Harrogate Herald - 5th December 1917

Roll of Honour

Corporal W Fenwick (RE), youngest son of Mr & Mrs R Fenwick, High Street, Starbeck, met his death under sad circumstances, the engine he was driving in the course of his duties jumping the metals, and overturning he sustained injuries from which he died on November 14th at the 19th Casualty Clearing Station, France. Corporal Fenwick joined the West Yorks in September, 1914, and went out to France in April, 1915. He was invalided home again in October, and was in hospital at Cambridge about three months. He was then sent out to Clipstone Camp until he got his transfer into the REs, and went out to France again in February this year. 

A comrade, Sergeant H Benson, writing to Mrs Fenwick, says : 

"I hardly know how to start this letter, but it is about poor Will, as he was one of my best chums out here. Of course, you know that he was driving, and that day his engine jumped the metals, turning over, and throwing Will off. He was badly injured, but I did not think it was so severe as it has turned out. He was quite cheery whilst he was sent to hospital, and you might be sure he was well cared for. I worked on the NER at Hull, and I knew Will as soon as I met him at Bordon Camp. We have been chums ever since. I am trying to find out for certain where Will is buried. He was taken to the 19th CCS, so if he is there I am getting a nice cross made for his grave, and I will see it is properly looked after. Poor Will was well liked and respected by us all. Hoping you are in the best of health, and with my deepest sympathy. PS. I am sending Will's cap badge. I thought perhaps you would like it.

SDGW

Corps of Royal Engineers

ACpl William Fenwick (229586)

Born : Harrogate

Enlisted : Harrogate

Died : 14th November 1917

Died

France & Flanders

Note : Formerly 2418 West Yorks Regt (19th Lt Rly Op Train Crew Coe., RE)