William's Story.
Birkenhead News 30 August 1916.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Byrne Bereaved.
“One of the Best.”
We regret deeply to announce that another brave young Birkonian has given his life for his country. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Byrne, of 53, Grange Road West, received official notice last Wednesday of the death of their eldest son, Private William Byrne, of the King’s Liverpool Regiment, who was in his 22nd year.
Private Byrne joined the colours in September, 1914, and went to France at the beginning of November, 1915. The notice states that he was wounded on July 1st in the “Big Push,” and died in hospital the following day.
The young soldier was an earnest and regular attendant at St. Laurence’s Roman Catholic Church, where he was for many years altar boy. A letter received by his parents from one of his chums and signed by many of the company, says :- “Will was loved and respected by all his platoon. It may be a little consolation to know that Will is buried in a grave of his own – as a matter of fact next to a French General, and Joe and I placed a few wild flowers on it in memory of one of the best.”
Amongst the many letters of sympathy received by Mr. and Mrs. Byrne is one from Pte. Byrne’s late employers, Messrs. George Angus and Co., Liverpool, leather merchants, in which is expressed the deepest sympathy for the family. It also refers to the very high esteem in which the deceased was held by the firm, and by all his fellow workers.
Picture taken by The Cheshire Roll of Honour.
Picture taken by The Cheshire Roll of Honour.