L/Corp W H Wilding (1887 - 1918)

William Henry James Wilding was born in Bridgnorth and baptised at St Mary Magdalene on 15th June, 1887. He was the son of William Henry Wilding, a jeweller’s assistant and Annie his wife. William’s parents moved about quite frequently. In 1901 they lived in Market Square, Wellington. In 1911 they lived at Laurel Cottage, Oldbury but by the time of his death they had moved to Salop Street, Bridgnorth.

The Bridgnorth Journal of 28th December, 1918, reports the death in action of William Henry Wilding, age 31, son of Mr & Mrs Wilding of 19 Salop Street who leaves a widow and one child.

The only W Wilding in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database who died at this time is listed as Private W A Wilding of 1st Garrison Battalion Yorkshire Regiment who died in India on 28th November, 1918. The British India Office Ecclesiastical Returns confirm that this is actually William Henry Wilding, 32, who died of influenza and pneumonia and was buried at Karauli, Punjab, on 28th November, 1918.

L/Corp Wilding, 22365, is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-18 Memorial in India. He was awarded the British War Medal.

DIED IN HOSPITAL
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 28th December, 1918]
Mr. and Mrs. Wilding, of 19 Salop Street, Bridgnorth, have received official information that their only son, 22315 [sic] Lance-corpl. William Henry Wilding, 1st Yorkshire Regiment, has died of influenza in hospital at Kosauli, Punjaub, India, on the 28th ult. Lance-corpl. Wilding was 31 years of age, and enlisted on the 3rd September, 1914, in the West Riding Regt. (Duke of Wellington’s) and after training at Bovington was transferred to the 1st Yorks, and went to India in December 1915. He leaves a widow and one child.