William Henry Clay

In April 1917 the battalion was in the village Vlamertinghe, near Ypres, when at about 5.45 in the evening a shell hit a hut in which were several members of the battalion including William. He was one of three men killed and one wounded. He was buried by the battalion with the service read by the colonel of the 1st Battalion, Colonel Stanley. William is buried in Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (grave ref. V.C.18).

CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Though death divides fond memories cling RIP' Entry April 1915, Ollerton National School school log: 'I regret to place on record the sad news that another of our recent scholars, William Clay, has been killed at the Front, he was a corporal in the Life Guards. This with Harry Beaumont and Tpr Wilfred Handley makes the third of our late boys who have given their lives in answer to the 'Call of Derby'.' (Nottinghamshire Archives, ref SL 128, 1/2) Mansfield Reporter, 7 May 1915: ‘Wellow Life Guardsman Killed. The sad news of the death of Lance-Corpl. William Clay, of the 1st Life Guards, son of Mr and Mrs Clay of the Rufford Hunt Kennels, near Welllow, has caused the deepest sorrow, not only in Wellow itself, but in Ollerton and the surrounding district. According to the official notification of his death, he was killed in action on April 27th, and we understand he was struck by shrapnel shell whilst in a hut. As a boy he attended Ollerton National School, and was very popular amongst his schoolmates. It will be remembered he took a prominent part in a cantata given by the scholars some few years ago, After leaving school, and before joining the Life Guards he was employed for a time at Ollerton station. The following are copies of letters received by the bereaved parents from the Colonel and Corporal of the late W Clay’s regiment: ‘From the Colonel, April 29th, 1915. Dear Mrs Clay – I regret that this letter contains very sad news for you or any relation of Corporal Clay. He was killed by a shell on Tuesday April 27th, at a place quite near Ypres. His death must have been instantaneous and painless, as the shell hit the hut full. I know that no words I write can be of any consolation to you, in your great grief and sorrow. I must tell you how great the officers and men of the 1st Life Guards feel his loss, and sympathise with you in the most heartfelt manner. I buried him, and read the service myself, and have placed a cross on his grave. Yours faithfully, A Stanley, Colonel Commanding 1st Life Guards’ ‘From the Corporal B Squad 1st Life Guards Dear Mr and Mrs Clay – It is with the deepest regret that I write to inform you of the death of your son, William, on the 27th April about 5.45 in the evening. We were in a village called Vlamertinghe about three miles from Ypres. His death was instantaneous, and he looked quite peaceful. A shell dropping in our wooden hut, most of us escaping by a miracle, as we were all within a few yards of each other. The shell killed two NCOs and severely wounded a trooper. He was buried the same evening with full military honours, and his loss is deeply regretted by all NCOs in the squadron, he being a good comrade, and was liked by all. No man has done more for his King and country. Capt. Stubbs has a few of his belongings, which he is going to send at the first opportunity. Again expressing our deepest sympathy with you in your great loss, I remain, yours sincerely. Corporal C Utton.’ Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his father, William Clay, was his sole legatee