Private William Armstrong
15095 8th Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment
Missing in Action 18th August 1916, aged 19.
William was born in Burnley about 1897 and in the 1901 census was living at 19 South St, Huncoat with his parents John and Jane, both born in Ireland, together with his 3 brothers Joseph Charles, John Henry and Ernest. Both Charles and Henry served in the war, Charles being wounded by shrapnel (see below). In the 1911 census the family had moved to 2 Parker St, Huncoat and William’s occupation was that of a Warehouse Boy. His parents had been married 19 years having 5 children 1 of whom had previously died.
From the Accrington Observer dated September 1916: " ONE OF THE BRAVEST MEN". OFFICERS TRIBUTE TO HUNCOAT SOLDIER.
"He was one of the bravest men in the Battalion" is the tribute of Captain J Dickinson, of the King's Own, to a Huncoat soldier who was killed in action. The soldier referred to is private W Armstrong, son of Mr and Mrs Armstrong of 15 South Street Huncoat, a young soldier age 19 years, to end of this month worked at Perseverance Mill. His photograph, together with that of his brother Charles, who was in the RWF and who has been wounded, appeared in the "Observer and Times" about a fortnight ago.
Captain Dickinson writing to the parents says: "Dear Mrs Armstrong. You may have heard by now that your son was killed in action in August 18th, but I feel I must pay my personal tribute to his memory. He was one of the bravest men in the Battalion and was always first when there was any dangerous duty to be performed. For a long time I used to have him as my orderly but on account of his good work had a marked him down for promotion. I would have written to you before but I have been away from the Battalion for some weeks and only recently returned and heard that your son had been killed by shell fire. May I express on behalf of the officers and Men, our heartfelt sympathy with you in your great loss."
From the Accrington Observer date Unknown:
Hillock Vale, Huncoat, consisting of a moderately sized block of buildings, has provided a number of soldiers during the present war, many of whom have laid down their lives for their King and Country. Another name is to be added to the list, Private William Armstrong, son of Mr and Mrs Armstrong 15 South Street, having been killed while serving at the front. He was only nineteen years of age and enlisted so long ago as November 1914. He worked at Perseverance Mill, Huncoat, for 6 years previous to joining the army and was connected with St Anne's Roman Catholic Church, Accrington. Mr and Mrs Armstrong have received the following letter from an army chaplain in France:
It is with great sorrow and in deep sympathy that I write to inform you of the blow which has fallen upon. Your son, private W Armstrong, was taking his part in the great advance on the Somme when he was hit by a piece of shell, and I am deeply grieved to say was killed instantly. I know what a heavy blow this will be to you, and I want to offer you the profound and heartfelt sympathy which all ranks feel with you in this great bereavement.
It would be a source of comfort to you, I am sure, if you could learn how highly thought of your son was, and how much he was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a good soldier, full of the qualities which had he lived, would have carried him far,keen fearless and devoted to his Duty. I can assure you that his death is a real loss to the Battalion, but his life is not wasted; he has given it in a just and righteous cause, and he has died that England might live free from foreign lust and pride.
He has made the supreme sacrifice, and now he's gone to take his place among the deathless band of heroes who have not counted their lives dear unto themselves, but have fought the good fight, and have won their crowns of immortality. He has followed the same path of Duty and self-sacrifice that our saviour himself followed. And we may be sure that as he has shared his sufferings, so now he shares his Triumph. Let this cold and Fred of comfort run through the darkness of your sorrow, that your son was countered worthy to help to pay the price of the world salvation. One day you will find him again, when the bitterness of parting will be forgotten, in the joy of a perfect and eternal reunion. Meanwhile may he rest in peace and may God give you the comfort and strength to give your boy up with the same courage as he gave himself.
In true sympathy, in which all ranks wish to join believe me, very sincerely yours
M P G Leonard.
A BROTHER WOUNDED. An Elder brother of Private William Armstrong, Private Charles Armstrong, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, has also been severely wounded in the service of his country and is in hospital at Rochdale. He received three shrapnel wounds in the neck. 23 years of age, he worked at Hillock Vale Mill, before joining the Army in September 1914.
A third brother, Private Henry Armstrong, has been on Active Service with the RAMC for 15 months.
William lived at South St., Huncoat.
William left his effects to his father John.
William is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Pier and Face 5D & 12B
Photo courtesy of George Coppock 2024