William Beardsall
William Beardsall was an English soldier and winner of the Military Medal during the First World War.
Early life[edit]
William Beardsall (1886-1918) was born in Retford, Nottinghamshire the son of John & Clara Beardsall.
The 1901 Census shows William (aged 15) living with his mother Clara (aged 33) and father John (aged 39) at 3 Wellington Street, Retford. William and his father were described as general labourers, whilst Clara was employed as a laundress. By 1911, William (now aged 25) is boarding with the Walker family at 53 Taylor Street, Gorton, Manchester where he is employed as a railway engine stoker.
William married Annie Pagley (of Albert Road) in 1911 at Retford, and she was living at 49 West Street, Retford at the time of his death. Prior to joining the army he was working at Manton Colliery.
Military service[edit]
William initially joined the Notts and Debys Regt, but according to a report (dated 8th February 1918) he had been wounded and gassed in France, and hospitalised in Ripon. When he was due to return to France he was transferred to 6th Leicesters.
The announcement in the London Gazette of 29th January 1918 states that Pte Beardsall received the Military Medal for his actions during the attack on St Julien in September 1917. The citation reads: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, during the attack at St Julien between 26th and 28th September 1917. When all the Officers and NCO’s of the platoon had become casualties Private Beardsall with splendid initiative took command of his platoon and led them forward to their objective.”
He was presented with his medal by the Mayor of Retford (Coun. T Wheeldon, J P) at a public meeting in the council chamber.
He returned to France at Easter and died on 3rd May 1918. According to a report in The Retford Times 7th June 1918, he died in France from shell wounds to the head which he sustained on May 1st as he was coming out of the trenches.
He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, and is remembered on the Memorial in Retford Market Square [1] and on the Memorial at Grove Street Methodist Church, which commemorates the 29 fallen of the Parish.[2]
References[edit]
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