William Lambert Holmes
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William Lambert was born in 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 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. His father William died in 1911 in Nottingham; he was 68 yrs of age. 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
No Photos