JORDAN, William H

William Jordan was born at Kidderminster and was married to Julia, later of 124 Brighton Road, Moseley. He enlisted in the Worcesters and was posted to the 2nd Battalion which had been involved in all the major actions on the Western Front from 1914. In April 1918 they were stationed in Flanders on the recently extended Ypres Salient. On the 9th April the German forces launched their second Spring Offensive on the River Lys. The battalion was forced to retreat from the Messines Ridge through Neuve Eglise and as far as Bailleul. They fought most strenuously to defend Neuve Eglise, and only retired after many of the battalion had been surrounded by the greatly superior numbers of the enemy. They were eventually relieved on the 17th April, but even on that day there were casualties. These included Lance Corporal William Jordan who was killed in action. He was 42 years of age and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert, Stourbridge and St. John's church Memorials.