Thiepval Memorial
D.L.I. Memorial Book
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
William Lax was born 1896 in the district of Bishop Auckland, the son of William Lax (1863 Kirk Merrington - 1928 Bishop Auckland) and Catherine Bousfield (1860 Barnard Castle - 1947 Bishop Auckland), one of 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. His parents were married in 1884 and worked as a tailor. William (Jnr) at the age of 15 was working at the colliery as a driver underground, the entire family lived together at 6 East Avenue, Coundon.
Eleven months later he joined the Durham Light Infantry March 25th 1912. As a boy soldier, he was posted to Scarborough where he stayed from March 28th 1912 to August 11th 1912. He stayed in England as he was underage to go into any campaign abroad however when he turned 17 he was officially embodied into the 6th Battalion D.L.I., August 5th 1914 as 1504. Remaining in England he underwent training and was appointed Bugler December 12th 1914. April 19th 1915 William was sent to France, via Folkestone, landing in Boulogne, as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The 6th Battalion was part of the 50th Northumbrian Division, 151st Brigade. Due to huge losses in the field they were sent straight into battle around St. Julien and Gravenstaff ridge when they then withdrew towards Ypres in Belgium and participates in the Battles of Ypres 1915 and Battles of the Somme in 1916 including Flers-Courcelette, Battle of Morval and La Tansloy ridge. It was during the latter that Bugler/Private 1504 William Lax was killed in action. William has no known grave, his sacrifice is recorded on the Thiepval Monument to the Missing of the Somme, Thiepval, France, pier and face 14A and 15C. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal which were sent to his family at 9 Church Street, Coundon. William was 19 years old and unmarried.
William’s brother Thomas Lax born 1897 in the district of Bishop Auckland also enlisted as Private 022107 Royal Army Ordinance Corp, 50 Service Corp, B. E. F. serving in France. He rose to the rank of Lance Corporal, survived the Great War and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
William Lax is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12 and at Coundon onC117.01
