William's Story.
Birkenhead News 01 July 1916
Rock Ferry Soldier Killed.
“Passed Peacefully Away.”
Mr. and Mrs. Reece, of 70, Dacre Street, Rock Ferry, have received the sad news of the death in action of their second son, Private William Reece, of the 8th Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Private Reece, a single young man of 20 years, joined the Army at the outbreak of war, in the 3rd Batt. Cheshire Regt., afterwards transferring to the 8th Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He went out with the “glorious 13th Division,” and took part in the landing at Cape Helles. On the evacuation of the Dardanelles he was with the last two regiments to leave, having gone through the campaign without receiving a scratch. After a short spell in Egypt he was drafted into the Indian Expeditionary Force for the relief of General Townsend at Kurt. He was killed on May 12th. The young soldier was educated at Holy Trinity Schools, afterwards being employed by Messrs. Cammell, Laird and Co. Ltd., and later by Messrs. J. Marmion and Co., stevedores.
From Quartermaster-Sergt. C. Warner, her son’s superior officer, Mrs. Reece has received the following letter :- “It is my sorrowful duty to inform you that your son, Private William Reece, of the 8th Royal Welsh Fusiliers was badly wounded at about 9 o’clock last evening” - the letter is dated May 13th – “and he died in my presence a few minutes later. I trust it will comfort you somewhat to know that he did not suffer after being wounded, but passed away peacefully with his hand in mine. I tried to do what little I could for him. Medical attention was immediately forthcoming, but was of no avail. Your son had just time to realise that he had received a mortal wound ere he passed into unconsciousness and death. I would like to say that your son has always done his duty well and faithfully during the whole time I have known him, and he had the respect and good friendship of all his comrades, who wish me to express to you on their behalf their deepest sympathy with you in your great loss, and their own sincere sorrow in the loss of a good and cheerful comrade.”