Rifleman William Frederick Rands
| Date of Birth | 12 February 1892 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 23 |
| Date of Death | 3 May 1915 |
| Service Number | 3057 |
| Military Service | Queens Westminster Rifles |
| Merton Address | 108 Florence Road, Wimbledon |
| Local Memorial | Wimbledon Parish Church |
Additional Information
Born in Battersea on 12 February 1892, William was the only child of William and Georgina Rands. His parents moved to Florence Road, Wimbledon during the early 1900s and William jnr was educated at Queen’s Road School.
After finishing his education in 1906, young William joined the shipping firm of Messrs. McEwan and Co. of 97 Cannon Street in the City of London. He remained in their employment until the outbreak of war.
William jnr volunteered for military service on 4 September, 1914. He joined the 1/16th Battalion, Queen’s Westminster Rifles as a Private and was shipped to France with the first draft of troops. He and his comrades were then transferred to the 18th Brigade, 6th Division.
William was wounded in action on 3 May, 1915 during fighting near Armentieres. He died 2 days later on 5 May, 1915 at No. 8 Casualty clearing station. He was just 23 years of age.
He was buried in the Baillieul Annex Cemetery in Northern France. His name also appears on a monumental inscription at Wimbledon Parish Church.