22454, Private, 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, (2nd Guards Brigade. Guards Division).
Died Of Wounds on the 26th September 1916 aged 30.
William was the son of William & Sarah Ann Eyden of Fishers Green. He was killed at the Battle of Morval during the Somme offensive.
On the 24th September the battalion formed up in the assembly trenches in front of Ginchy. Regimental records show the trenches were so narrow that the men could not sit or lie down in them and had to remain shoulder to shoulder until the following day when, at 12.35, they attacked Ginchy. The assault was held up by uncut wire and four officers went forward to try and cut it by hand. The battalion, led by NCOs, then charged through the gap to take the objective but the cost was high with William being amongst the wounded.
He was severely wounded in his right leg and was not found for some time before being moved to a Casualty Clearing Station, and then on to a hospital in Rouen, where his leg was amputated. Initially, it was believed that he would survive the ordeal but he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
William is buried in the St.Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. (B.23.59.)
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal