Photo : © Jean Atkinson
Original Battlefield Marker Photo © Jean Atkinson
De Ruvigny Roll of Honour Vol. 3 page 164
William Kennedy was born on the 5th December 1897 at Stamfordham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the third son of William, Burnshield Haugh, Steel, Riding Mill, Northumberland, and Agnes Dagg, eldest daughter of Henry Robson, of Graslees, Elsdon and Townshield, Haydon Bridge. William was one of six surviving children, the others were Mary, Jane, Henry, John, William and Robert. He was educated at Capheaton Council School, and was a shepherd prior to enlisting.
He was residing at Bardon Mill when he enlisted on the 12th September 1916 at Haltwhistle, Northumberland and joined the 3rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers 3/3872.
He served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the 10th April 1917, before transferring to the 1st Battalion, (14th Foot) The Prince of Wales Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment. He was in 'B' Company, Lewis Gun Section.
He was killed in action on the Lens-La-Bassee on the 4th October 1917.
Capt. Ambler wrote of him A good and keen soldier, always ready to do his job, and was esteemed and well thought of.
De Ruvigny Roll of Honour
Research: Jean Atkinson
