BASS, William James


No.2398, Private, William James BASS
Aged 33


10th Battalion, (Prince of Wales' Own Royal) Hussars
formerly 15th Hussars
Killed in Action on Saturday, 9th March 1918


William BASS was born in Cambridge according to "Soldiers Died". His father was William J. BASS according to "Soldiers Personal Effects".

It seems more than likely he was William James BASS born in Llanvihangel-Ystern-Llewern, Monmouthshire (Monmouth Q4-1884 11A:36), son of William James and Sarah BASS (née MORGAN).

1891 census...Aged 6, he was at Gravel Lane, Chigwell with his father William J. BASS [35] coachman, born Chigwell; his mother Sarah[28] born Penrhos, Monmouthshire; sisters Sarah A [5] born Llanvihangel, Elizabeth D [4] and Winifred M [2 months] both born Chigwell; brothers Walter G [3] and Arthur C [2] both born Chigwell.

1901 census... He has not been identified in this census but appears to have enlisted in the Army. At Turnours Hall Cottages, Chigwell were his parents, sisters Elizabeth, Winifred M, Dorothy E [8], Violet E [3] and Daisy O [8 months]; brother Arthur C. The new siblings were all born in Chigwell.

His mother died in Chigwell in 1904.

1911 census... Aged 26 (now recorded as born in Balsham) he was in the 15th Hussars, seemingly at Potchefstroom, South Africa. His widower father was at Dotterall Cottage, Balsham with his brother Arthur Charles (groom); sisters Elizabeth, Violet Evelyn and Daisy Olive That is the sum total of information about him so far, as a civilian. Being in France that early rules out the William Bass born Cambridge in 1900, (but Soldiers Died is not without errors).

The pension card has his father at Dotterell Cottages, Balsham.


He enlisted in Stratford in the Royal Regiment of Artillery No.1350, on 2nd January 1901, giving his birth place as Chigwell (spelling his actual birth place seems to difficult. He was a baker's labourer, aged 18 yrs 6 months, single, 5 feet 7.25 inches (170.9 cm) tall, weighed 130 lbs (59 kg) and chest 35" to 36.5" (88.9 to 92.7 cm), light brown hair, hazel eyes, Church of England. He signed to 7 years in the colours, 5 on Reserve. He was discharged on 14th August 1901 (205 days service) on account of a mis-statement of age on enlistment. He was actually 16 years old.

He enlisted in Cambridge while resident in Balsham. His father and sole legatee was William J.Bass


The war diary has him in the list of men that went to France on 16th August 1914 with B Squadron, 15th Hussars. He was in France at the time to qualify for the clasp to the 1914 Star, but either he never reached the front line, or more likely, no claim was made for the clasp. His Army records have not been found, which is a pity as he must have been a regular soldier or at least a Reservist.

War Diary for 10th Prince of Wales Own Royal Hussars March 1918:-
9th - Squadrons under their leaders. About 8 p.m. the camp was bombed by hostile aircraft, one bomb dropping on one of the huts occupied by "A" Squadron, killing 6 O.Rs and wounding 35, six of whom died after being admitted to Hospital.


Ten were buried in Tertry Communal Cemetery



photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission



William Bass is buried in Tertry Communal Cemetery - A:4

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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