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Pte. William Drew
British Army 9th Btn. Devonshire Regiment
from:25 Farley Street, West Bromwich, Staffordshire
(d.24th Apr 1917)
William Drew was born on in 1885 to John and Ann Maria Drew (nee Hayward). He was born and lived in West Bromwich at 25 Farley Street near Great Bridge. He was a Moulder on the 1911 Census.
He was only awarded the British War and Victory Medal, not the Star so he could not have seen active service before 1916. The British War Medal is still held by the family as is his Death Plaque, the Victory Medal is, unfortunately, lost. He possibly saw conflict at Mametz on the Somme as he is buried in Croissilles Railway Cemetry. He was just 32 years old. He is commemorated on the St Peter's Church Memorial along with his brother, James who is commemorated at Thiepval and Gloucester Pier.
His parents had already lost their younger son, James at the battle of the Somme in 1916. Their other son, Joseph (Joe) served in the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) as it was then and survived.
