 1/4th Battalion were involved in the Battle of Gaza. William was reported missing and later noted as being killed in action on that date. He was buried at Tank Redoubt and later reburied at Gaza War Cemetery. 

Subsequently Florence lived at 38 Marine Parade Lowestoft.