William's Story.
Born in 1893 at Bollington, son of stone quarryman, Arthur and Emma, (nee, Morgan), Leigh, they lived at Mount Pleasant, Bollington, then they moved to Church Street. William was educated at the Church School; he was also a member of the Boy Scouts. His siblings were Amy, Arthur, Mary, Bertha, Emma, Elizabeth, and Annie. Prior to enlisting into the army he was employed at Oak Bank Printing Works.
William attested in November 1914 at Manchester, and after completing his initial basic training he was drafted to France, 11 November 1915. He was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
Researched by H.A.G. Carlisle