William Frederick George Head

Story:
William Frederick George Head was born in Donhead St. Andrew, Wiltshire, on 21st November 1888, the son of William Head and Thirza Jane Head (née Biddiscombe).  He spent his early life in and around Donhead St. Andrew and sometime before 1911 he enlisted with the Dorsetshire Regiment as a Private (Service No. 8210).  His father had died in 1905 and his mother had married Reginald Andrews on 5th June 1907.  The 1911 Census shows him at the Barracks in Poonah, India. He apparently served in the India/Asiatic region throughout the First World War and was eventually discharged on 5th May 1919. He was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1914/1915 Star.  On discharge on 5 May 1919 he had given an address at Birdbush, Ludwell, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, as his residence. The 1921 Census shows him living in at Hay House, Sedgehill, Wiltshire, employed as a Butler.  He married Mable Kate Lampard in Mere, Wiltshire, in 1928.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at Station Bridge Cottages, Tisbury, Wiltshire, described as a Gardener/Handyman as well as being a member of the National Defence Corps (which eventually became the Home Guard).   He died at the Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 8 Jan 1943.  His brother, Reginald Charles Head, had also served but died in 1917 of pneumonia whilst in service.