207048 Sjt. William John Toyer British Army 23rd Btn. Middlesex Regiment from:Long Yard, Islip, Northants Bill Toyer was born in Radlett, Herts on 19th Dec 1890.
He worked as a Railway Platelaying Gangmaster and was a pre war member of
the Hertfordshire Territorial Force. His date of attestation was 5th Sept 1914,
when he joined "B" Company 15th (2nd Reserve Battalion) Middlesex Regt, as an Acting Corporal
He was Promoted Sergeant on 22nd Aug 1916, according to his Active Service Pay Book,
and his Will was signed as 'Serg, 23rd Middlesex Reg, 13th Sept 1916.
The last pay entry states 'In The Field' 31st May 1917 and he was
believed wounded in the Messines campaign, with shell fragments
in left arm. He was evacuated to Dublin Hospital Ireland, and
believed released from hospital 'not fit for active service'
but not discharged until the wars end.
He told me He was present when the mines were detonated, (Hill 60)
they were all told to lay face down, he said the ground tremor moved
him 15 feet backwards!
I retain his medals,(Pip Sqeak and Wilfred) and the battered remains
of his Active Service Pay Book, my cousin has his 'Certification Of
Serving His Country'Plaque, presumably intended for display by his
family whilst away? After the war Bill returned to the Railway,
as before living In various tied company properties until finally
moving to Irchester Northants In the early 1930's. He died in 1978.
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