Sjt
William Newton

Information about birth

Year of birth:
1890
Place of birth:
York, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

General information

Profession:
Millers Labourer

Army information

Country:
England, United Kingdom
Force:
British Expeditionary Force
Rank:
Serjeant
Service number:
312032
Enlistment place:
York, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom
Units:
 —  Royal Garrison Artillery, 1/1st Warwick Bty.  (Last known unit)

Information about death

Date of death:
04/10/1917
Place of death:
Gunner's Lodge, Belgium
Cause of death:
Died of wounds (D.O.W.)
Age:
27

Cemetery

Menin Road South Military Cemetery
Plot: II
Row: I
Grave: 33

Distinctions and medals 2

Points of interest 2

#1 Place of birth
#2 Enlistment place

My story

Serjeant William Newton served in 1/1st Warwick Heavy Battery, of the Royal Garrison Artillery. In October 1917 the Battery was attached to the 11th Heavy Brigade. This was an Army Brigade which at the time belonged to the Second Army. It was deployed where and when needed.

During the months of September and October 1917 the Second Army took part in the Third Battle of Ypres. The 11th Heavy Brigade was at the time engaged in the Battle of Menin Road (26 September-3 October), the Battle of Broodseinde (4 October) and the Battle of Poelcapelle on the 9th of October.

The 1/1st Warwick Heavy Battery was equipped with 60-pounder guns. It was engaged on harassing fire, shelling German Batteries. And when the infantry attacked they were to shield the troops with a creeping artillery barrage. During this period 1/1st Warwick Battery was positioned along Sandbag Track near Gunner’s Lodge, while it was targeting German positions in the vicinity of Polderhoek and Polderhoek Château.

In September and October 1917 the 1/1st Warwicks suffered twelve casualties, due to German counter-battery fire. Serjeant William Newton was one of these men. He was evacuated in the direction of Ypres, but died of his wounds on the 4th of October 1917. He was buried in Menin Road South Military Cemetery which was used by units and Field Ambulances.

Files 1

Sources 4

Ancestry
http://home.ancestry.co.uk/
Further reference
CWGC
https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/96714/newton,-/
Sources used
The Long, Long Trail
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/
Sources used
War Diary Army Troops 11th Bde. Royal Garrison Artillery
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/ee427b48c37e479ea25991ef5c3a9460
Further reference