No.40385, Private, William Frederick CLAYDON
Aged 27
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Born in 1890 (2nd qtr Bury St.Edmunds 4a:705) son of Frederick William and Harriet Maria (née ROGERS)
1891 census...Aged 1, he was at 20 Garland Street, Bury St.Edmunds with his father Frederick William CLAYDON [32] boot maker, born Bury St.Edmunds; his mother Harriet Maria [34] born Norwich. 1901 census...Aged 11, he was at 83 Springfield Road, Bury St.Edmunds with his parents; grandfather Frederick ROGERS [67] cabinet maker born Norwich and grandmother Mary A ROGERS [74] born Barnham Broom, Norfolk. 1911 census...Aged 21, a clothing shop assistant, he was at 18 Nelson Road, Bury St.Edmunds with his parents. Married Cecilia Maude COPPING [13-1-1890] (Sudbury 3rd qtr 1915 4a:2568). Their son, Francis George, was born on 30th May 1916. She re-married to Lewis J TODD and lived at 6 Shelford Cottage, Nutholt Lane, Ely |
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Service record not found, nor "Soldiers Died" so no indication of enlistment but presumably Bury St Edmunds
2nd battalion war diary 16th Aug.1917, in action at Westhoek:- 4:45 am.."B" and "C" Coys moved forward in support of 2nd R Berkshire Regt who were the right assaulting battalion. "D" on the right "B" Coy on the left in artillery formation. These companies halted 150 yards W of the HANEBEEK and dug in. Thirty men of "C" Coy were attached to the 25th TMB as carriers. 6:30 am..An order was received to support the attack and "D" Coy and 2 platoons of "C" Coy crossed the HANEBEEK and reinforced the assaulting troops. 7:30 am..Owing to the attack of the Brigades on the right and left being held up, a withdrawal was necessary and all troops withdrew slowly to a position 200 yds N of the HANEBEEK. 10:30 am.. Owing to continuous heavy pressure from the enemy, this line was eventually withdrawn a further 200 yards. 2:30 pm..The enemy counter-attacked and "A" Coy and "C" Coy moved forward to E slope of the WESTHOEK RIDGE to form a support line. 11 pm.. The battalion was relieved by the 2nd Northamptonshire Reg and withdrew to positions in the BELLEWARDE FARM area. Casualties were 3 officers wounded, 1 officer wounded and stayed at duty; Other ranks 31 klled, 104 wounded and 36 missing. CWGC have 34 killed, of which only 2 have known graves.
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