MORSE William

There is no record of this casualty on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

William Morse enlisted as Private 1097 in the Gloucestershire Regiment on 17th April 1885. On his attestation paper he gave his age as 18 years, his place of birth as Horsley near Nailsworth, Gloucestershire and his occupation as a Labourer. His next of kin was his mother, Alice Morse, Horsley Hill near Nailsworth, Gloucester. He was 5 feet 5 inches tall with grey eyes, light hair and a sallow complexion.

William served with the regiment at home until 17th April 1892 when he was transferred to the army reserve on expiration of his term of service. He re-engaged for a further four years of service from 1897, being recalled for posting on 22nd March 1900 and serving in South Africa from 6th April 1900 to 9th March 1901. He was discharged on 16th April 1902 after serving 17 years with the regiment.

William Morse rejoined the army at Cheltenham on 20th March 1915, serving once again with the Gloucestershire Regiment on home service. His next of kin was now his wife, Mary of Hyde Hill, Chalford. The couple had 5 children ranging in age from 13 years of age down to 3 years of age. William was transferred to the Royal Defence Corps on 25th April 1914 before being discharged as no longer physically fit for war service on 21st August 1916 due to chronic nephritis and dilation of the heart.

The death of William Morse aged 46 (age given as 49 on army discharge papers) is registered in the September Quarter 1916 under the Stroud Registration District.