William Foster

William was born at Arnold in 1884, the son of Samuel and Mary Foster of 6 James Street, Arnold, though the family had lived in Chapel Lane. Samuel was born in 1858 and was a waterworks engine cleaner,whilst Mary was born in 1865. Both were native to Arnold. William had 7 brothers and sisters, all were born in Arnold. Before his enlistment he worked as a mineral water bottler. In the 1911 census he and his family are shown living at 6 James Street, Arnold, He is 26 years of age, single and a bricklayers labourer

He was employed as a mineral water bottler and also a bricklayers labourer

He enlisted at Nottingham into the 11th battalion Sherwood Foresters and arrived in France on 27th August 1915. During fighting on the Somme William was unfortunately severely wounded but got back to his own trenches where he was given first aid and sent back to a field dressing station. From there he was sent further back to a field hospital near Abbeville where on the 8th July, he died from his wounds.

He is buried at Abbeville Community Cemetery, France