Rev. David Youngson has submitted the following:
2nd Lieutenant William Dobson SOULSBY
London Regiment 6th (City of London) Battalion (Rifles)
A Solicitor he was Admitted in February 1910 and practised at Blyth, Northumberland. Aged 23 at his Initiation on the 9th January 1912; Passed 13th February 1912 and Raised on the 9th April, 1912. He was a Steward of the Lodge in 1913, Organist in 1915 and was Junior Deacon from 1917.
He enlisted on the 4th April 1917 as a Private 5th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade). Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, London Regiment on the 29th February 1918. He was killed in action near Peronne on the 31st August 1918 and is buried in Hem Farm Military Cemetery, Hem-Monacu, France, Grave Reference I.I.13.
Extract from the Lodge Minutes dated 10th September 1918 “The Worshipful Master referred in suling terms to the death of Bro. W.D. Soulsby, Junior Deacon on active service. WBro Mason proposed and WBro T.C. Healley seconded that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow and son of the late Bro W.D. Soulsby, Junior Deacon.” A Memorial Service was held by the Lodge at the Zion United Methodist Church, Waterloo Road, Blyth on Sunday 15th September 1918 conducted by the Minister Bro. Revd W. Holroyde. A Summons to the Service is attached to the Lodge Minutes. The Brethren were requested to wear Dark Morning, White Ties and Gloves as emblems of innocence. A Memorial Plaque is in the hall of Blyth Masonic Temple and his name appears on the Blyth War Memorial.
He is remembered in Blyth on B42.06, B42.18, B42.24 and B42.32
