Regiment: Leicestershire Regt.
Died: 14 July 1916 aged 23 in France. Killed in action at the Somme.
Battle: Battle of the Somme. Cemetery: Thiepval Memorial P 2C/3A
Son of B. B. King, I.C.S. b. 1893.
Army III—Science Form.
Ranching in Argentina.
Great War, Private 7th Bn Leicester Regt. 1914.
'Upon leaving Malvern, Willie King went to the Argentine, and for four years worked on a ranch, intending to make farming his life's work; but upon the outbreak of war he at once gave up his post in order to enlist in the Leicester Regiment; after a short training in England he was sent to France, and fell during the battle on the Somme. No details have been received as to his death, and he is simply reported as "missing, believed killed," but since his identity badge has been found and returned to his mother, there is but little hope that he survived.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Below War diary describes detailed attacks at Mametz wood and Bazentin-le-Petit wood during the Battle of the Somme.
Unit War Diary:WO 95/2164/2