FLETCHER, William

William Fletcher lived with his parents at 8 Mill Street, Stourbridge, and was an early volunteer in August 1914. He enlisted in a regular battalion of the Worcesters and with the minimum of training he was sent to the Western Front. He entered active service with the 3rd Battalion on the 27th October and was killed just ten days later. He was one of the earliest of the 1914 volunteers to die in action. The 3rd Battalion had been fighting continuously since the 23rd August at Mons and its ranks were much depleted. It had fought on the Aisne and in Artois at La Bassée and after Private Fletcher's arrival they were at Ploegsteert Wood and facing yet another heavy attack. This was the last German action of the Autumn and one which they hoped would drive the British back to the Channel. The Worcesters fought with great courage and helped to halt the German advance. However, casualties were high and Private William Fletcher was among 57 missing, presumed dead, on the 7th November. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Stourbridge, St. John's church and Methodist church Memorials.