WILLIAM RYDER 

EARLY LIFE

William Ryder was baptised on 23 October 1900 at Hurdsfield Holy Trinity Church, Macclesfield, the son of Eliza and Joseph Ryder, a cotton weaver of 53 Fence Street, Hurdsfield, Macclesfield. In 1901, six-month-old William was living at that address with his maternal grandfather, parents, and siblings Alice (5), Elizabeth (4) and Arthur (2). By 1911 the family had moved to 68 Fence St and included two more children: John (6) and Joseph (2).

The family later lived at 10 Green Street, Macclesfield. Prior to joining the army, William was employed as a doubler.

 

WW1 SERVICE

William was called up for service on 22 October 1918, soon after his 18th birthday, and sent to Kinmel Park for training.

Private Ryder was admitted to Kinmel Park Military Hospital on 7 November 1918, suffering from pneumonia. Three days later he had developed broncho-pneumonia, and he died at 2.15am on 12 November 1918. His mother was present when he died. Private Ryder's body was brought back to Macclesfield and he was buried at Hurdsfield Holy Trinity Church.

 

 

COMMEMORATION

Private William Ryder is buried in grave ref. Sp.Mem (881 on cemetery plan) at Hurdsfield Holy Trinity Church, Macclesfield.

In Macclesfield, Private William Ryder is commemorated on the Park Green and Town Hall war memorials.

 

NOTES

Brother of Arthur Ryder, who served as Rifleman 51421 with the 1/6th King's Liverpool Regt, and as Private 681092 with the Labour Corps.

 

SOURCES

GRO (England & Wales) Index: Births

Census (England & Wales): 1901, 1911

WWI Absent Voters Lists (FindMyPast): Macclesfield Parliamentary Division

WWI British Army Service Records 1914-1920 (FindMyPast)

Lives of the First World War website

Commonwealth War Graves Commission website


Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.