WILLIAM PECK

Born: 1893, Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Died: At sunrise 3rd December 1916; age 23; KiA – Armentieres, Lille – sniped with an explosive bullet through the forehead. William was the first casualty of the 34th Battalion.

Residence: Glennies Creek, Singleton, New South Wales, Australia.

Occupation: a Labourer.

Enlistment Details: Date: 23rd February 1916; Age: 20 years & 10 months; Religion: CofE. Next of Kin: mother – Emma Peck, 16, Green Road, Southsea, Hampshire. Height: 5ft 5 1/2ins, fresh complexion, hazel eyes & brown hair.

Embarked – Sydney – 2nd May 1916 – HMAT ‘Hororata’ A20.

Disembarked Plymouth – 23rd June 1916 – ‘Aragon’.

Proceeded overseas from Southampton to France – 21st November 1916.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 148

Regiment: Australian Imperial Force, Australian Infantry, 34th Battalion (Maitland’s Own).

Medals Awarded: Victory& British War.

Grave Reference:

Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery,

Armentieres,

France.

CENSUS

1901   Camden Cottages, Camden Road, Ipswich.

William was 8 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

William Peck, 43, a Bricklayer’s Labourer, born Walton, Felixstowe.

Emily Peck (nee Versey), 45, born Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Agnes Peck, 14, born Walton.

Ada Peck, 12, born Walton.

Charlotte Peck, 10, born Felixstowe.

Henry Peck, 5, born Trimley, Suffolk.

1911   60, Gibson Street, Ipswich.

William was 17 years old and living with his parents & brother.

William, 55, a Bricklayer’s Labourer – Builder.

Emily, 57.

Harry, 15.

William attended Nacton Road Council School, Ipswich.

Possible IMMIGRATION

William travelled on the S.S. ‘Irishman’ from the Port of Liverpool arriving at the Port of Sydney on the 23rd May 1914. Master – Thomas Howell.

On the 5th April 1917, Mrs Emma Peck received her late son’s personal effects: Identity disc, photos, postcards, pocket book, 2 religious book & belt.

Australian Infantry, 34th Battalion (Maitland’s Own).

Australian Infantry, 34th Battalion (Maitland’s Own).