Alfred Edward Wills

Story:
Alfred Edward Wills was born in 1891 in Herringstone, Winterbourne Monkton, Dorset, and baptised at Winterbourne Monkton on 25th October, 1891. He was the son of Alfred John Wills, a Dairyman, and Laura Wills (nee Gollop). His siblings included William, born in 1890, who also died in the war. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a Gardener and living-in at Herringstone House, Dorset, and employed by the landowner, Edmond Williams. His parents lived at White Bridge, Semley, Wiltshire. He enlisted as a Private in Dorchester on 31st August, 1914 and joined the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 10638). He served in the Balkans from 11 Jul 1915 and in France & Flanders 8 Jul 1916. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He was presumed killed in action at the Somme on 26th September 1916 and his name appears on the Theipval Memorial in France (Pier & Face 7 B). He is also remembered on the Semley Baptist Chapel plaque, now in St Leonard's Church, and on the War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard. His mother was awarded a dependent's pension.