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Saturday 27 March 1915 - Death of Private W Marshall

Category World War I: News of men at the Front
Publication
The Evesham Journal
Transcription of article

BADSEY - DEATH OF PRIVATE W MARSHALL

Great regret was expressed in Badsey and the neighbourhood when it became known that Pte William Marshall, only son of Mrs H. Smith, of Badsey, had died from wounds received in action on March 15. Private Marshall was born on April 22nd 1893, and before the war broke out he was in the employ of Mr Arthur Jones, of Badsey. In August he tried to enlist, but he was twice refused on account of defective teeth. He tried again and was accepted on September 1st, joining the 3rd Worcesters. On December 18th, while he was undergoing his training, it was found that one of the sections going out from where he was quartered was four men short. Private Marshall volunteered to fill one of the vacancies; he was accepted and accordingly went to France. He received his baptism of fire on Christmas Day. All went well with him until about a fortnight ago, when a piece of shell struck him in the face. It was at first understood that the wound was not sufficiently serious for him to be taken to the hospital, but his friends have since been informed that he has died. Though no further particulars are forthcoming, Private Marshall, who was always known among his friends as “Marlow,” will be much missed. A muffled peal to his memory was rang at Badsey church on Tuesday night.