William Inchley

William was born on 24th November 1883 in Arnold and was the son of William Henry Francis, a Customs and Excise Officer, and Elizabeth Inchley nee Pettifor. His father William Henry Francis Inchley was born in 1855 in Birmingham, his mother Elizabeth Pettifor was born in 1857 in Scalford, Leicestershire. They were married in 1879 in Melton Mowbray and they went on to have 5 children however one sadly died in infancy; their surviving children were:- Henry b1881 Scalford, Leicestershire, William b188- Arnold, Herbert b1887 Salford Lancashire, and Elsie b1892 Nottingham. He married his wife Elizabeth Jane Lowson (born 1883 in the United States of America) in 1907 at Grantham. They went on to have two daughters, Joyce Lilian born 1908 and Mabel Christine born 1910, both born in Nottingham. In the 1911 census the family are living at 34 Burford Road, Nottingham, and are shown as William Inchley 27 yrs a lecturer in engineering at Council of University College, Nottingham, he is living with his wife Elizabeth Jane 28 yrs and their 2 daughters, Joyce Lilian 3 yrs and Mabel Christine 1 year, also at the address is a general domestic servant Alice Keightley. In the 1911 census his parents are living at 106 Noel Street, Nottingham and are shown as William 56 yrs a customs and excise officer, he is living with his wife Elizabeth 56 yrs and their daughter Elsie 19 yrs. On 1st February 1914 his father William Henry died in Nottingham. William (junior) his probate was proven in London on 25th January 1916 and shows him as William Inchley 17 Leonard Ave, Sherwood, Nottingham, Lieutenant West Riding Regiment died on 19th December 1915 at or near Ypres, Belgium, his effects of £484 19 shilling were left to Elizabeth Jane Inchley, widow. Following his death his widow remarried and became Elizabeth Jane Burnell (formerly Inchley) and lived at 81 Seabank Road, Wallasey Cheshire.

He was educated at All Saints' School, Nottingham, and at University College, Nottingham, and was a lecturer in engineering at the University College, Nottingham. He was a member of the University College Nottingham OTC.

He died of the effects of poisonous gas and is buried in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery 1.B.52

Nottingham Post obituary (abridged), 8 June 1915: 'Second Lieutenant W Inchley, 2nd Duke of Wellington's, victim of poisonous gas May 5th, Leonard Avenue, Nottingham.' An article published in the Grantham Journal - 24 December, 1915, "It is with very great regret we record this week the death, in France, of Lieut. W. Inchley, 2nd Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment, the sad news being received at his home, 49, Dudley Road, Grantham, this week. The gallant officer was formerly an engineering pupil at Messrs. R. Hornsby and Sons, Ltd., subsequently taking an important appointment as lecturer of engineering at the University College, Nottingham. He was the author of several technical works on Engineering and Combustion, which are recognised as standard works, and gained for him great prominence in his profession. Whilst at the University he became attached to the O.T.C., and held the rank of Colour-Sergt. In November, 1913, he received a commission in the Reserve of Officers, and on the outbreak of war was posted to the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Last June, Lieut. Inchley was invalided from the front, having been a victim of poisonous gases, from which, however, he had practically recovered. It is about twelve months since the deceased officer proceeded to France, and he had been concerned in much severe fighting, notably around Ypres, and at Hill 60. It was at the latter place that he received his "gassing." Upon his complete recovery from this attack, deceased proceeded north for duties in training recruits, and again went to France a few weeks ago. The news of his death was conveyed in an official notice to his wife. Lieut. Inchley had many friends in Grantham and was extremely popular. He took a keen interest in cricket, and was a prominent member of the Grantham Cricket Club when residing in the town. His wife is a daughter of Mr. Lowson, one of the managers at the Spittlegate Ironworks, and she and her three children have the heartfelt sympathy of a large circle of friends in their great loss."