WILLIAM ALBERT CALEY
Born: 23rd September 1898, Ipswich.
Died: 13th June 1918; age 19; Died – Pneumonia whilst a Prisoner of War. Served 1 year & 56 days.
Residence: 2, Pauline Street, Ipswich.
Occupation: a Hairdresser.
Enlistment Details: Location: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk; Date: 20th September 1916; Age: 17 years & 11 months.
Embarked Folkestone – Disembarked Boulogne – 4th January 1918. Joined 20th Middlesex – in the field – 8th January 1918.
13th January 1918 – Wounded – Self Inflicted Wilfully – Gun Shot Wound to the foot.
12th January 1918 – In arrest awaiting trail.
Tried by F.G.C.M. on the 21st February 1918 – found guilty & sentenced to 28 days F.P. No 1. For W.O.A.S neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, negligently discharging a rifle – wounding himself after the order was given at 11.30am in a dugout in support lines, to unlead & clean rifles by the platoon commander.
William’s statement reads that he had rested the muzzle on his left foot to keep it out of the mud, as he was pushing the safety catch forward the cocking flew forward and the rifle fired.
Rejoined in field 13th March 1918.
Missing – 22nd/26th March 1918.
Prisoner of War 23rd March 1918.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 89541.
Regiment: Duke of Cambridge’s Own, (Middlesex) Regiment, 20th Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
Grave Reference:
Plot 11a 20.
Antwerpen,
Belgium.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Mr A.S. Caley, of 2, Pauline Street, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1901 38, Great Whip Street, Ipswich.
William was 2 years old and living with his parents & sister.
Albert Samuel Caley, 33, a Warehouse Porter, born Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Catherine Hannah Caley (nee Mann), 34, born Childerditch, Essex.
Lilian May Caley, 6, born Ipswich.
1911 2, Pauline Street, Ipswich.
William was 12 years old and living with his parents & sisters.
Albert, 43, a factory Porter – Corset Manufacturer.
Catherine, 45.
Lillie, 16.
Doris Caley, 9, born Ipswich.
Mr A. S. Caley received his late son’s medals on the 15th September 1921.
Soldiers’ Effects to Albert Caley – father.
William is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Peter’s Church, Ipswich.
(DUKE of CAMBRIDGE’S OWN) MIDDLESEX REGIMENT:http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/the-duke-of-cambridges-own-middlesex-regiment/
2 Comments
William was so young and what a heart breaking story. Who were A S Caley’s parents? I cannot see him on the Genology chart. As I have the descendants from Robert Caley born 1874/5? and his brother George Caley born March 1873. I am descended on George Caley’s side. His wife was called Kate and they had 7 children. One of whom (Percy)born 1904 was my father Eric Caley’s father my Grandfather. Which part of the family has he descended from.
Robert and George’s parents were Henry Born 1839 Often, and Mary Ann Day 1843born
My great grandmother was his sister Lillian, I wish I knew where his medals ended up and if there were ever any photos of him.
RIP William