William Greenwood
[1893-1918]



William Greenwood was the son of Enoch Greenwood.

He was a lifelong member of Cross Stone Sunday School / a cotton warehouse man [1911] / working in the warehouse at Millstead's Mill.

During World War I, and he served as a Private with the 1st/10th Battalion Manchester Regiment.

The Todmorden & District News [12th April 1918] published a message from William:


In loving remembrance of Pte. Harry Williams, 473047, 42nd Canadians, who fell in action April 9th, 1917, in France.

"Through death to life."

- From his pal Pte. W. Greenwood, 1/10 Manchesters, "somewhere in France"

 

The Todmorden Advertiser & Hebden Bridge Newsletter [19th July 1918] published a letter from William:


Sirs, Having seen in the "Advertiser" dated July 5th, that any Todmorden soldier in need of a concertina could have one by applying to your office. I should be very pleased if you could send me one out as it will help to pass the time when out of the trenches, and also help us to forget a little of the war. I think the last one we had was lost when we went into action in March, and we have been unable to get one since.

My address is as follows:

Pte. W. Greenwood,
21217, 18 Platoon, D Co.,
1st 10th Manchester Regiment.

By the way, I may say, I keep seeing a few of the lads from the old town, as the Lanc. Fus. are in our division, and we are able when time and Fritz permits to have a talk of the old town.

- I remain, One of the Boys, Pte. W. Greenwood

 

The Todmorden Advertiser & Hebden Bridge Newsletter [2nd August 1918] published


This week we have sent off two more musical instruments to our soldiers who have asked for them – a concertina to Pte. F. Alden of the 1st 8th L.F., and a melodeon (kindly given by Mr John Sutcliffe of Harehill Street) to Pte. W. Greenwood, 1st 10th Manchester Regiment
 

William died 8th November 1918 (aged 25).

The Todmorden & District News [22nd November 1918] reported his death


Private William Greenwood, 10th Manchesters, killed in action by a shell splinter in the back of his neck whilst helping to bandage up a wounded comrade, aged 25.

He joined the Lancashire Fusiliers soon after the outbreak of war and was discharged due to varicose veins in the leg. He went to Manchester Infirmary for an operation to have the veins removed, then joined the 10th Manchesters in January 1915

 

The Todmorden Advertiser & Hebden Bridge Newsletter [6th December 1918] published his photograph.

He was buried at Hautmont Communal Cemetery, France [Grave Ref IV D 2].

He is remembered in the Todmorden Garden of Remembrance




© Malcolm Bull 2023
Revised 11:30 / 16th December 2023 / 5357

Page Ref: Y10

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