William Raven
He was a hosiery errand boy
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
William Raven was born in 1898 at Nottingham, he was the son of Thomas a lace dropper maker and Mery Raven née Bailey of 37 Lewis Street, Alfred Street, Nottingham.
His father: Thomas Raven, born in 1868 in Nottingham, working as a machine fitter. his mother: Mercy Bailey born in 1869 at Nottingham. Brother: Thomas Hiram, born in 1897 at Nottingham, working as hairdresser's assistant. Sisters:Lucy Ann, born 1900 at Nottingham and Annie, born 1904 also in Nottingham.
In the 1911 census the family were living at 24 Lennox Street, Nottingham, Thomas 43 yrs is lace dropper maker, he is living with his wife Mercy 42 yrs and their children, Thomas Hiram 14 yrs an errand boy, William 13 yrs an errand boy, Lucy Ann 11 yrs a scholar and Annie 7 yrs.
William Raven was called up for service and enlisted at Nottingham, he served with the 1/5th battalion Leicestershire Regiment, following training he was drafted to France.
The battalion was in the front line east of Bethune, near La Bassee at the beginning of 1918. It was a quiet sector, though there was occasional artillery and small arms fire.
Raven was killed in action on 6th January 1918 and is buried at Cambrin Military Cemetery.
His Military Medal award was announced in the 'London Gazette' 17th September 1917.
Private William Raven M.M. 1/5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, was killed in action on 6th January 1918. News of a planned memorial service and details of how he earned the Military Medal were published on 17th January 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post,
“PRIVATE W. RAVEN.
“There will be a memorial service in St. Paul's Church, George-street, Nottingham, on Sunday evening, [20th January 1918] for Private W. Raven, who was killed on the 6th inst. by a German shell. The deceased soldier, who lived in Lennox-street, had been associated with St. Paul's Church nearly all his life, having been a member of the Boy Scouts and the choir, and associated with the Sunday School. Before his death he had been awarded the Military Medal, and his commanding officer, writing of him, says: “This man has shown conspicuous bravery and a total disregard of personal safety whilst employed as a runner.... Although once buried by a shell, and at another time wounded, he still continued to carry messages under a heavy shell fire. He set a fine example to the other runners, and to a great extent it was due to this man that communication between his company and the other battalion headquarters was kept open.”
In memoriam published 6th January 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :-
“RAVEN. – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. William Raven, M.M., Leicesters, killed in France, January 6th, 1918. A loving son and brother kind, beautiful memories left behind. – From sorrowful mother and father, sisters, and brother.
“RAVEN. – In loving memory of Pte. William Raven, Leicesters, killed in action January 6th, 1918. – Fondly remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Gunn and family.
“RAVEN. – In memory of our friend, Pte. Wm. Raven, who was killed in action January 6th, 1918. – Gone, but not forgotten by Mrs. Cottey and family.”
Above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
Photo of William Raven
Cambrin Military Cemetery, France
Photo of William Raven
Raven William grave at Cambrin Military Cemetery, France courtesy of 'LEN' and find a grave website