The Somme Remembered – 4th July 1916

William James Denton Milson was born in Beverley in 1890, the son of William Carr Milson and his wife, Ann Marie nee Cooper.

In 1909 William attested in Scarorough. By 1911  was a drummer in the 1st Btn Yorkshire Regiment, following in his father’s footsteps.  William Carr Milson had attested in 1885 aged 19. He was discharged at his own request on payment of £15 in 1884 – there must be an error in the typing as he was discharged before enlisting!  He must have at some time re-enlisted as he served in Egypt, South Africa, and the Cape Colony and was the recipient of medals for his service.  His character is described as being Very Good whist with the Colours.  He is described as being 5′ 5″ tall with a fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair.  He had a scar on his right leg and had the tattoo of a man on his right breast and an anchor etc., on his left forearm.

DCM via Wikipedia

Back to William jnr., William James Denton Milson served as sergeant7813 in the Yorkshire Regiment, and according to his Medal Card was in France by June of 1915. On the 15th of March 1916 he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).  His citation reads ‘7813 Sjt W J D Milsom (note the m in his name) 2nd Bn.  For conspicuous gallantry. Serjeant Milsom and Corporal Wilson organised a rescue party under heavy shell fire, and supervised and assisted in rescue work regardless of continuous sniping (15.3.16).

Yorkshire Regiment © Carol Sklinar

July 1916 arrived and with it one of the bloodiest battles – The Battle of the Somme. William during the first days of battle was injured and on the 4th day died of his wounds.  He rests in Corbie Communal Cemetery

C#orbie Communal Extension Cemetery via CWGC

Extension along with over 900 other identified casualties.  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission entry for the cemetery tells that the town became a medical centre and no. 5 and 21 Casualty Clearing Stations (CCS) based at La Neuville until October of 1916.

 Williams Medal Card tells that he was eligible for the 1915 Star along with the British and Victory Medals (Pip, Squeak and Wilfred).  His mother Annie Marie was the recipient of monies owed to her son, which were paid in two installments.  She would also have received his Memorial Plaque which is more popularly known as the ‘Dead Man’s Penny’ or ‘Death Penny’ and the accompanying scroll