William Wainwright
- Family History
- Military History
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Father: William Wainwright, born in Nottingham in 1874 and working as a grocer's traveller. Mother: Sarah Wainwright, born in 1873 at Stonebroom, Derbyshire. Brothers: Clarence Victor, born 1897, Cyril, born 1908 and Horace, born 1909. Sister: Winifred Amy, born in 1899. All the children were born in Nottingham. The family lived at 12 Kemp's Cottages, Nottingham (C. 1901) before moving to 15 Frederick Terrace, Livingstone Street, Nottingham and the 7 Jubilee Street, Nottingham.
Pte. Wainwright was called up for service and trained with the Sherwood Foresters, No. 266665. He was drafted to France and later was posted to 6th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. The battalion took over on the right of the Chemin des Dames Ridge on the night of May 14/15, 1918 north east of the village of Cormicy. On May 27th the Germans launched their Blucher Offensive, opening up with a huge barrage before massed infantry attacked at 3.30 a.m. There were few survivors in the front line and many prisoners were taken. The remaining Leicesters managed to retreat in good order. By May 29th the Germans had pushed on and crossed the Vesle. Again the Leicesters were in danger of being out-flanked and retired. It was on that day that Pte. Wainwright was killed in action. His body was never found but his name was commemorated on the Soissons Memorial.
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