William Arthur Beckett
He was a cutter in 1911.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
William Arthur Beckett was born on 22nd August 1888 at Leytonstone, London, he was the son of Edward Goss a foreman cutter and Ellen Alice Emmeline Maud Beckett née Sanders and the brother of Eva, Alfred, Jessie and Doris Beckett.
His father Edward Goss Beckett was born in 1860 in Wing, Buckinghamshire, his mother Ellen Alice Emmeline Sanders was born in 1860 at Lambett, Surrey, they were married on 29th May 1882 at St Peters Church, Hackney they went on to have 6 children, sadly 1 was to die in infancy or early childhood.
In the 1911 census the family lived at 7 Summers Terrace Arkwright Street, Meadows Nottingham, Edward Goss 51 yrs is a foreman cutter in a blouse factory, he is living with his wfie Ellen 51 yrs and their children, Alfred 26 yrs a lace mechanic, William 22 yrs a cutter in a mantle factory, Jessie 18 yrs an assistant cashier in a china shop and Doris 10 yrs a scholar.
William Arthur married Hilda Alice Maud Brownhill (born 7th February 1894) on 19th February 1916 at St Saviours Church, Nottingham, they lived at 19 Queens Grove and later 15 queens Walk, Nottingham.
Commencing 1st April 1918 his widow was awarded a pension of 13 shillings and 9 pence a week.
Private William Arthur Beckett enlisted at Nottingham, he served with the 1/8th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment, he was killed in action, 13th September 1917, by German shellfire, whilst serving in the trenches near Cambrin, France.
Commemorated : Loos Memorial, France. Panel 87 to 89.
Nottingham Evening Post Roll of Honour 19/9/1917:
'In loving memory of Private William Arthur (Billy) Beckett Sherwood Foresters killed while on sentry duty abroad. Younger son of Mr and Mrs E G Beckett of Leicester. He ne'er had thought 'twould be his lot to bear arms 'gainst his fellow man in mortal strife: the call arose he answered did his share and for his country yielded up his life.'
Nottingham Evening Post Roll of Honour 20/9/1917:
'Beckett. William Arthur (Billy) Beckett. Loved by all who knew him. - From his sorrowing sister Eva brother in law Sgt Major Mann (France) nephews Arthur and Walter.'
Research by David Nunn additional research Peter Gillings
Photo of William Arthur Beckett
Loos Memorial, Belgium