Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown War Memorial

In Memory of

Lance Corporal William Garvey

11747
6th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment
Killed 16th April 1918 Age 34

The Newton and Earlestown Guardian of May 17th 1918 records that Mrs. Garvey of 10, Princes Street, Earlestown, had received official notice of the death of her son. The obituary also states that he left a widow and child. It is probable therefore that William and his wife were not living in the immediate area, though his mother was. SDGW gives his place of birth as Liverpool.

William was killed "in a railway accident caused by a gunpowder explosion" according to the newspaper report. He was formerly a striker at the Viaduct Works, but joined the Forces on the outbreak of war. He was one of four serving brothers; two were in France, one in India and one, Sapper John Ed. Garvey R.E., at the time of William's death, was in Birkenhead Hospital having been badly gassed.

William is buried in Baghdad (North Gate) Cemetery, Iraq, in Plot IV, Row F, Grave 8.

The Battalion War Diary suggests it was fairly quite at theis time with the battalion "carrying on all branches of Training."