William Billington, Royal Dublin Fusiliers

The 9th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers arrived in France in December 1915 as part of 48th Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division. The Battalion took part in their first major battle during the Somme Offensive, taking part in the capture of Ginchy on 9 September, 1916. The Battalion left the Somme area on 21 September for the Ypres Sector. The Battalion War Diary records that the battalion was located at Kemmel, about 6 miles north of Ypres, from 13 - 21 October 1916. It also records that various sections of trench were 'blown in' by trench mortars and artillery during this period. It is possible that L/Cpl Billington was wounded during this period.

Born in 11 September 1887 at Holyhead, the son of George and Jane Billington (formally James, nee Hughes) His father was a Blacksmith, born in Nantwich, Cheshire. They married in 1882. In 1901 he resided at 61 Foundry Street with his married sister and three brothers. His parents lived at 64 Foundry Street (Black Bridge) with his five sisters. In 1911 he lived with his family at 64 Foundry Street and was employed as a Seaman with the LNWR Company.

He originally served in the RNR (Trawler Section), joining on 15 October 1914. However, he was discharged for misconduct in July 1915. His brother Robert Henry Billington served in the Australian Army (AIF) and another brother, George Samuel Billington enlisted in the 2nd Siege Company, Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers. All three brothers served in France.

Awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. (Medal Index Card suggests that they were not claimed and were disposed of). His RNR Service Record indicates that he was also awarded the 1914-15 Star.

Buried in the Bailleul Communial Cemetery Extension (Nord). Grave location III. A. 255.

Photograph from British War Graves http://www.britishwargraves.co.uk/