Remembered
On This Day, 21 October 1916

William Beck was killed in action on this day in 1916

William Beck
William Beck

William Beck was born in Haggerston, East London, on 11 February 1893.

His family moved to Walthamstow where he attended Blackhorse Road Boys’ School from 1902-1907.

At the 1911 Census William, age 18, William was working as a metal polisher. He was the oldest of eight children.

William enlisted as a private at the start of the war in the 8th Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment and during two years of service he achieved promotion to Lance Corporal.

Pack Mules
Pack mules of the 8th (Service) Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment. 1915. Photo - IWM

William enlisted as a private at the start of the war in the 8th Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment and during two years of service he achieved promotion to Lance Corporal.

On 21 October 1916 he was reported missing in action, probably in the region of the Schwaben Redoubt near Thiepval. He was 23.

His younger brother of George had died on 11 November 1914, age 19. Like his brother, William has no grave.

William Beck is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Addenda Panel 5.

Poppy At Thiepval
Remembering William Beck at Thiepval Memorial

His younger brother of George had died on 11 November 1914, age 19. Neither have a known grave.

William Beck Pension Card
The Pension card for William Beck

12565 L/Cpl William Beck 8th Bn, The Norfolk Regiment.

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