Acting/Corporal William Aspinall 

9703 20th Royal Fusiliers
Missing in Action 29th July 1916.

In the 1901 census William was at College. His parents Robert and Bridget Aspinall were residing at 108 Todmorden Rd., Burnley. Along with his brother William (1897) and sister Mary (1900), His father was a Master House Painter.

From the Burnley Express dated 12th August 1916:  MAGISTRATE’S SON KILLED.  MR W ASPINALL BEREAVED.

One of Burnley’s new magistrates, Mr R Aspinall, on Thursday morning received by letter the sad news, which is as definite that it is accepted without question, of the death of his elder son, Corpl. W. Aspinall of the Public School Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. Every sympathy will be be extended to him and Mrs Aspinall who reside at 111 Todmorden Road in the heavy blow they have sustained.

He fell in action on August 1st and news of his death was conveyed in a letter of sympathy from the late corporal’s friends in his regiment. The news has greatly shocked many friends as it is only about two months since he was on last leave.

Corpl. W. Aspinall was just nineteen years old, and was educated at St Bede’s College, Manchester, and had just proceeded to Ushaw College, Durham, to continue his studies, when in November last he heard his country’s call and along with several of his companions joined the Public School’s Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. He was trained at Oxford and Edinburgh, and on July 1st was sent with a draft of fifty to France where he was immediately attached to the Gloucester Regiment.

From the Burnley News 12th August 1916: BURNLEY MAGISTRATE’S LOSS.  ELDER SON KILLED IN ACTION  

Corporal W. Aspinall, elder son of Mr. Robert Aspinall, J.P., 116, Todmorden Road, Burnley, fell in action on August 1st. He was educated at St. Bede’s College, Manchester, and had just proceeded to Usher College, Durham, to continue his studies. In November last he heard his country’s call and, along with several of his companions, joined the Public Schools Battalion, royal Fusiliers. He underwent his training at Oxford and Edinburgh, and on July 1st was sent with a draft of 50 to France, where he was immediately attached to the 8th Gloucester Regiment. News of his death reached his parents on Thursday, in a letter conveying the sympathy of his friends in the regiment. Corporal Aspinall was just 19 years old. He was well known to all the parishioners of St. Mary’s, and held in the very highest esteem. Sincere sympathy will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. Aspinall in their sad bereavement.

Lived at 16 Todmorden Road.

William left his effects to his father Robert

William is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Pier & Face 8C 9A & 16A.

Photo courtesy of George Coppock 2024