Driver William Trumble
| Date of Birth | c.1897 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 21 |
| Date of Death | 21 July 1918 |
| Service Number | L/28380 |
| Military Service | 174th Brigade Royal Field arttillery |
| Merton Address | |
| Local Memorial | Morden Cemetery |
Additional Information
William’s parents John and Annie had married in the spring of 1879 and his father worked as a bricklayer. By the time William was born in April 1897 his parents already had five children: John, Thomas, Charles, Ellen and Mabel and were living at 16 Carpenter Street in Battersea sharing the house with one other family. By 1911 the family were still at the same address and William’s Father still employed as a Bricklayer. Elder brothers’ John and Thomas had both married and left home, Charles aged 23 was working as a Bakers Assistant. Ellen 20 worked as an Ironer and Mabel 17 worked as a Dressmaker. William was aged 13 and still at school. His parents had been married for 33 years and of seven children born to them, one had died.
When William left school at 14 , he found employment as a labourer, learning the trade of a bricklayer. William’s father John died 12th January 1915 aged 72.
When war broke out William was aged17. The following year on 31st May 1915 he enlisted at Battersea Town Hall recruiting station and was initially passed as fit for service. At the time of enlisting, he gave his aged as 19. William enlisted with the 174th Brigade Royal Field Artillery Deptford unit as a Driver and was given the service number L/28380. At the time of enlisting his address was given as 16 Weybridge Street, Battersea and his occupation Labourer. He had a chest measurement of 35 ½, height of 5 5 ½ and Weight of 106 lbs.
William’s service record shows he spent 4 months in Deptford before going to Aldershot then Guildford for training. However, on 15th November 1915 William was admitted to hospital complaining of pain in the chest and suffering a cough. He was found to be suffering from Tuberculosis of the lungs. William was discharged from hospital on 15th December 1915 and five days later discharged from the Army. His condition was deemed unlikely to improve under service conditions and he was not likely to become an efficient soldier. He had served for 204 days.
William died on 21st July 1918 aged 21 and was buried in Morden Cemetery – Garth Road.