William Gallard was born April 1986 in Eastbourne
Parents Edward (born Rotherfield, December 1871 - a laundry carman) and Susan Gallard (née West)
At the 1901 Census, Edward, Susan and William (age 4) were living in two rooms at 23 Commercial Road, Eastbourne. In June 1906 Susan died.
At the 1911 Census, father Edward and son William were boarding with the Standings family at 28 Firle Road, Eastbourne. The Standings had had four children 5 years and under as well as three further visitors staying in a small terraced house with only 5 rooms.
Rather than staying at home alone when there were evening meetings of the Eastbourne and East Sussex Trade Protection Association attended by his father, William would go along too. Initially based in the premises of Mr Walter S Gariner, William received 'many kindnesses' from the caretaker there, Mrs Faulkner.
In due course William also worked for the Eastbourne and East Sussex Trade Protection Association. On the outbreak of war, his father, a Scoutmaster and on the National Reserve, was called up.
Eager to enlist from the outbreak of war himself, William was rejected five times on account of his height (5ft). He was finally accepted after the height requirement had been reduced to 5ft 1inch. The President and the Eastbourne and Essex Trade Protection Association subscribed to purchase some of his outfit.
Before his death William wrote at length to his friends and colleagues at the Eastbourne and East Sussex Trade Protection Association.
On hearing of his death an enlarged framed photographed of the William was created and placed in the offices of the Trade Protection Association
William is buried Loos-en-Gohelle, Nord Pas de Calais.
Pte William Gallard. 2nd Bn Royal Sussex Regiment
27 January 1916
Research by Jonathan Vernon
Reference and photograph: The Eastbourne Gazette, p.7 Wednesday 16 February 1916