believed to be

BENNETT, William Feather



No.14807, Lance Corporal, William BENNETT
Aged 26


8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment
Killed in Action on Saturday, 11th August 1917


William Feather Bennett was born in Euston (Thetford Q3-1889 4B:373), son of Henry John and Emma BENNETT (née CLARKE).

1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Park House, Barnham Road, Euston with his father Harry John BENNETT [40] carpenter/joiner born Thetford; his mother Emma [43] born Thetford; sister Katie Bessie [14] born Thetford; brothers Harry John [11], Arthur Reginald [6] and Frank Charles [4] all born in Euston.

1901 census...Aged 12, he was still at Park House, Euston with his parents; brother Reginald (plumber/painter) and Frank (carpenter's assistant).

1911 census...Aged 22, a carpenter/joiner, he was boarding at Burnsfield Street, Chatteris with the ROWLINSON family. His parents were still at Park House, Euston. Mother died in 1913, father in 1921. On the pension card his father was still at Park Houses, Euston

There is currently no documented connection with Fakenham Magna, but in view of the Euston references this seems to be the most likely man.


He enlisted in Norwich

The 8th Norfolks were in the line along the Ypres-Menin Road on 11th August. John being "C" Company was in Reserve in trenches around SURBITON VILLAS. At about 4:40 am the enemy attacked was driving back the right of "D" Company and "C" Company were ordered to counter-attack at once and retake the strong point. Finding the strong-point occupied by 4 machine guns the CI ordered "B" Company to join the attack. Under covering fire from 6th Berkshire and our Lewis guns the strong-point was re-taken and consolidated by 6 am. This had been accomplished across 6oo yards of open ground swept by machine gun fire from higher ground.
At about 8:30 am the CO decided to re-organise the Companies. A "A" took the portion of the line from strong-point to J.14.a.5.6, "C" Coy ( much weakened by casualties)the strong-point, "B" Coy the line from strong-point to J.13.d.9.6. and "D" withdrew into reserve at Surbiton Villas. The rest of the day was spent easily driving off enemy counter-attacks.

CWGC puts the number killed at 57, only 11 have known graves.



the line between 2 map references given above





photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission



William Bennett is commemorated on the Menin Gate, panel 4
and commemorated in Euston

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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