Photo : Illustrated Chronicle

Photo: IWGC [now the CWGC]

William Summers was the youngest son of Matthew and Elizabeth Ann Summers, of 36, Kingsgate, Hexham, Northumberland. William worked at W.H. Smiths at Hexham Railway Station as an assistant to Mr Cunliffe.

William was chorister at Hexham Abbey and was a member of the Guild of Bell ringers.

He enlisted in August 1914 with the Northumberland Fusiliers, however after being involved at the second battle of Ypres, it was discovered that William was under age and was sent home forthwith. He re-enlisted in October 1916 and was stationed in Ireland until August 1917.

Posted to the Highland Infantry then the Scottish Rifles.

William was killed instantaneously by a shell which hit part of the trench system with a working party. Three others were killed and a Corporal was seriously wounded.

His story is told in The Faith and Fire Within: In memory of the men of Hexham who fell in the Great War. Alan Isaac Grint; 2006; Ergo Press; ISBN 0 9552758 1 4; 978 0 9552758 1 4

William Summers is remembered in Corbridge on C52.05 and in Hexham on H51.03, H51.06, H51.26, H51.30 and H51.51

Durham & Newcastle Diocesan Association of Church Bellringers
The CWGC entry for Private Summers