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Sapper William Harold Sadler

 

© Royston Williamson 2015
Photograph courtesy of Royston Williamson

Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.

William Harold Sadler Birth Registration Transcription © findmypast.co.uk
William Harold Sadler – Image from Official Birth Registration Indexes © findmypast.co.uk

William Harold Sadler was born on the 6th of September 1889 in Duncton, Sussex to carpenter Charles Edward Sadler and Mary Ann Sadler nee Denyer.

William’s mother was born in the 1st quarter of 1859 in North Chapel, Sussex, and his father, Charles Edward Sadler was born about 1859 in Fittleworth, Sussex. They married in the 1st quarter of 1880 in the Registration District of Petworth, Sussex.

William had six known siblings: Mary Jane Sadler born about 1882 Petworth, Sussex; George Sadler born about 1883 Duncton, Sussex; Annie Sadler born about 1887 Duncton, Sussex; Florence May Sadler born about 1889 Duncton, Sussex; Charles Edward Sadler born about 1893 Duncton, Sussex and Ethel Sadler born about 1897 in Barlavington, Sussex.

William Harold Sadler 1894 Duncton School Admissions Register © findmypast.co.uk
William Harold Sadler 1894 Duncton School Admissions Register © findmypast.co.uk

William was admitted on the 9th of April 1894 into the Duncton School in Sussex. At the time of the admission the family lived at Duncton.

William Harold Sadler 1891 Census © findmypast.co.uk
William Harold Sadler 1891 Census © findmypast.co.uk

At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Mill House, Duncton, Petworth, Sussex. Charles Edward was working as a carpenter and Mary Ann was looking after their children: Mary Jane, George, Annie, Florence May and William Harold.

William’s mother Mary Ann Sadler died in the 3rd quarter of 1898 in the Registration District of Petworth, Sussex.

William Harold Sadler 1901 Census © findmypast.co.uk
William Harold Sadler 1901 Census © findmypast.co.uk

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Burton Lodge Gate, Barlavington, Petworth, Sussex. The widowed Charles was working as an estate carpenter. The family further comprised of his children: Mary Jane, railway porter George, Florence May, William Harold, Charles Edward and Ethel.

William Harold Sadler 1911 Census © findmypast.co.uk
William Harold Sadler 1911 Census © findmypast.co.uk

At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived in New Street, Petworth, Sussex. Charles was working as a carpenter. The household further comprised of his children: Florence May, blacksmith’s journeyman William Harold and Ethel. Charles Edward Sadler stated that he had had eight children of whom seven were still alive. The accommodation had six rooms.

William Sadler enlisted on the 25th of January 1915 in Horsham, Surrey into the 126th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. He was a Sapper with regimental number 66131. Previously he had served in the 4th Battalion, the Sussex Regiment. At the time of the enlistment his residence is stated to be 78 West Street, Crawley, Sussex. His occupation was a skilled shoeing smith.

William disembarked on the 19th of December 1915 in France.

William Harold Sadler was killed in an action on the 12th of July 1916 in France. His body was never found.

William Harold Sadler Thiepval Memorial Roll of Honour © CWGC.org
William Harold Sadler Thiepval Memorial Roll of Honour © CWGC.org

 

William Harold Sadler Thiepval Memorial Rollof Honour © CWGC.org
William Harold Sadler Thiepval Memorial Rollof Honour © CWGC.org

He is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in France on Pier and Face 8A and 8D.

He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star.

William Harold Sadler was, according to his father Charles Edward Sadler, living with Mrs Annie E. Roberts. She became his sole legatee.

William Harold Sadler Soldiers Effects © ancestry.co.uk
William Harold Sadler Soldiers Effects © ancestry.co.uk

Annie E. Roberts received £10, 14s and 10d on the 7th of November 1916 and a further £6 on the 17th of July 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.

She was also entitled to receive his personal property and medals.

In September 1916 Mrs Roberts lived at The Cottages, Banstead, Surrey. In November 1916 she moved to Betchworth Park Lodge, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey.

Born Petworth
Lived Crawley, Sussex
Son of Charles Edward Sadler and Mary Ann Sadler nee Denyer
Enlisted Horsham
Regiment 126th Field Company, Royal Engineers
Number 66131
Date of Death 12th July 1916
Place of Death France
Cause of Death Killed in Action
Age 26
Memorial Thiepval Memorial, France
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