WILLIAM BANKS 

William Banks with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers is named on the Christ Church Memorial, Barnton.

Northwich Guardian 27th November 1917             ROLL OF HONOUR KILLED PRIVATE WILLIAM BANKS.

Then repeated as follows with the photograph image of William;

Northwich Guardian, 30th Nov. 1917.                                           PRIVATE WILLIAM BANKS

Mr. and Mrs Banks, 28 Spencer Street, Barnton, have received an official notification that their son, Private William Banks of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed in action on November the 6th. Private Banks, was 21 years of age, enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment two years ago and was transferred to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. After five months of training he was drafted to the front. He was a chorister at Little Leigh Parish Church and at the time of enlistment he was in the employ of Messrs Brunner Mond and Co., having previously worked for Mr. S. Appleton. A memorial service will be held at Little Leigh Church on Sunday evening.

B. M. & Co., record William Banks Pte., 1/6th R.W.F. K. in A., and with that he is named on the Winnington Memorial and William is also included in the 50 year Anniversary Book. The St. Michael and All Angels Church Memorial at Little Leigh remembers a W. Banks.

Cheshirebmd records the birth of William H. Banks in 1888, W/ham; William Banks in 1889 N/wich and a William Banks in 1896 in W/ham. Based on the recorded age by C.W.G.C. of 21 when William died, it is very likely that the 1896 William Banks is that lad. The 1901 census has a Banks family living at 28 Spencer Street, Barnton, with a Samuel Banks head of the family he was aged 32 and a builders labourer, wife Elsie aged 32; William aged 5 and Samuel aged 2, both born Barnton. The 1911 census has the family still living at 28 Spencer Street, Barnton, with Samuel, his wife Elisa, sons William, a Chemical Labourer, Sam now aged 12 and Joseph aged 7.

C.W.G.C. remember a William Banks, Pte., Service No 267328, with the 1st/6th Bn., Royal Welsh Fusiliers, died 6th November 1917, aged 21, at the Beersheba War Cemetery (F.79.) Israel and Palestine (including Gaza). Son of Mr. and Mrs Samuel Banks, of 28 Spencer Street, Barnton, Northwich. Personal Inscription: In ever loving memory from father, mother, Sam and Joseph, peace perfect peace.

N.A.M.C. have a medal card for a William Banks with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Regiment No 5195, Private also with the Service No 267328. Awarded the British and Victory medals, T.o.W. and D.o.E. not addressed.

Some service documents are available for William, postings 15/7/16 Embarked H.T. Huntsgreen Davenport; 24/7/16 Disembarked Alexandria; Joined for duty 5/8/16 Romani. William’s mother, Eliza Banks received his personal property 18th March 1918.

Northwich Guardian 7th Dec. 1917,                                    LITTLE LEIGH MEMORIAL SERVICE:

A large congregation assembled at the Parish Church on Sunday evening and an impressive service was conducted by the Vicar in memory of the late Private William Banks, of Spencer Street Barnton, whose death in action was reported in last Friday’s Guardian. Prior to enlisting he had been a chorister at the church.

Northwich Guardian 8th November 1918                                               IN MEMORIAM.

Banks in loving memory of our dear son, Private William Banks of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who fell in Palestine, November 7th 1917, aged 21 years. “Far and aft our thoughts do wander to the grave so far away. Where they laid our dear son just one year ago to day. We have lost you, we who loved you, but like others must be brave: For we know that you are lying in a British soldiers grave.” From his dear Father and Mother, Spencer Street Barnton. There was a second memorial article, this was from his loving brothers Sam and Joseph.

Researcher Bob H.