Lives of the First World War

William enlisted in Stokesley on 26th November 1914. He was 29 years 11 months old, 5’ 5½” tall and weighed 147 pounds. He had a 37½” chest when fully expanded with 2¼” range of expansion and his physical development was good. On 29th November William joined his unit – the Army Service Corps - in Bradford, becoming driver, number T3/026629. A long period of training followed until September 1915 when he embarked for France arriving in Le Havre on 23rd of that month. During his training on 30th January 1915 he was admitted to hospital for 13 days suffering from influenza and, later, he also suffered from slight bronchial catarrh. William arrived in France on 23rd September 1915 and his active service lasted until 18th February 1919. At first he was posted to the 25th Reserve Park, 211 Company for which no war diary has been found. In May 1916 he was posted to the 19th Reserve Park, 166 Company. This unit was based at Frévent, north of Doullens. William received his first Good Conduct Badge on 27th November 1916. In April of 1917 William Tasker was transferred temporarily to the 311 Road Construction Company – part of the Royal Engineers returning by July. During that month he had the first of two periods of leave (from 12th to 22nd July 1917 and later from 13th to 27th August 1918) In March 1918, following the German Spring Offensive, the unit had to move quickly away from danger and in the end travelled over 150 kilometres by the end of April, ending up south of St Omer. In May 1918, the unit was re-designated the 19th Army Auxiliary Horse Coy, 166 Company ASC and work continued as previously. Just before the Armistice, the unit moved to Tourcoing north east of Lille and later to Bavinchove north of St Omer. During late 1918 and early 1919 the main difficulties for the unit were outbreaks of influenza and a growing shortage of men due to the start of demobilisation. On 19th February 1919 William Tasker returned home following his demobilisation. He went to his sister’s home in Easingwold but soon afterwards became ill. He died on 24th February from influenza and pneumonia. He is buried at St John the Baptist and All Saints Church, Easingwold and is commemorated on the war memorial in that town, as well as in Bilsdale.

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