Add Information to Record of a Person who served during the Great War on The Wartime Memories Project Website

Add Information to Record of a Person who served during the Great War on The Wartime Memories Project Website





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226114

Pte. William Ewart Young

British Army 2/5th Btn. London Regiment

from:London

(d.16th Aug 1917)

William Young was the 5th son and 8th child of Charles and Joanna Young of Dalston, London. He was born 18th May 1898. It is unknown when he joined up. He was killed on 16th August 1915 From research carried out at IWM: "Objective for 16 August – 2/5th Rifles were to go to ”The Shelter” at Erman, proceed to Anzac Farm and Iron Cross Redoubt, close to Polygon Wood. There had been a thunderstorm, at 01.30 am the battalion assembled in shell holes at Surbiton Villas. At 0445 Barrage opened with artillery, machine guns were at Inverness Copse. It was a bright and sunny day after the storm. It appears they proceeded to Stirling Copse and Black Watch corner, SW of Polygon Wood. At some point they were surrounded by Germans who infiltrated from behind. A pigeon was released and took back the message “we are surrounded”. They fell back eventually to Glencourse Wood. All fighting was completed that day at 1700hrs. 24 men were killed, 147 missing, and 172 wounded.

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