William Alford

Story:
William Alford was born on 22 Mar 1890 in Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorzset, and baptised at St. Rumbold's Church, Cann, on 20 Apr 1890. He was the son of James Alford, a farmer, and Hannah Alford (née Pyke). By 1911 the family wa living at Boyne Cottage, Cann, Shaftesbury. At the time of the 1911 Census William was still single, working as an agricultural labourer and living at Boyne Cottage, Cann, Shaftesbury. He married Kathleen Henry in Cardiff during 1913 and there were two children of the marriage, James William Llewelyn Alford (b. 1913) and Alice Mary Alford (b. 1915). He enlisted in Cardiff as a Private in the 16th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment (Service No. 24045). He served in France and Flanders from 4 Dec 1915 and was awarded the Victory, and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star.  He was killed in action on 31st March 1916 and eventually buried at the Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, Pas de Calais, France, (grave id. III.O.11). He is remembered on the Cann War Memorial, Shaftesbury. His widow, who lived at 48 Havelock Street, Cardiff, Wales, eventually received a widow's pension for herself and children of 18s. 6d. (92 1/2p.) per week.

Two of William's brothers served with the Royal Garrison Artillery in the war: Ernest John (b.1882), who sadly died in France in 1918 and Percy (b.1887) who died in 1925 as a result of tuberculosis contracted while in the army.

Printed sources:
"The Alford Family of Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset", Gold Hill Museum Archives.