No. 75812, Sapper, William Arthur GRINLING
Aged 24
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William Grinling was born in Herringswell (Mildenhall Q3-1892 4A:764) son of William and Ann GRINLING (née BLAKE).
1901 census... Aged 8 he was at 1 Cross Road, Worlington with his father, William GRINLING [53] a general agricultural lab0urer born Tuddenham ; his mother Ann [49] born Cavenham; brother John [19] agricultural labourer, born Tuddenham; sister Ellen [14] born Herringswell and brother Ernest [4] born Mildenhall. 1911 census... Aged 19, he was a farm labourer, living at Cross Roads, Worlington, Barton Mills with his parents, brother John (farm labourer) and John Grinling [9] born Mildenhall, recorded as grandson of William senior. Of eight children, three had died. By 1919 his parents were still at Barton Mills Cross Road with brother John, sister Ellen was Mrs Brown living in Lakenheath and Jane Anne was now Mrs Smith at Park Farm, Herringswell. No other blood relative is named. |
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He enlisted in Newmarket. "Soldiers Died" have him as born in Kennett, living in Barton Mills. He gave his address as Cross Roads, Barton Mills, age 22 yrs 10 months, father as next of kin. weighing 133 lbs (60.3 kg), he was 5'8" (172.7 cm) tall, chest 35.5" to 37.5" (90.2 to 95.3 cm) He was sent to France on 27th November 1915 but by 6th December he was part of the EEF (perhaps the France bit was simply in transit). His disciplinary sheet is clean, no punishments, no drunken-ness (as they say in the Forces, undetected crime!) Anglo-French forces began landing at the Greek port of Salonika (now Thessaloniki) on 5 October 1915. The troops were sent to provide military assistance to the Serbs who had recently been attacked by combined German, Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian armies. The intervention came too late to save Serbia and after a brief winter campaign in severe weather conditions on the Serbian frontier, the Anglo-French forces found themselves back at Salonika. At this point the British advised that the troops be withdrawn. However, the French - with Russian, Italian and Serbian backing - still believed something of strategic importance could be gained in the Balkans. Malaria proved to be a serious drain on manpower during the campaign. In total the British forces suffered over 160,000 cases of the disease and in total over half a million non-battle casualties. William died in No. 42 General Hospital from Malaria. He had no effects, but his medals were sent to Miss May Ann Elizabeth BUTCHER at Claremont, Graham Road, South Croydon. The Bury Free Press of 18th November 1916 reported:- TRIBUTE TO DECEASED BARTON MILLS SOLDIER - A CONSCIENTIOUS WORKER Mrs. W.Grinling of Worlington Cross Roads, Barton Mills, has received official notification of the death of her son, Sapper W.A.Grinling of the Royal Engineers, from malaria fever at No,42 General Hospital, Salonica, on Oct.6th. She has likewise received the following letter from his O.C., bearing testimony to the soldierly qualities of her son:- Base Signals, Salonika M.E.F. 7th October.1916 "Dear Mrs Grinling, Ere this you have doubtless learned of the sad death of you son, who after a couple of days' illness (malaria) passed peacefully and unconsciously away yesterday morning in one of the hospitals, where he received all the care that human skill could provide. One of his chums called to see him yesterday morning, but he was then unconscious, and died immediately afterwards, being buried late in the day. This same chum (Pioneer Lockey, Base Signals) saw his last remains laid to rest in the soldiers' cemetery out here, I was not advised of the time, and could not, therefore, I regret, be present. Your son worked in my section for many months, and as his O.C. I want ot say to you how sorry I am at his loss. He was a most conscientious worker, and undertook the best work he could to help his country in this fearful struggle for right. I commend you and your boy's friends to commit your care unto the Lord, who knoweth the sorrows of the way. Yours very sincerely J.Wright Lt., R.E." |
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