W A Harris (1886 – 1918)

William Archibald Harris was baptised at St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth on 25th August, 1886. He was the son of William Harris, messenger at the Savings Bank, and his wife Marion. The family lived in West Castle Street until William senior died in 1897. Marion then worked as housekeeper to a clergyman in Walsall before retiring back to Bridgnorth where she lived with her son in Oldbury.

William Archibald worked as a draper’s assistant. He served with the KSLI and then the 2/4th Battalion, North Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action on 28th September, 1918, the day after his division recaptured Anneux. He is buried in Anneux British Cemetery.

Private Harris, 33155 (formerly KSLI 23886), was awarded the Victory and British Medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 30 November, 1918.

MISSING
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 2nd November, 1918]
Mrs. Harris, Laurel Cottage, Oldbury, Bridgnorth, has received official notice that her son, 33155 Pte. William Harris, 2/4 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, was posted as missing on the 25th [sic] September, 1918.

KILLED IN ACTION
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 30th November, 1918]
Mrs. Harris, of Laurel Cottage, Oldbury, Bridgnorth, has received information from the War Office that her son, 33155, Pte, William Harris, 2/4 Loyal North Lancashires, who was reported missing, was killed in action in France on the 28th Sept. last. Mrs. Harris is a widow and the soldier was her only child.