William James Woods

A Private with the 1st Bn. William died on 23rd of October 1918 at the age of 19.

William was born at Lowestoft in 1899, a son of Alfred Christopher and Emma Jane Woods. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 3 May 1899, and his family lived at 73 Seago Street, which would be their home for the rest of William's life. 

William enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. Initially he served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 38231. William was transferred to The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and posted to the 10th Battalion in France, before being posted to the 1st Battalion. 

From 22 October 1918 the 1st Battalion were involved in operations north-east of the Selle River, north-east of Le Cateau. The operations began with a heavy barrage laid down at 23.00 hours on 22 October and the Battalion were in action continuously until 26 October. During the operations the Battalion lost 16 men killed, including William.

William, with Lance Corporal Haggerty and Private Francis, were all killed in action on 23 October and they received a battlefield burial at map reference K.16.b.9.5. and all three were reburied at Highland Cemetery in 1920. 

Note: Commonwealth War Graves details state that William served with No 1 Company, however the 1st Battalion did not number their companies, rather they were designated by letters, a, B, C, etc. So it is unclear what is meant by No 1 Company.