William's Story.
Birkenhead News 24 November 1917“A GALLANT AND BRAVE COMRADE.”
Intelligence has been received of the death in action at the age of 26 years of Pte. W. H. Dodd, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Dodd, of No.8, Rudd Street, Hoylake. Prior to joining the 15th Cheshires, about 18 months ago, Pte. Dodd was in the employ of the Railway Company on the Docks’ line in Birkenhead. He was a native of Hoylake and leaves a wife and two young children, at present residing in Birkenhead. For about twelve months he had been serving in France, was home on leave for ten days two months ago, and within a month of returning to the fighting line was killed.
Captain C. E. Cunningham, of deceased’s company, writing to Mrs. Dodd, says:- “During the time he served with this company he earned the respect of all ranks by his cheerful disposition and devotion to duty. I can assure you that his death was painless, and fortunately we were able to give him a decent burial, ands a clergyman read the funeral service over his grave. Please accept the assurance of my deepest sympathy in your sad affliction.”
Sergeant Crosby of the deceased’s company has also written Mrs. Dodd that he and his colleagues all regret the loss of so gallant and brave a comrade. He adds that the deceased “was always so bright and cheerful, ever ready to do his duty obediently and cheerfully.”
William Dodd’s photograph and newspaper article by Chris Booth.