Lance Corporal William George Wyatt

William George Wyatt was the eldest son of George and Maria Wyatt. He was born in Somerton, 0xford in the last quarter of 1885. The 1891 Census reveals that his father 30 year old George who born in Woodchurch was employed as a furniture dealer, his wife Maria was also 30 years old. By 1891, the couple had 3 children, Edith, the eldest daughter was 7 years old, William George was 6 years old and his younger brother William was a year old.

The 1901 Census reveals that William George’s father had died by then and that his widow 41 year old Maria was head of the household and was receiving an allowance from her father in law to bring up 5 children who were still living with her. William George was just 15 years old by then.

The 1911 Census reveals that 50 year old Maria, who was born in Ichford Bucks, had been widowed after 28 years of marriage. She had given birth to a total of 9 children, three of whom had died in infancy and 6 children were still alive. At the time of the 1911 Census, William was revealed to be still single at the age of 25 years and was employed as a domestic gardener.

He enlisted in 0xford into the 8th battalion of the Devonshire Regiment and was killed in action on 2nd April 1917. He is buried at the HAC Cemetery Ecoust-St-Mein.

Historical Information

The enemy positions from Doignies to Henin-sur-Cojeul, including the village of Ecoust, were captured on 2 April 1917, by the 4th Australian and 7th Divisions. This cemetery was begun by the 7th Division after the battle, when 27 of the 2nd H.A.C., who fell (with one exception) on the 31st March or the 1st April, were buried in what is now Plot I, Row A. After the German counter-attack near Lagnicourt on the 15th April, twelve Australian gunners were buried in the same row. Rows B, C and part of D were made in August and September 1918, when the ground had been recaptured by the 3rd Division after five months enemy occupation.