William Herbert's Story.
Date of birth
8 August 1898
William Herbert was born at Hawarden, Flintshire, the ancestral home of the Gladstone family. He was the youngest of the four sons of the Reverend Stephen Edward and Annie Crosthwaite Gladstone, and grandson of the Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladstone. The family were living at Manley Hall, Helsby.
1891 Census
Rectory at Hawarden. Stephen Edward, 47 and Annie C. 27 had a family. Catherine, 5, son Albert C, Charles A. 2
1901 Census
The family was still in the Rectory. Stephen E. was still a Clerk in Holy Orders, and Annie was 37 years old. The listed children were Catherine, 15, Stephen D 9 and young William H., 2.
The 1911 census
William Herbert’s Mother, Annie Crosthwaite 47, at 11 Abercromby Square in Liverpool. Her sister, Maud Mary Wilson, 48 was head of the household. Also listed were her sister, Agnes Katherine Wilson, 43 and her brother Sidney Edward Wilson, 41 a Schoolmaster. Niece, Elizabeth Gaynor Bickersteth, 4 was also present. There were 4 servants were in the household.
2nd Lt. William Herbert Gladstone, C. Gds., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in command of the main attacking party during a raid, he led his party with splendid dash, and on the barrage lifting gauged the right moment to rush the enemy front line. By his prompt action he forestalled the enemy taking the offensive, and rendered possible the unmolested approach of the whole raiding party to hostile lines.
His Effects amounted to £206 10s 11d., administration granted to his father.
His brother, Lieutenant Charles A. Gladstone, Intelligence Department, attached to Royal Flying Corps, was a prisoner of war in Germany and his cousin, Mr. W.G.C. Gladstone. M.P., was killed in Flanders in April, 1915.
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