William Nettleton was killed in action on this day in 1916

William Nettleton was born in Ossett, Yorkshire 15 July 1891, the eight child of Robert (a woollen cloth binder) and Elizabeth 'Betsy' née Roling.

At the 1901 England Census, his parents, their 10 children and a grandchild, lived at 13, Ventor Cottages, Back Lane, Ossett- a three roomed dwelling. All those over the age of 13 worked, with four of children working in a cotton mill, while 19 year old Oliver was a miner (below ground).

Willie, as he was known, was a shop assistant (Boarders) and then a hairdresser before the war.

At the 1911 Census, Willie (age 19) and 4 of his siblings Arthur (26), George (21), Alice (16) and John (13) and his nephew Ernest (11) are living at home with their parents Robert (an out of work millhand) and Betsy at 13 Ventnor Cottage, Back Lane, Ossett - adwelling with two rooms accommodating '8 persons'.

In early 1916 Willie enlisted and joined the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. He left for France in July 1916.

On 11 August 1916 he was part of a draft of 65 men from the base depot in Étaples sent to join the 1st Cameron Highlanders in front line action.

He was killed as a result of German shelling on 17 August 1916. His body was never recovered.

Willie Nettleton is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Of his brothers, Oliver served and was discharged with a disability allowance on 22 April 1919; Arthur served, had a gun shot to the shoulder and was discharged with a disability allowance on 28 February 1918; George served with the KOYLI and was killed on 22 October 1918; John served in the Navy for 6 years and 6 months and was discharged in January 1920 with 'neurasthenia', while nephew Ernest (who was born in 1900 and always lived with the family) served with the DLI and was discharged with 'debility' on 12 March 1919.

5104 Pte William Nettleton, Cameron Highlanders, 4th Bn. attd. 1st Bn. Cameron Highlanders