Strawson Lievsley Wilson

'D' Coy 15th Bn Sherwood ForestersStrawson Lievesley Wilson was reported to have died on 21 July 1916 of wounds received in action the previous day. He is buried in La Neuville British Cemetery (grave ref. I.D.12).

Four of Strawson's brothers also served, Harold, Frank, Stanley and John, second lieutenant 7th Bn Sherwood Foresters, who was killed on 21 March 1918. (See record on this Roll of Honour)Strawson married Edith Annie Richardson in 1915 and his brother Harold married Edith's sister, Alice Louisa Richardson, at St Mary's church, Old Leake, Boston, on 15 October 1917; John was Harold's best man. Edith and Alice were teachers at Mansfield schools in 1911.His wife, Edith, had four brothers, two of whom died in the war. Frederick James attested in 1916 and was posted to the 1st Provisional Coy. Royal Engineers (108889 Sapper) at its Chatham Depot on 22 March 1916. He died in Fort Pitt Military Hospital of meningitis on 20 April 1916. Percy Edward Richardson served in the 1/8th Bn Sherwood Foresters (2429 Private) and was killed on 11 April 1915. Before enlisting he had worked as a booking clerk for the Great Northern Railway at Sutton-in-Ashfield and is commemorated on the Sutton-in-Ashfield memorials. (See record on this Roll of Honour)Following article is from 'Ibid' and is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 “LIEUT. STRAWSON L. WILSON KILLED.“News was received on Tuesday [25th July 1916] of the death from wounds, in France, of Lieut. Strawson L. Wilson, 15th Sherwood Foresters, second son of Ald. and Mrs. Wilson, Westhill-drive, Mansfield. The deceased was well-known and highly respected, and his parents have received many messages of sympathy from residents of the borough who knew him. His early school days were spent at Brunts, but later he went to the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School and made quite a name locally for his prowess in the field of sport. He was captain of both cricket and football teams. From there he passed to Sheffield University to take an education course, having resolved to enter the teaching profession. After war broke out he joined the Nottingham O.T.C., and on getting his commission went to Camberley College, Sandhurst, and Aldershot, where he took first-class honours in musketry and Swedish drill, in which he was instructing the Anzacs in France up to a few weeks ago, when he rejoined his regiment with which he was very popular. At the time of writing particulars of his death, beyond a War Office telegram announcing the fact, had not come to hand, but it is surmised that he was badly wounded on the 19th or 20th, and died in one of the field hospitals not far from the trenches, on the 21st. Some six months ago he married Miss Richardson, who was engaged by the Mansfield Education Committee as a teacher, and much sympathy is extended to her on the loss of her husband. She also mourns the death of two brothers killed in the war. Lieut. Wilson was a fine footballer. At school he was an outstanding player. With the Mansfield Mechanics, which side he captained for a time, he was one of the most consistent and hard working players the club ever possessed, and, what is more, he was very popular with players and executive alike. He played in several international games for the Amateur Association: England v. Wales, at Tufnell Park; England v. France, at Paris, and in the international tournament at Roubaix. He also turned out once or twice for Sheffield Wednesday. Lieut. Wilson was a man of unassuming manner, but ever ready to take his “corner,” and we doubt not that he fought bravely and died like a gallant Englishman. At the time he was wounded he was acting captain.” Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser, 04/04/1918: '2nd Lieu J W Wilson, the eldest son of Alderman & Mrs J L Wilson has been reported missing since 21/03/1918: 02/05/1918: Recently received his commission and now reported missing. Brother, Harold is a prisoner of war: 26/09/1918: All 5 sons of Mayor & Mayoress J L Wilson are serving. Lieu S L Wilson, killed, Lieu J W Wilson, missing, Harold a POW, Frank in France and Stanley in training: 19/12/1918: 2nd Lieu John William Wilson missing since 21/03/1918 has now been confirmed killed on that date: 26/12/1918: Lieu Wilson's batman has returned home and had given details of Lieu Wilson's death; "he carried on with the machine-gun after all the other officers had been killed and held off the Germans for 20 mins with only 2 men. The batman was sent back to take a message to the rear. When he returned Lieu Wilson was dead next to the gun and he was taken prisoner."