Thiepval Memorial
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
William Buller, born Metal Bridge approximately 1890, son of Mr & Mrs David James Buller of 2, Ruby Terrace, Chilton and husband of Sarah Jane, 5, South Durham Cottages, Old Pit, Eldon, Bishop Auckland.
William enlisted at Ferry Hill in the West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own) 1st/5th Battalion, a Territorial Force part of Northumbrian Division. Initially stationed in and around the York area the battalion on April 15th 1915 embarked at Folkestone and landed April 16th at Boulogne, France. By May 15th 1915 the battalion became the 146 Brigade part of the 49th Division.
Private 21870 William Buller died July 15th 1916 in what is known in general terms as The Battle of the Somme. The War Diary for his battalion gives a list of officers and other ranks reported, “missing,” covering the period July 1st 1916 - November 1st 1918. July 15th 1916 reports only one soldier amongst the ranks as, “missing,” if the facts are correct this refers to William. He has no known grave, his sacrifice is recorded at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, Thiepval, Department de la Somme, Picardie, France. West Yorkshire Reg. Panel 2 A C & D. William was awarded The War Medal and the Victory Medal. He was 26 years old.
His widow Sarah Jane after his death received his back pay in the sum of £2 19s 9d.
In God’s Safe Keeping. Rest In Peace.
William Buller is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12
