Sapper 432151 William Atherton
Regiment/Unit: Royal Engineers - 20th T.F. Depot
Theatre of War: Home
Theatre of War First Served: France.
Date Entered Therein: 01/08/16
Previous Reg/Num: Spr. 7281 R.E.
Age at death: 32
Date of death: 10th of October 1919
Born: St Helens, Lancs
Resided: St Helens, Lancs
Burial / Memorial: St Helens Cemetery - Sec 32 / Grave 434
BMD details:
Marriage: 20/04/1914 Gulielmum ATHERTON to Martham A LEYLAND at Sacred Heart RC. Buried 15/10/1919
Family details:
Son ot John and Ellen Atherton; husband of Martha Atherton, of 3, King St., St. Helens. Born at St. Helens.
Census details:
The only possible match found for this casualty gives his birthplace as Billinge, Chapel End. 1891 - 3 years old William is living at 7 Gorsey Brow, Billinge Chapel End with parents John (28), Ellen (28) and two siblings: John E (6), Albert (1). Staying with the family is his uncle William Wilson (34). 1901 - 13 years old 'Apprentice Bottle Blower' William is living at 89 Hanover Street, St Helens with parents John (38), Ellen (38) and six siblings: John E (16), Albert (11), Josiah (9), Austin (7), Lawrence (4), Charles (2). 1911 - Sees 23 years old 'Club Collector' William living at 89 Hanover Street, St Helens with widowed mother Ellen (48) and six siblings: John E (26), Albert (21), Josiah (19), Austin (17), Lawrence (14), Percival (7).
Notes:
M.M. and Bar. [note=177]Two Atherton Brothers who died in The Great War[/note]
M.M. and Bar. [note=177]Two Atherton Brothers who died in The Great War[/note]
William Atherton's pension papers have survived on Ancestry.
He was posted to duty at St.Helens on the 13/11/1914.
Home - 14/11/14 - 31/07/16.
France - 01/08/16 - 15/11/18.
Home - 16/11/18 - 09/04/19.
As a 12 year old Boy he suffered from Pneumonia although he did pass a fit when he joined up. From October to November 1916 and during March 1917 "he passed through a great deal of gas" The medical board passed him as "no longer physically fit for war service" (Par 392 section XVi Kings Regulations)and he was discharged on 29/04/1919. Doctors assessed him as being 60% Disabled.
He had served a total of 4 years 167 days.
It was noted that William was suffering from Hemoptysis (Coughing up of blood) at the time of his discharge but it was the great influenza Pendemic that finally killed him a matter of months later. A sad end to a gallant and brave soldier who had twice been awarded the Military Medal.
The Silver War Badge rolls show that William enlisted on 14th November 1914 and was discharged on 29th April 1919 as a result of sickness.
[pic]imgs/S1PWHYAOTV/Atherton_MM_Bar.jpg[/pic]
[caption]The headstone of Sapper William Atherton at St Helens Cemetery
(Photo courtesy of Jeff Keenan)[/caption]
