William's Story.
William was the son of George (a salt maker) and Mary Jane Davidson of 17 Speakman Street, Runcorn and in the 1911 census had 3 brothers and 4 sisters, with a further 2 having died. He was educated at the Victoria Road School and attended the parish church, where he was a member of the Vicar’s bible class. He was married to Ada Blinston and had a small daughter who was also called Ada. He worked at the Vacuum Plant of the Salt Union works at Weston point, the 1911 census states his occupation as a salt works labourer.
He enlisted at Warrington in November 1914 into the 5th battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, before transferring to the London Rifle Brigade Service No 102 and then finally the Norfolks.
He went out on New Years day 1916 to Egypt, and was wounded during the fighting in the 2nd Battle of Gaza on 18th April 1917. His wife received official notification that he had been killed in action in January 1918, 8 months after the event. In his last letter to Ada dated 16th April 1917, he had stated that he wasn’t going into action. During this battle his battalion received very high casualty rate, the Gaza War cemetery has 60 being killed in this battle with the 1st / 5th Battalion having 104 killed.
William is buried in Gaza war cemetery, Israel, Plot XXIII, Row C, Grave 11.
On his headstone is the inscription “Until the Day Dawns”
He is also commemorated on the Runcorn War Memorial on Greenway Road.
Ada Blinston was the sister of John Blinston, who died in 1915 whilst serving with the Cheshire Regt, he aslo worked at the salt works.
At least two of Williams brothers also joined up, John and George. Both joined Cheshire Battalions, 13th and 12th respectively. John was killed on 5th August 1917 and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Ypres.
Finally Williams sister, Annie married James Levi French, who joined the 10th Cheshires, and was killed whilst serving in France. 
Researched by Graeme Ainsworth with assistance from Percy Dunbavand