CULSHAW, William Henry

William Culshaw was born in Kingswinford and was married to Elsie of 2 Plants Hollow, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill. He volunteered for the Worcesters and, probably as a former miner, was transferred to the 250th Tunnelling Company. They were responsible for digging the deep tunnels on the Messines Ridge, including Petit Bois, Peckham and Spanbroekmoelen. This was dangerous work involving premature explosion and enemy shelling. The Company had just driven its longest tunnel underneath the German lines opposite the village of Wytschaete when on the 10th June the enemy fired two mines just above the tunnel. The ensuing blockage trapped twelve men, eleven of whom died. Rescuers worked frenziedly for six days only to find them dead. The one survivor was nearly missed but survived to return to duties. It is possible that Sapper William Culshaw was one of those eventually discovered on the 15th June. He was 38 years of age and is buried in Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery (D 12) near Messines and commemorated on the Brierley Hill and Brierley Hill church Memorials and the Delph District Roll of Honour.