Lives of the First World War

He was on "Home Service" from the 21st September 1914 until 28th August 1915 when he embarked with the Expeditionary Force at Southampton arriving in France the following day. This is somewhat remarkable as there is an entry in his service record where on the 16th August 1915 a Medical Board at Aldershot considered him "fit for light duties at home". Did he wangle his way onto the Expeditionary Force? As an "old soldier" he probably wanted to be where the action was rather than see out the war at home. William was killed by shellfire during the Battle of Loos within a month of arriving in France. A tragic story, here was an old soldier with 21 year's Army service, albeit that some was 'part time', he had served his country in India , had a steady job which would have probably seen him through to retirement who chose (he was not a reservist) to serve his country again! Why? Did he see it as his patriotic duty? Was it the old soldier in him driving him on? We shall probably never know but I have to admire and respect the decision he made. Upon his death his personal effects were returned to Annie, these were:- 1 Rifle periscope, 1 Disc, 1 Whistle, 1 Crucifix, 2 Pioneer Badges, 1 Purse, 1 Pair of Glasses, 1 Watch (damaged), 1 Chain, 1 Pipe, 1 Pouch, 2 Knives, 1 Money Case, 1 Set of Titles, 1 Cap badge and 2 Crowns. His next of kin are given as:- Annie Packer (Wife), Rev Edgar Packer, Ely Cambridgeshire (Brother) and Miss Annie Packer, Worthing Sussex (Sister)

Created by: , Geoff60552