Private William Bayliss.
8126 8th Seaforth Highlanders.
Died home 21st November 1915, aged 47.
William Edwin Bayliss was baptised 23rd August in Hanborough, Oxfordshire, the son of Emmanuel and Maria Bayliss. He married Ellen O’Brien on the 25th Aug 1894 in St Mary’s Church, Burnley. In the 1901 census he was living at 54 Helena St, Burnley with his wife Ellen and 4 year old daughter Mary. He worked as a Gas Meter Instructor.
By the time of the 1911 census, William and Ellen had moved to 5 Holmesley St., Burnley and their family had grown. In addition to Mary(14) there was Bernard (6), Winifred (4) and Kathleen (2). William at this time was an Insurance Agent for the Blackburn Philanthropic Ass. Soc.
Prior to World War 1, William had seen service with the 2nd Battalion East Lancs. Volunteers and was therefore mobilised soon after the outbreak of the war on the 8th Oct 1914. He only did home service, being an orderly for the Quartermaster. He was discharged on the 10th Feb 1915 as being medically unfit for service. He had been admitted into hospital at Petersfield, Hants suffering from Pneumonia after having had Bronchitis. He was in hospital 3 weeks and then given 7 weeks leave.
He told the medical board that he had got wet whilst on duty, but they weren’t convinced thinking that it had been a previous malady!
From the Burnley News dated 27 November 1915: THANKS FOR SYMPATHY.
Mrs Bayliss and family beg to thank all relatives and friends for kind expressions of sympathy and for Floral Tributes. R I P. 5 Holmsley Street Burnley.
From the Burnley News dated 1st December 1915: DEATHS.
November21. William Bayliss, Holmsley Street. 47.
William lived at 3 Holmesley St., Burnley
William is buried in Burnley Cemetery. Grave Ref: A 16219.