Personal Details

Born: 22 August 1864 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 26 August the same year in Whixall, part of the Prees Chapelry, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of three children born to Richard Watkiss, a coal miner, and his wife Mary. Richard married again to Sarah Ann and together they had one child, a step sister to William. William married Sarah Ann Ridgway on 3 December 1888 in the Parish Church of Wellington, Staffordshire and together they had nine children, of whom five survived – Ethel May, William Henry, Cissie, Millie and Florence Elizabeth.

Residence: In 1871 he lived in Fradley Square, Pall Mall, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire; by 1881 they had moved to 29 Botteslow Street, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1888 at the time of his marriage he was living at 28 Ward Street, Wellington, Staffordshire. In 1891 and now married, he lived in Hill Street, Stoke-on-Trent; by 1901 they had moved to 21 Clyde Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent and in 1911 they were living at 18 Chapel Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. At the time of his discharge in 1914 he was living at 18 Shelton Street, Hanley. The 1939 register shows him, now widowed, living at 16 Boughey Road, Stoke-on-Trent with his daughter, Florence.

Employment: At the age of 17 William was working as a coal mine tunker, the same occupation as his father. When he enlisted he was a coal hewer, a job he undertook until his retirement.

Died: In 1944 in Stoke-on-Trent, aged 79.

Military Details

Regiment: North Staffordshire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 9598

Date of Enlistment: 10 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 24 November 1914

Reason for Discharge: Not likely to become an efficient soldier.

Other Information: William had previously served for 23 years in the North Staffordshire Territorials.