HARRIS, William H

William Harris enlisted as a pre-war regular in the Worcesters and was probably stationed with the 3rd Battalion in the British Expeditionary Force on the outbreak of war. This battalion took part in the opening campaigns at Mons, the Marne and First Ypres. During the winter of 1914-15 they remained near Ploegsteert Wood and on the 12th March put in a diversionary attack at Spanbroek Mill to coincide with the major attack at Neuve Chapelle. Casualties were heavy but they moved on to Ypres to meet the next German attack on the city. After being acclimatised to gas and continual shelling they were ordered to mount an attack on the Bellewaerde ridge across the Menin Road. At 4.45 a.m. on the 16th June the Worcesters advanced towards the German lines and gained the first enemy trenches. By the end of the day half a mile had been won but at the cost of over 300 casualties. Among them was Corporal William Harris who was killed in action and who is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Stourbridge and St. John's church Memorials.