REA, Victor George William

William Rea was the son of Joseph and Annie Rea of 94 Bull Street, Brierley Hill. He enlisted in the artillery and was sent to the 80th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. They went to the Western Front in May 1916 and in 1917 were equipped with massive 12 inch Howitzers. They took part in the April Battle of Arras which started on the 9th and in the early stages significant gains were made, partly as a result of the artillery. German resistance grew as the battle progressed and included German counter-battery shelling. Gunner William Rea was killed in action on the 24th. He was 20 years of age and is buried in London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse, (I A 18) and commemorated on the Brierley Hill, and Brierley Hill church Memorials. His brother, Joseph, was killed on the 9th February 1917, leaving Annie, a widow, grieving for both her sons.