William James's Story.
Birkenhead News 26 July 1916Shot Through the Head.
Reported Death of a Cheshire Field Co. Man.
Lance-Corpl. W. Rivington, whose home is at 6, Combermere Terrace, Tranmere, and whose photograph appeared in our “Patriot” columns on Saturday last, is now reported as having been killed in action, although the information is not official. His widow, who is regrettable to note, is left with five children, received letters from C.S.M. Quigley, “The Field,” and C.S.M. Wheeler, “X” Co., 4th Royal Fusiliers, B.E.F., and both of them, writing in terms of expressive sympathy, seem quite definite as to their knowledge.
C.S.M. Wheeler states :- “Excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you, but I feel as if I must, as I found your husband after the first attack had started. He belonged to the Cheshire Field Co., and he was sniped through the head by a bullet. I took his pay book off him, as there was nothing else to identify him by. I was in charge of the digging party when I found him and several others, and I have had him buried in a small cemetery.
C.S.M. Quigley writes :- “I feel it is with deep regret I write these few lines in sympathy and condolence over your sad bereavement. I know that no words of mine can compensate you for the loss of your dear husband, but it will be a consolation to you to know that he died a painless death. Though he had only been with us a short period, he had won the esteem of his officers and fellow comrades with his willing and soldier-like manners. It is hard I know, but it is a penalty that some of our dear ones at home must pay, and that is the most HEART-BREAKING PART OF THE WAR. The brave husband and son out here doing their duty feel nothing of the pain and sorrows their dear ones at home are left alone to bear …. Please accept the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of the whole of his officers and fellow comrades.”
Lance-Corpl. Rivington was 35 years of age, and enlisted on the 25th October, 1915, being dispatched to France on the 29th April this year. Prior to enlisting he was a brick-setter at Bird’s Brickworks. Two other of his brothers are now in the Army and a third was killed in action fourteen months ago.