BAYLIS William

Surname spelt Bayliss on Soldiers Died in the Great War and Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

1901 Census
Little Angel St., Worcester
William Bayliss, age 4, born Worcester.
With parents William, age 36, Hairdresser; Ada, age 25; and 1 younger sister, all born Worcester

1911 Census – unable to locate

Entered the French theatre of war on the 18th February 1915. Awarded the Victory, Star and British War Medals.

War Memorial Committee – “Sent in response to an advertisement in the Press. This man is also marked as dead on the “Roll of Honour” but not transferred to “R.I.P” list.”

Berrow’s Worcester Journal, 29th July 1916:
Pte William Bayliss
Mr Bayliss, hairdresser, Little Angel Street, has received official information that his son, Pte William Bayliss, Worcestershire Regt., was killed in action on the 5th inst. Pte Bayliss enlisted just after the outbreak of war, and was wounded at the Battle of Loos, after which he was home for a short leave. He was 20 years of age, and spent two birthdays in the trenches.

Mr Bayliss, hairdresser, Little Angel Street, whose son Pte W Bayliss was reported killed on Monday, received a letter of sympathy from the Chaplain of the Worcestershire Regiment, in which he says: “It is with greatest respect and sympathy that I have to inform you of the death, in action of your son, which took place on the 5th July, in the great battle near —– He was killed by a shell which exploded near him, while he was gallantly working a machine gun. Death was instantaneous, and he can have suffered no pain. I much regret that because of the conditions at the time he had to be buried where he fell. If, however, it becomes possible later on the mark his grave, you may be sure this will be done. His Commanding Officer, Company Officer, and comrades all send you their entire sympathy. I know what a bitter blow this will be to you, but I pray that God may give you strength to bear it and that you may find comfort in the thought that your son died nobly for King and country.”

A photograph of Private William Bayliss can be found in Berrow’s Worcester Journal Supplement, Saturday 29th July 1916, available at Worcestershire Archives.

William Bayliss has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Thiepval Memorial.