680177 GNR. W. LIVESEY.  R.F.A.

 

I am not certain about the biographical information for William Livesey.  Sodiers’ Effects tell us that his mother’s name was Ellen.  SDWG tell us that he was born and enlisted in Preston.  The only match I can find in the Censuses is a William Livesey, born 1896 in Lancaster, but whose family came from Preston and moved back to the town in 1900.  His mother was Ellen Gardner (b. 1872 in Lancaster).  His father was William James Livesey (b. 1869 in Preston), a railway shunter.  This would mean William was underage when he enlisted so there may be another family link.  If you know who this man is, please get in touch.

 

As for William’s military career, we know he was in the Territorials and when he enlisted he was given service number 1153.  He was posted to “A” Battery in 276 Brigade and landed with his Division in France on 30 September 1915.  His service number was later changed to 680177.

 

The War Diary reports that on 9 June 1917, 276 Brigade carried out special operations in connection with a raid by 1/4th Royal Lancaster Regiment on Ibex Trench, and on 10-12 June they “vigorously engaged in retaliation for hostile fire on our trenches.  D/276Bty carried out special neutralising fire on various enemy batteries”.  William Livesey was killed in action on 12 June 1917. 

 

Rank:  Gunner

Service No:  680177

Date of Death:  12/06/1917

Regiment/Service:  Royal Field Artillery, “A” Bty, 276 Bde.

Cemetery/memorial reference:  I. A. 3.

Cemetery/Memorial:  VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

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