Bombardier William Henry Wormald aged 21

William Henry Wormald was born on 26 August 1896 and was christened at St Mary’s on 1 November. In the 1901 census, the family is living at School House where his father William Henry Wormald was the School Teacher. In the 1911 census, he was living with his brother Patchett Wormald at 3 Thorn View, Luddenden. His parents William Henry and Anne (nee Patchet) both died a few years earlier. He attended St Mary’s Church and Sunday School. He was educated at Hebden Bridge secondary school and before he joined up he was a Sunday school teacher at St Mary’s, as was his father, and well liked. He served as a Lance Bombardier and signaller, with A Battery 256th Brigade Royal Field Artillery. A letter from the Chaplain states that he died of his wounds from a gas shell. The letter that his brother Patchet Wormald received from William Edleston shows the appreciation in which he was held. Another brother, John Frederick, also served in France, coming over with the Canadian troops. William was buried at St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France on 2 August.

He was awarded both the British and Victory medals and is remembered on the memorial at Hebden Bridge School.