PARTRIDGE, Frederick William

William Partridge was the second son of Mr and Mrs Herbert Partridge and by 1914 he was living at 43 Birmingham St. with his wife Alice. He was one of four brothers serving in the forces, of whom Ernest Frank was killed on the 3rd September 1916. William Partridge was an early volunteer for the Worcesters in 1914. He joined the 10th (Service) battalion and went to the front in 1915. This battalion saw service in the Loos area until May 1916 when it moved to the Somme. They were stationed in the centre of the British line opposite La Boisselle and Ovillers, but held in reserve on the first day of the battle. Their attack on La Boisselle on the 3rd July helped to take this important village, but the cost was very high. When the battalion returned to the front line for the next attack at Bazentin on the 30th July, the casualties were again high and included Private Frederick Partridge. He was killed on the 1st August and was buried in Daours Communal Cemetery (3 A 4). He was 28 years of age. His name does not appear on the Stourbridge Memorial but he is commemorated on the St. John's church and school Memorials. His brother Ernest was killed in action on the 3rd September 1916.