224564 Sgt. William Nixon Yeowart British Army 5th Btn. Border Regiment (Cumberland) from:Whitehaven According to British Army WWI Pension Records 1914-1920, William Nixon Yeowart (born 28 May 1893) was an 'Apprentice Fitter' from Whitehaven, he joined 5th Battalion Cumberland Border Regiment in 1910 and was at Barrow Camp in the summers of 1910 and 1913 and at Dolphinhome Camp in the summer of 1911. He was appointed Lance Corporal in July 1912, promoted to Corporal in January 1913 and then to Machine Gun Sergeant in August 1914.
He served at home between 5 August and 24th of October 1914 before embarking from Southampton to France (Havre) on 25th of October 1914. In June 1915 he was hospitalised before returning home on 3rd of August 1915. He was discharged in consequence of the expiration of the terms of engagement (six years), in Barrow-in-Furness on 19th of April 1916.
His military character was described as 'exemplary' and the following was said about him: 'Honest, sober, entirely trustworthy, industrious, clear and intelligent. Was machine gun sergeant whilst serving with BEF France and did excellent work. He has tact, discretion and an excellent follower of command'.
William was my second cousin twice removed. He died in Canada in 1990.
|