William Lake
Known as Billy.
Educated at High Oakham School. He prizes with the school choir, including first place at the Royal Eisteddfod of Wales. He also sang on the BBC as a soloist.
After school he worked at Quortex Mill on Sheepbridge Lane, Mansfield before enlisting aged 16.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Son of Frederick William and Norah Beatrice Lake of 8 Budby Avenue, Mansfield.
Sibling Ivy Dorothy born in 1920.
On CWGC William is shown has being posted to HMS Glenearn but on the Royal Navy records he is shown as dying at Inverness and his unit is recorded as HMS COPRA.
HMS COPRA is Compound Operations Pay, Ratings and Accounts which was at The Moorings, Largs.
Buried at Nottingham Road Cemetery, Mansfield. grave A11908
Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser: 13/1/1944: Killed in Action; Well known Mansfield Soloist.
The tragic news was received on December 28th by his parents Mr & Mrs Wm Lake of "Braeheath, Budby Avenue, mansfield of the death in action at sea of their only son, William (Billy) Lake Signaller, Royal Marines at the age of 18.
He volunteered for service when just 16. Many Mansfield residents will remember him as a young soloist of repute. He was educated at High Oakham School, where he was a popular member of the choir which gained a national reputation and was awarded first prize at the Royal Eisteddfod of Wales. He also sang for the BBC and as a soloist secured honours.
Prior to enlistment he was employed at the Quortex Works.
The funeral took place at Mansfield Cemetery following a service at St peter's. The coffin was draped with Union Jack and summounted by the deceased's marine hat was carried by 8 bearers of the R.A.S.C. Lt James Menzies Reid, his brother in law gave the military salute as the cortege left his home and again when the coffin was lowered into the grave.
The flag at High Oakham School was flown at half-mast.
Billy's sister Ivy had only married James Reid a few weeks before her brother's death
No photos