William Ernest Ford (1896 - 1918)

William Ernest Ford was born at Diddlebury, Shropshire in 1896 and was baptised at the Parish Church on 27th December. He was the son of William Richard Ford and Isabella Ann, his wife.

William senior had a varied career. In 1896 he was recorded as a market gardener at Delbury Hall and in 1901 he was living in Acton Scott - working on his own account as a tanner. By 1911 he had moved to The Boar's Head, Tasley as farmer and innkeeper. When the War Graves records were compiled at the war's end, he was living at Thornton Cross Houses, Bridgnorth.

William junior worked for his father on the farm at Tasley. He joined the Shropshire Yeomanry but was transferred to the 7th Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry. William was wounded twice before he was killed in action on the 21st March, 1918 - the first day of the German Spring Offensive - at the Battle of St Quentin. He is commemorated on the Arras memorial.

Private William Ford, 26666, (formerly 2316, Shropshire Yeomanry) was awarded the Victory and British medals.

PRESUMED TO BE DEAD
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 24th August, 1918]
Mr. Wm. F. Ford, of Nordley, near Bridgnorth, has been officially informed that no further news having been received relative to Pte. W. E. Ford, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, his third son, who has been missing since March 21st last., it is now concluded that he is dead and that his death took place on the date above mentioned. Pte. Ford was 21 years of age, and had been twice previously wounded.

CASUALTIES
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 16th November, 1918]
Previously missing, now reported by Germany killed or died of wounds: Pte. W.E. Ford.