JORDON, William Hoggett

William Jordan (sometimes Jordon) was born in Kingswinford and was the son of W.H. Jordan. He was married to Mary Elizabeth and they lived at 20 Gorsty Avenue, Brockmoor. William was, or had been, a regular soldier in the South Staffords and after the declaration of war he was either called up from the Reserve or volunteered anew for the South Staffords. He joined the 1st Battalion on the Western Front on the 17th December after their very difficult campaign in Flanders in the Autumn of 1914 and was soon promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In the Spring of 1915 he took part in the inconclusive battles at Festubert and Aubers Ridge and a painting by local artist, Francis Gibbons, portrayed h in No Man's Land rescuing a wounded comrade in one of these two battles. In September the Staffords were called on for the largest battle so far in the conflict at Loos on the 25th September. Their advance was across open, flat country against a well organised enemy defence. They reached the German trenches at The Quarries but had to fall back to the start line in the face a counter-attacks. It was a bravely fought day but among the many casualties was Sergeant William Jordan who was killed in action. He was 40 years of age and is commemorated on the Loos, Dudley and Brockmoor Memorials.