HUGHES, William

William Hughes was the son of James and Sarah Hughes of 37 Powke Lane, Blackheath. He enlisted in the artillery and was sent to the Royal Field Artillery XXX Howitzer Brigade in the 3rd Division. He served during the retreat from Mons and in the vital Battle of the Marne. The British forces then pushed the German forces back to the Aisne where small units crossed the river and fought the enemy in the woods and valleys above the river. In the confused fighting Gunner William Hughes probably died of wounds. He was 19 years of age and is commemorated on the Soissons, Blackheath and Halesowen Memorials.