WASSELL, William

William Wassell was a local man who enlisted in the South Staffords. He went to the 4th Extra Reserve Battalion which had originally been formed as the regiment’s home training reserve. In October 1917 when reinforcements were needed on the Western Front, it was sent to the 25th Division. In anticipation of the German Spring offensives the Division was in reserve near Bapaume on the edge of the old Somme battlefield. Its task was to hold any break-through by the enemy. The intensity of the German attack at St Quentin on the 21st March meant that its brigades and battalions were hurriedly sent to different locations. The Staffords dug new trenches but were overwhelmed on the 24th March. Among the many casualties was Private William Wassell. He was killed in action and is commemorated on the Arras and Wordsley Memorials.