Soldier Record

Billy was the son of Frederick and Emma Harrison of South Coates Station, Hull. He enlisted in the Hull Commercials on the 3rd Sept 1914. In Mar 1915 he was promoted Sgt and went with the Bn to The Somme. The Hull Bde was in reserve on the 1st July when the other Pals Bns of the 31st Division attacked at Serre. However, in Nov the Hull men led another attack north of the village. Billy aquitted himself well and was recommended for a commision. He returned to England for selection and duly passed and was to have joined the tank corps as an officer. Before this could take place he reioned his unit and regrettably was killed on the 26th Feb 1917. Billy with his Officer and men were following the German retreat to the newly prepared Hindenberg Line. At Rosignol Wood the Germans fought a brief holding action and Billy, his Officer, a corporal and 4 other men were killed. They are all buried side by side in Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps. Comrades in Arms.