William Lambert Holmes
in the 1911 census he was a coal miner ganger
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
William Lambert was born on 8th March 1893 in Lenton and was the son of the late William a foundry labourer and Jeanette Florence Amelia Holmes née Gilver of 47 Lower Eldon Street Nottingham.
His father William was born in 1843 in St Werborough, Derby he died in 1911 at Nottingham aged 68 yrs and his mother Jeannette Amelia Florence Gilvear was born in 1865 in Lincoln, they were married in 1888 in Nottingham and went on to have the following children all born in Lenton, Fred b1890, Arthur b1892, William b1893 and Rachel b1897.
In the 1911 census his widowed mother Jeanette Holmes 45 yrs is a housekeeper she is living at 5 Lockerbie Street, Colwick Vale, Notttingham with her children Arthur 19 a coal miner ganger, William 18 yrs a coal miner ganger and Rachel Holmes 14 yrs the family are living with William Southgate 35 yrs a cabinet makers sand paperer.
William was engaged to Annie at the time of his death.
Bombardier William Lambert Holmes, enlisted at Nottingham and served with “D” Battery, 96th Brigade Royal Field Artillery.
He landed in France on 16th August 1914. He was killed in action on 22nd July 1916 and is buried in Norfolk Cemetery, Bercordel-Becourt.
His brother Private Fred Holmes, 1st Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed in action 8th May 1915. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 19 August 1916: ‘Holmes; Killed in action, July 22nd, Bombardier William Holmes aged 23 years; 23 months in France. His welcome smile, his dear sweet face, never on earth can be replaced. Brother Arthur, sister Lilian.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 19 August 1916: ‘Holmes, Killed in action, July 22nd, Bombardier William Holmes, RFA, aged 23 years, of 18, Woodland-street. They miss him most who loved him best. Mother, sister Rachel, aunt Marian, fiancée Annie, and Mrs Dawson.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
In memoriam published 22nd July 1918 Nottingham Evening Post :-
“HOLMES. – In loving memory of our two brothers, Bombr. W. Holmes, killed in action July 22nd, 1916; Pte. F. Holmes, killed in action May 8th, 1915. God grant them eternal rest. Two of the truest, two of the best. – From loving brother and sister, Arthur and Lilian.”
Above in memoriam is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
Additional research and information Peter Gillings
Photo of William Lambert Holmes
Norfolk Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, France courtesy of the cwgc