William Arthur Slate

Rifleman William Slate enlisted on 11th September 1914 at Nottingham, giving his age as 19 yrs and 37 days, he was a packer. Posted to the King's Royal Rifles he landed in France on 23rd July 1915. He was wounded in action on 4th September 1916, a gun shot wound to his left shoulder. He was returned to England on on 10th September 1916. Following his recovery he embarked from Southampton on 9th December 1916 landing the following day at Le Harve. He was again wounded in action on on 9th April 1917 a gun shot wound to his leg which was amputated, he died from his wounds on 10th April 1917 at the 19th casualty clearing station. He served on the Western Front in France and took part in and died from wounds sustained at the Battle of Arras. He died only one day into the offensive, which began on April 9, 1917. On that day, the 9th Battalion attacked what was known as the String of the Harp trench system. In the 39 days that the battle lasted the average casualty rate was far higher than at either the Somme or Passchendaele, and it was described as the most savage infantry battle of the war. Casualties were caused by uncut wire and heavy machine gun fire, such a stark contrast to William's early days as a shop boy. Experimental tactics such as the creeping barrage, the graze fuze, and counter-battery fire were used and the Battalion was successful in securing its target. Yet six officers were killed and 204 died from other ranks, including William. He is buried in the Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun

Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 17 May 1917: 'Rifleman W Slate (King's Royal Rifles), Independent Street, Radford, died of wounds, April 10th, age 20.'