William's Story.
Stalybridge Reporter. February 10, 1917.
After being reported missing since July of last year official news was received on Saturday that private William Bennett, Cheshire Regiment, of 5, Mason Street, Stalybridge, had been killed in action.
Private Bennett formerly worked at Messrs. Chadwick’s Mill on Tame Valley. He joined the army just after Whitsuntide, 1915 and after the necessary training was drafted to France, where he took part in several important engagements, notably the Somme battle, in which he met his death. After an engagement on July 7th, he was absent from his regiment and was returned as missing. Since then, nothing was heard of him, although inexhaustible inquires were made by his wife, who resides with her mother at 122, Oxford Road, Dukinfield. The War Office communication now presumes that he must have died on the day stated.
Private Bennett was 27 years of age and was a well-known Stalybridge man. He was associated with the Kay Street Mission and was much esteemed by the members. He formerly played with the Vaudrey Street Club and was the possessor of a medal won a few years ago.
Until his marriage he resided with his sister, Mrs Holmes in Mason Street. Two relatives of the family, Private Harry Holmes, of Cross Leech Street and Private Thomas Cooke have both been killed in action.
