NEWALL [Newell], William

William Newell was born in Dudley and his parents were Mr and Mrs Newell of Bar Cottage, Hasbury, Halesowen, He attended Hasbury School and enlisted in the artillery. He was sent to L Battery of the Royal Horse Artillery which had suffered severely in 1914 at Lhčry. It was reformed and took part in subsequent actions. For the November 1917 Battle of Cambrai it had an important part in the opening bombardment which was timed to coincide with the main attack. However, the German counter-attack starting on the 30th November was particularly effective and the artillery found it difficult to retire at speed. Lance Bombardier William Newell was killed in action on this day and is commemorated on the Cambrai, Halesowen and Hasbury School Memorials.