Claro Times - 22nd October 1915

Photo - Great regret has been occasioned in Knaresborough by the news of the death, at the Front, of Private William Mumford, of the 1/5th West Yorks, son of Mr and Mrs Mumford of High Bond-end, Knaresborough.

The first intimation of the sad event was received on Sunday by Mrs Holmes, Bond-end, in a letter from her husband, Sergeant R Holmes, who, writing on Wednesday, the 14th, says :

"A very sad affair happened this afternoon. During a bombardment by both sides this afternoon, poor W Mumford was killed. His death was instantaneous, a bullet from a grenade passing through his heart".

On Tuesday morning Mrs Mumford received a letter from Sergeant Holmes, giving further particulars of her son's death. He says :

Dear Mr and Mrs Mumford, By the time this reaches you, I expect you will have heard the terribly sad news of you dear son Willie's death. The poor lad was struck by a rifle grenade during a bombardment by both sides, at about 2.30pm yesterday (Wednesday), and a piece passed through his heart. Death was instantaneous". Sergeant Holmes adds that Private Mumford was the possessor of a bright, cheery and lovable disposition, which had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. "He was laid in his last resting-place", the letter continues, "the same evening. On behalf of the NCOs and men, I ask you to accept their very deepest sympathy and regret".

R Holmes, Sergeant.

Private Mumford was 19 years of age, and previous to the war, was serving his first year with the local Territorials. He was employed at the Starbeck Golf Club, and was well-known. His brother, Private R Mumford, is also at the Front.

SDGW

1/5th Battalion, Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)

1562 William Mumford

Born : Spofforth

Enlisted : Knaresborough

Died : 13th October 1915

KIA : France and Flanders