William's Story.
Private William McHale ,1/7th (Terr.) Bn. Cheshire Regiment was killed in action on 19th April 1917 aged 25, during the Second Battle of Gaza (Palestine). He was a well-known cross-country champion who was a member of Crewe and Salford Harriers. He, along with his best friend Tom Fennah (killed in 1915), were both chosen in pre-war days to compete in the 1916 Berlin Olympic Games.
William was born on 29 March 1892, in Crewe. He was the third son of William McHale (1865 - 1934) and Elizabeth Westwood, and brother to Thomas and Michael Cyril McHale. His father was a bricklayer, and William followed his father into the building trade, working as a painter. His brother Cyril worked for a firm of solicitors.
He enlisted into the army at Macclesfield. He was killed in action in Palestine, and buried in the Gaza War Cemetery. At his graveside, hs name was marked out with shells from the beach.
His brother Cyril also enlisted around the same time, wnd was wounded a few months after William's death. Cyril was later awarded the Military Cross.
William's mother is named on his Soldiers' Effects Record as co-legatee, along with a Miss Agnes Marlin. Perhaps she was the girl he left behind?
William's name is inscribed on a plaque originally located at the Wedgwood Methodist Chapel on Heath Street. After the closure of the church in 1969 the memorial was mislaid. In 2004 the memorial was re-discovered and presented to the Hightown Methodist Church where it was displayed until the Church closed in 2010. Following this it was moved to the Heritage Centre, Vernon Way, Crewe.
Researched by Shena Lewington (August 2025)
William was born on 29 March 1892, in Crewe. He was the third son of William McHale (1865 - 1934) and Elizabeth Westwood, and brother to Thomas and Michael Cyril McHale. His father was a bricklayer, and William followed his father into the building trade, working as a painter. His brother Cyril worked for a firm of solicitors.
He enlisted into the army at Macclesfield. He was killed in action in Palestine, and buried in the Gaza War Cemetery. At his graveside, hs name was marked out with shells from the beach.
His brother Cyril also enlisted around the same time, wnd was wounded a few months after William's death. Cyril was later awarded the Military Cross.
William's mother is named on his Soldiers' Effects Record as co-legatee, along with a Miss Agnes Marlin. Perhaps she was the girl he left behind?
William's name is inscribed on a plaque originally located at the Wedgwood Methodist Chapel on Heath Street. After the closure of the church in 1969 the memorial was mislaid. In 2004 the memorial was re-discovered and presented to the Hightown Methodist Church where it was displayed until the Church closed in 2010. Following this it was moved to the Heritage Centre, Vernon Way, Crewe.
Researched by Shena Lewington (August 2025)