Rifleman 2200 William Pigott

The St Helens Newspaper & Advertiser
Courtesy Ste M

Regiment/Unit: South Lancashire Regiment - 1st/5th Bn.
Theatre of War: France & Flanders
Theatre of War First Served: (1) France
Date Entered Therein: 13/02/1915

Age at death: 26
Date of death: 5th of May 1915 (Wednesday)
Born: St Helens, Lancs
Resided: St Helens, Lancs
Burial / Memorial: Bedford House Cemetery - Enclosure No.6 I. C. 4.

Census details:
1891 - 2 years old William is living at 66 Clyde Street, St Helens with parents Ralph (28), Margaret T (26) and two siblings: Elizabeth A (6), Gertrude (8 mths). Also at the address is Margaret's mother Jane Frodsham (72). 1901 - 12 years old 'Sheet Glass Worker' William is living at 66 Clyde Street, St Helens with parents Ralph (39), Margaret Polly (36) and seven siblings: Elizabeth Ann (16), Gertrude (10), Ralph (8), Samuel (6), Jane Ellen (4), Henry (1), Amber (1 Month). 1911 - Sees 22 years old 'Glass Worker' William living at 16 Harris Street, St Helens with widowed mother Margaret (46) and five siblings: Ralph (18), Jane (14), Harry (11), Amelia (10) and married sister with husband and family: G William Barron (22), Gertrude Barron (20), Gertrude Mamie Barron (1 mnth).

Notes:
Age taken from census.

5th May 1915 3.30 am During the night SHELL TRAP FARM was strengthened by another 1 1/2 platoons. Touch was gained with the 1st Welsh Regt. And one platoon of Cheshire Regt was posted between farm and 1st Welsh. At dawn enemy were observed to have dug a short length of trench 300-400 yards from our front line and to have consolidated their positions 600 yards from us. The day passed quietly until 5:00 pm when a very heavy consolidated fire from one or more battery of 5.9 Howitzers was opened on our front line trench. A considerable amount of the trench was blown away and a number of men were buried, 2 Coys suffering heavily. This fire was maintained until 8:30 pm and intermittent field gun fire was kept up until midnight. 8:00 pm An attack was expected and very valuable artillery support was afforded by the Canadian Artillery. The support Coy ("B") was sent into the front trenches. Reserve Coy ("A") under Capt PILKINGTON arrived and was also sent into the front trenches. About the same time, Lt Col CUTHBERTSON and 2 platoons of 2nd Monmouth Regt came up shortly afterwards followed by 1 1/2 Coys of same regiment. [pic]imgs/S1PWHYAOTV/Pigott_W_2200_SLR.jpg[/pic][caption]The headstone of Rifleman William Pigott at Bedford House Cemetery (Photo courtesy of Ste M.)[/caption]