5021 SJT W.G.SAINSBURY WILTS.R.
William George Sainsbury (alias Strugnell)
Born Trowbridge
To France 14/4/15 & served with 1st Wiltshire Regiment
KIA F&F 26/9/15 at Hooge in the Ypres Salient
Buried in Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium
Note: His alias is explained as follows: William Sainsbury was born in Trowbridge in 1880 or 1882, the son of Annie Eliza Sainsbury. In 1884 Annie married William Strugnell, a mattress maker in Melksham but he died in 1902. In 1909 Annie Sainsbury then married Alfred Richardson, a carpenter & they lived at Jubilee Buildings in Easterton.
William Sainsbury used the name Strugnell during his early life & in 1911 he was serving with the 1st Wiltshire Regiment in South Africa. On 26th September 1914 the 1st Wiltshire Regt was entrenched in very wet trenches at Hooge, Belgium when they were relieved by 4th Royal Fusiliers. However, during the handover the trenches became greatly congested & some bombing activity started. Royal Artillery support was called for & the covering battery promptly opened fire on the Hooge front. The enemy replied by shelling the fire trenches & during this action 2 men were killed - one of whom was Sgt Sainsbury - and 22 others were wounded.Click here
With copy of his MIC, 3 pages of Soldiers Papers, 2 Medal Rolls & Silver War Badge Roll plus supporting research documentation
Condition: GVF
