Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown War Memorial

In Memory of

Private William Dwyer

16286
18th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
Killed in Action 11th June 1916 Age 21

William was a younger brother of Sergeant Thomas Dwyer of 7, Atholl Street, Newton Common, Earlestown. There were two other brothers serving. Private P.J. Dwyer, after working at the Viaduct Works, joined the Regular Army in 1911 and, in 1916, was stationed in India with the 2nd Battalion of the Liverpool Regiment. Driver J. Dwyer who was 18 in 1916 but "who despite his youthful age, had already had two years service" according to the NEG of 1st September 1916. He was an apprentice at the Viaduct Works before enlisting in Kitchener's army. He was attached to 66th Brigade of the R.F.A.

Unlike his brother Thomas, who had several items about him published in both the Newton and Earlstown Guardian and the Warrington Guardian, it has been difficult to find an obituary for William. The Newton and Earlestown Guardian of September 1st 1918 recorded William being missing in action. Prior to enlisting, (his name is on the list of recruits published in the Newton and Earlestown Guardian on 21st May 1915) he had worked at the Sankey Sugar Works Co. One other piece of personal information available is that he was less than five feet three inches in height. This can be deduced from the fact that the 18th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers was recruited as a "bantam" battalion.

William's name is recorded on the Loos Memorial.