Alfred Edward Wills

Story:
Alfred Edward Wills was born in 1891 in Winterbourne Herringston, 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 Herringston 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 France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory, British War and 1915 Star medals. He died on 26th September 1916 and his name appears on the Theipval Memorial in France (Pier & Face 7 B). He is remembered on the Semley Baptist Chapel plaque, now in St Leonard's Church, and on the War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard.