11838 Private William Schofield
A Company 1st Platoon 7th Border Regiment
14 December 1915
Born on 16/11/1892 in Wigan Lancashire, he was baptised on 26/03/1893.
His parents were John Schofield (born in 1870) and Jane Ann Porter (1875-1948). They were married on 04/04/1896.
William had 7 brothers, Isaac (born on 22/08/1894), Joseph (born in 1896), William Henry (17/01/1902-1959),
Benjamin (born in 1909) and John (born in 1910). He also had a sister Elizabeth (born in 1905).
In the 1901 census the family were recorded as living at 13b Wigan Road Standish, Lancashire. John snr. was employed as a coal miner hewer(meaning he worked underground on the coal face).
The 1911 census showed that the family were now living at 8 Manor Street Wigan. Both William and his father were employed as coal miner hewers.
William enlisted in Wigan and was sent to France on 24/07/1915. He was killed in action on 14/12/1915.
Wigan Examiner – Saturday 08 January 1916
Private W Schofield (killed)
Private W. Schofield of the 7th Border Regiment has been killed in France. He was 23 years of age, and prior to the war resided at 9, Field Street, being employed by Pearson and Knowles.
Lieut. Sterling, of the same regiment, writing to the dead soldier’s mother states:-
“Dear Mrs. Schofield. – very much regret to inform you of the death of your son, who was killed in action on the 14th of December. During a heavy bombardment of our trenches, he was killed instantly and can have felt no pain. He had been in my platoon since he joined us out here, and I never heard him complain once, however bad the conditions might be. He was extremely plucky, and we shall all miss him very much.
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. –
Yours sincerely J.A. Stirling, Lieut.
P. S.- He was buried with several others of this regiment in a graveyard behind the line. I was also present at the funeral.”
Private J France, of the same regiment, writes as follows:-
“ Dear Mrs. Schofield, - It is with the deepest regret that I have to tell you about the death of your son. We had been shelled for about an hour when a shell came and exploded, killing two and wounding four. Your son was killed instantaneously and could not have felt any pain. He was a good soldier and liked by all; I cannot tell you how much I have missed him. We have been mates since we came out here. He is buried in a little graveyard, with a cross erected over him. I have got his cap badge and if ever I come home I will bring it to you. I live in Wigan at No.2, Clayton Street off Wallgate. I think I will now close, hoping you will keep your heart up, as he has done his duty. I wish you a happy New Year.
Private France (11844), 7th, Batt.Border Regiment “A” Company, No.1 Platoon. B.E.F.”
James France survived the war and was moved to the special reserve on 01/12/1919 prior to his demobilzation.
William was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
His mother was awarded a pension of 5/- a week from 29/08/1916 on 23/08/1916.