William Rayson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Born about 1894. The son of the late Christopher William and Louisa Rayson, of The Blue Ball, Peck Lane, Nottingham (CWGC). Siblings Harry, Ida Annie and Christopher Herbert. His father was a licensed victualler and in 1901 the family lived at The Blue Ball, Peck Lane, Nottingham, with Elizabeth Prince (mother in law) and two general servants; William was 7, Harry 6, Ida 3 and Christopher 8m. His mother died in the spring of 1906 and his father on 17 September 1907 in the General Hospital His father's address at the time of his death was the Salutation Inn, Nicholas Street, Nottingham. Probate was granted in October 1907 and administration was given to his widow, Bertha Rayson (effects £1742 11s 3d). In the 1911 Census, Harry (16) and William (17) are living as boarders at 28 Henry Road, West Bridgford, with Mrs Selina Wood (widow). Both were clerks for a lace manufacturer. Their brother, Christopher Herbert (10), and sister, Ida Annie (13), were living with an aunt and uncle at 47 Prince's Street, Mansfield. His brother, 12869 L/Cpl Harry Rayson, 'D' Coy, 8th Bn Leicestershire Regiment, died 3/2/1916 age 21. William's medals were left in trust to an aunt, Lillian M Allcock, who was Christopher's guardian. Christopher, according to a note in William's army record, was also serving in the army. His brother, 12869 L/Cpl Harry Rayson, 'D' Coy, 8th Bn, Leicestershire Regiment, died 3/2/1916, age 21.
Army Service Record Short Service Attestation (3 yrs): Attested 2/9/1914 and served 1 yr 318 days. Age at enlistment 20 yrs 303 days (born about 1894). . Relatives: brother Christopher Herbert Rayson (age 19), 'at present in the Army' and sister Ida Annie Rayson (age 21), both of 29 Rothesay Avenue, Lenton Sands, Nottingham, which was the address of an aunt, Mrs LM Allcock. The declaration on the statement was signed by LM Allcock, an aunt 'by blood', of 29 Rothsay Avenue, Lenton Sands, Nottingham, and the Rector of West Bridgford, Nottingham (St Giles). Private Sept 1914, appointed Acting Lance Corporal 28/5/15 and Acting Corporal 12/10/1915 (in the field). Joined at Leicester 2/9/1914, then to Aldershot 24/9/1915. Embarked Folkestone 28/2/1915 (Perham Down 8/4/1915). Next of kin given as Harry Rayson, 9 Crosby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, who was replaced February [1916] by Mrs Allcock, 29 Rothsay Avenue, Lenton Sands, Nottingham. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, BWM & VM; the medals were sent to Lilian M Allcock, 29 Rothsay Avenue, Lenton Sands, Nottingham, in trust for his brother, Christopher Herbert, to whom she was guardian. The memorial scroll was also sent to 29 Rothsay Avenue Lenton. Possessions comprised a photo and a card which were sent to L Allcock c/o Solicitors, Elden Chambers, Wheeler Gate, Nottingham. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial
Mundella Magazine, Christmas 1918, ROH: 'Rayson, William, Crpl, Leicesters'. In memoriam published 31st July 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “RAYSON. – Killed in action, July 15th, Corporal Will Rayson, Leicestershire Regiment, aged 22 years.” Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
No Photos