Willie Wray

Private 203931. 1/4th Battalion. Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.

Born 1885 in Golcar.

Son of Sarah Elizabeth.

Brother of Ann and Evelyn.

Address: 52 High St. Scapegoat Hill.

Killed in action: 16th April 1918. Aged 33.

Buried at Mont Noir Military Cemetery, France. Plot 1. Row D. Grave 2.

Willie's father had died by the time he was six years old.

Willie's will went to probate in Wakefield on 3rd September 1918 and the effects of £116-17-7d were granted to his mother Sarah.

The cemetery is at St. Jans-Cappel in France and contains 149 Commonwealth casualties and 84 French. Willie was killed during the Battle of Lys which took place 9th-29th April 1918. It had numerous titles such as 4th Battle of Ypres, Lys Offensive and 3rd Battle of Flanders. The German objective was to capture Ypres and the high ground surrounding Messines. The attack began on the 9th with a two day bombardment. After initial success, the attack was held by British and French forces after reserves were found and deployed.

Willie's name appears on the Roll of Honour at Scapegoat Hill Baptist Church.