William Ernest Clay

Private William Ernest Clay attested at Stanton Nottinghamshire 9/12/1915 under Lord Derby's Scheme. He gave his age as 38 yrs , his address as 27 Middle Orchard Square, Stapleford, he was a labourer, his next of kin was his brother Albert of the same address. He was mobilised 29/9/1916 and served at home until 13/1/1917 when he was posted to France from 5th Battalion Sherwood Forester's Reserves. He survived sixteen days at the front dying of pneumonia in the care of 1st North Midland Field Ambulance. (ASR) He is buried at at Couin New British Cemetery, Pas de Calais.

His personal property - disc, metal cigarette case, musketry score card, note book and three pencils - was returned to his brother Albert and the British and Victory Medals to his brother Thomas of 26 Rawden Street Derby. (ASR) He was registered Ernest Clay and appeared thus on 1881 and 1891 Census returns. He seems to have enlisted as William Ernest. Clay's original service number was 5895. Presumably he was re-numbered when transferred to a front line unit. David Nunn