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Tracing Your Roots To Gallipoli

Remembering some of the Bolton men who lost their lives in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915

William Robert Simpson

William Robert SimpsonBolton Journal and Guardian 10 September 1915

MISSING IN GALLIPOLI

Information has been received in Bolton that Pte. William R. Simpson (19139), 1st Battalion, Border Regiment, has been wounded in the Dardanelles. Pte. Simpson, who resided at 181, Morris Green-lane, was a regular attender at Morris Green Sunday school, and was also a prominent football player. His father is serving in the King’s R.L.I., and is at present stationed in the Isle of Man.

Bolton Journal and Guardian 17 September 1915

Borderer Dies from Wounds

The roll of Bolton’s gallant dead has been further augmented by the name of Pte. W. R. Simpson (19139), 1st Battalion Border Regiment, who was wounded in Gallipoli. He was removed to the Bombay Presidency General Hospital, Alexandria, suffering from a serious wound in the body, but he later developed dysentery, and though it was hoped that he might recover, official notice of his death was received yesterday morning. Pte. Simpson, who enlisted in January, lived with his mother at 181, Morris Green-lane, but he married in May, and left for his training ground two days later. His wife lives at 17, Gordon-street, Daubhill. He was a regular attender at Morris Green Sunday School, and was a prominent player in connexion with the school football team. The brave young fellow was a side piecer at the Dove Spinning Mill. His father is serving in the King’s R.L.I., and is at present stationed in the Isle of Man.

William was the eldest son of Thomas Edmund Simpson b.1868, a labourer for Bolton Corporation, and Lilian Simpson née Cooey b.1873.

He first appeared on the 1901 census living at 39 Durham Street, Bolton with his parents and brothers Thomas Edmund b.1898 and John b.1900.

By 1911 the William was living at 181 Morris Green Lane, Bolton with his parents, brothers Thomas Edmund and John and sisters Lilian b.1903 and Evelyn b.1909.

William married Elizabeth Ormston b.1896 at St Philip's Church Bolton in May 1915

His medical examination on enlistment in the Army recorded him as being 5' 3" tall and weighing 117 lbs.

 

Name Simpson, William Robert
Rank Private
Number 19139
Unit 1st Bn
Border Regiment
Born Bolton, Lancashire
1892
Enlisted Bolton, Lancashire
Died Alexandria, Egypt
3 September 1915
Age 23
Grave or Memorial Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Cemetery, Egypt
CWGC DETAILS
border-reg