William George Litten

Story:
William George Litten was born on 6th October 1895 in East Lydford, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and baptised at the parish church there on 10th November 1895. He was the son of Samuel Litten (who died in 1900) and Margaret Litten (née Sparks), a Charwoman. In 1908 he was registered for admission to the Donhead St. Andrew C of E School. At the time of the 1911 Census, he was single and working as a Farm Labourer. He and his mother were living with his brother, John, at Overway, Donhead St. Andrew, Wiltshire. He enlisted in Salisbury as a Private with the 5th Battalion of the Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment (Service No. 11142). He served in the Balkans from 12 Jul 1915 and within 11 days of arrival was killed in action at Gallipoli, Turkey, on 23 Jul 1915. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. His name appears on the Helles Memorial (Panel 156 to 158). He is also remembered on the Donhead St. Andrew War Memorial. His mother was in receipt of a dependent's pension although she herself died in 1930.