William Else was killed on this day in 1918
William was educated at Dartford Grammar and Derby Schools, and afterwards worked at Parr's Bank, Matlock. On the declaration of war he was "one of the most enthusiastic in the district in encouraging recruits for the Army" and signed up in September 1914 as a private in the Public Schools battalion but was commissioned to the 10th Sherwood Foresters some four months later.
On December 13th 1916 he married Miss Ada Evelyn Kay but seems to have overlooked informing the army of this fact, which was to result in some confusion a year later.
William came home in December 1917 on 14 days leave; this was to be his last visit home. Returning to France, he seems to have been transferred to the 17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters - quite likely being promoted to Captain as the same time, being Officer Commanding "D" Coy.
The battalion's War Diary described everything as being quiet. It was snowing and the Germans could be heard singing. The 17th were due to be relieved by the 16th Foresters on the 3rd January 1918 but it was on this day that William was shot in the head by a German sniper and died instantly. He was just 24 years old and had only been married a year. His wife Ada was working at the War Pensions Department in Derby.
The War Office telegram was sent to William's parents (rather than Ada, his wife):
"To Else, Park Lodge, Fritchley. Derby.
Deeply regret to inform you Lieut W E Else Sherwood Foresters was killed in action January third The Army Council express their sympathy"
Because William had not notified the War Office of his marriage Ada was not notified of his death and therefore sent the following letter to the War Office:
West Leigh
Ambergate
8 January 1918
Dear Sir
Lieut. W.E. Else 10th Sherwood Foresters (attachd to 17th)
Your telegram of yesterday the 7th announcing the death in action of Lieut. Else was received with great regret. Will you please note that Mrs W.E. Else is now in residence at the above address. "West Leigh", Ambergate, to whom all further communication should be addressed.
Lieut. Else was married on December 11th 1916, and the address of the telegram was to his father at Park Lodge.
Any further particulars having reference to how he met his death will be gratefully received by both his widow, and his father
your obedient servant
Arthur Kay
(Parent of Mrs Else)
The reply from the War Office came back almost immediately:
10th January 1918
The Military Secretary presents his compliments to Mr Kay, and in answer to his letter of 8 January, begs to inform him that no particulars have been received concerning the death of Lieutenant W.E. Else, Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, beyond that he was killed in action on 3 January.
The Military Secretary suggests that further information might be attained by writing to the Officer Commanding, attached 17th Battalion, Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, British Expeditionary Force, who will probably be only too glad to supply any details in his position.
The Military Secretary much regrets that the notification of Lieutenant Else's death was not sent to Mrs Else but the fact that he was married had not been notified to the War Office so the telegram was said to his father who was registered as his next of kin.
The Military Secretary is desired by the Secretary of State for War to express his deepest sympathy with Mrs Else in the loss of her gallant husband.
Parr's bank (where William worked) later became NatWest. A memorial to two members of staff that was previously in the branch is now held by NatWest archives.
Besides the memorial in the bank, he is also commemorated on the Crich (St. Mary) Churchyard War Memorial, Crich; St. Anne’s Church War Memorial Window, Ambergate; and Derby School War Memorial (St. Helen’s House, King’s Street, Derby).
It seems Ada re-married as evidenced on the Pension Card below:
William is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery
