William Simpson

Pte William Simpson Worksop Guardian 4 May 1917 The sympathy of our readers will be extended to Mr Mary Simpson, 149 Eastgate, Worksop, widow of the late Mr Alfred Simpson, upon who a heavy blow has fallen in the death of their son, Pte William Simpson, Sherwood Foresters, killed in action. The deceased soldier was well known in Worksop and district. At one time he was employed at Worksop Manor gardens and prior to enlisting on January 8th last year, he was in the gardens of Welbeck Abbey, a situation he had held for two years. His career as a soldier was short and adventurous and throughout, Simpson behaved with great gallantry. The Company to which he belonged was drafted into Ireland about Easter last year and, though but a recruit, he took part in the fighting in Dublin. Men close by him were hit but he himself escaped without a scratch. Two months ago he was drafted out to France where he was killed on April 7th in an engagement in which his Coy., bore a conspicuous part. He had the happiness of spending his Christmas at home and his mother again saw him just before he left this country for France. He was 23 years of age – a fine well conducted young man and a fine son. The news of his death was conveyed in the following letters addressed to Mrs Simpson:- “In the Field, 16-14-17, Dear Mrs Simpson – It is my painful duty to inform you that your son was killed in action Good Friday night. You have the deepest sympathy of his one surviving Company officer and the remaining men from his Coy – Yours very sincerely L Lucas Warry, Second Lieut, OC C Coy.” “16-14-17, Dear Mrs Simpson, I am very sorry to tell you, your son Pte W Simpson was killed in action in the early hours of Saturday, April 7th. I would like to express my deep sympathy with you in your loss; at the same time I know you will be very proud that he has met with his death in so finer way. I buried him where he fell with some of his comrades on Tuesday last; a cross is being erected over his grave. He is very highly spoken of by both officers and men and is greatly missed. May God bless you and comfort you and grant him rest – Yours very truly, Stanley Hide, Chaplain C of E.” This is a fine testimony to a fine Worksop lad. That the fighting was very severe is indicated by the fact that Lieut. Warry is the only surviving officer of the Coy. Worksop has indeed been well represented by her brave sons and in lamenting their deaths, the public offer their sympathy to those who mourn. Mrs Simpson has another son, Pte John Simpson, in the Army. He is 25 years of age and is in another battalion of the Sherwood Foresters. He has been in hospital in France ill, but is now recovering.

CWGC - Son of Mrs. Mary Simpson, of 149, Eastgate, Worksop, Notts. He is buried In Vadencourt British Cemetery, Maissemy. Research by Colin Dannatt