William Alford

Story:
William Alford was born in 1890 in Cann, Shaftesbury. He was the son of James Alford, a farmer, and Hannah Alford (née Pyke). His siblings included Ernest John, born in 1883, who also died in the war. The family lived at Bayne Cottage, Cann, Shaftesbury. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as an agricultural labourer and living at Bayne 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 and was awarded the Victory, British War and 1915 Star medals.  He died on 31st March 1916 and was 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. (NB. According to the 1939 Register his wife did not remarry but had a further child 'Alford' in 1920).