William Heap Ainsworth

Age 34        single

Lance Corporal 27424
8^th Bn., Border Regiment

Killed in action on
Saturday 21^st October 1916

William was born in Sabden and attended Sabden County School.  At the age of fifteen he began work at Messrs Stuttard and Sons, Cobden Mill.  When he was in his early twenties William moved to live with his brother Richard at Barrowford, Lancashire.  He continued his trade as a weaver in one of the local mills. 

In June 1915, William joined the army and was sent to France, after first spending twelve months training at Wareham Camp.  After being in France for three weeks, Williams brother Richard received a letter from him in which he stated,

 “I am to be sent to the first line trench tomorrow, September 14^th”. 

Richard was to receive no more news of his brother until William's closest friend, a Mr Emmott of Barrowford, called to show him a letter he had received from an Edward Birnie, 2^nd-Lieut, Border Regiment.

“Dear Mr Emmott,

It is with the deepest regret I have to inform you of the death of your friend, Lance-Corpl. Wm Ainsworth.  He was killed in an attack on October 21^st.  It may be a comfort for you to know that he suffered no pain, death being instantaneous.  He was a good and brave soldier, and did his duty faithfully to the last.  As I have been unable to procure the names of his parents will you please convey to them my deepest sympathy at their great loss, and our loss also as he was a good comrade and a brave man.”

Official news of William's death was received two days later.

William Ainsworth was buried at the Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt, Somme, France.

In Sabden he has been remembered on both the School and Church Plaques.