William Pashley

Wiliam (baptised William Henry) was the second son of John and Lucy Ann Pashley (née Larder). His father John was born in Hardwick near Worksop, in 1865 and his mother Lucy Ann was born in Donington, Lincolnshire, in 1866. They were married at Ordsall All Hallows on 28 May 1891 and had eight children who were all born in Bothamsall; the four eldest were baptised at Bothamsall Our Lady & St Peter. Their children were: George Arthur b. 1893, William (bap. William Henry) b. 27 January 1896, Percy b. 23 November 1897 bap. 13 February 1898, Ellen b. 1899, Joseph b. 1902, Sydney b. 1906, Eveline (Evelyn) b. 1908 and Harold b. 1913. In 1901 John, an estates woodman, and Lucy were living on Cow Pasture Lane, Bothamsall, with their four children George (7), William (5), Percy (3) and Ellen (1). They were still living in the village in 1911 but only six of their seven children were in the home on the night of the census: George, a butcher's apprentice, Percy a farm labourer, Ellen, Joseph (8), Sydney (5) and Evelyn (2). William was a general servant at Wellow, Nottinghamshire, in the household of Samuel Birkhead, a retired butcher and farmer, his wife, daughter and a son who was a horse breaker. The youngest child, Harold, was born two years later. John and Lucy were living on Main Street, Rampton, Nottinghamshire, in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled; John had retired from work. Lucy died the following year and John probably died in 1949. Two of William's brothers, George and Percy, also served in the war. George survived but Percy was killed in action in 1917, a month after William's death. (See 'Extra information'). William was buried in Bothamsall churchyard as was George who died in 1961.

1911 - general servant

1st Bn Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) was formed in 1881 under the Childers Reforms by the amalgamation of the 26 Cameronian Regiment and the 90th Perthshire Light Infantry. It was the only rifle regiment among the Scottish infantry regiments in the British Army. Both 1st and 2nd Battalions were posted to the Western Front in 1914 and remained there throughout the war. William served in France from November 1916. He was wounded in April 1916 which led to his left arm being amputated. He was transferred to England for treatment at Wych Cross Auxiliary Hospital Sussex and following a second operation died there on 17 August 1917. He was buried in Our Lady & St Peter churchyard (additional burial ground), Bothamsall, with full military honours. William qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Two brothers, George Arthur and Percy, also served in the war. George served in the Royal Garrison Artillery (100043 Gunner) and was dischaged on 11 November 1919. Percy served with the 2nd Bn Leicestershire Regiment (241960 Lance Corporal) and was killed in action on 26 September 1917, a month after William's death. CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Greater love hath no man' Retford Times 31 Aug 1917 'Lance Corporal William Pashley 'As recorded in our last issue, Lance Corpl William Pashley, Cameron Highlanders, of Bothamsall, died of wounds in hospital. He was 21 years of age and was buried with military honours at Bothamsall. He went to France in November 1916. He joined the Scottish Rifles and was afterwards transferred to the Cameronians [Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)] in April last year. He was badly wounded in the left arm which had to be amputated. A further operation was necessary and from this he never recovered and passed away on August 17th at Wych Cross Hospital, Sussex. Two other brothers are serving, George Pashley, who has been wounded and Percy Pashley who is in France.' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his father John was his legatee