William's Story.
EARLY LIFE
William Pickford was born in Sutton, south Macclesfield in 1880, the son of Emily and John Watkin Pickford, a labourer. In 1881, one-year-old William was living at 50 Byrons Street, Sutton, south Macclesfield with his parents and siblings Emma (14), Henry (8), Annie (6) and Louisa (4).
In 1902, William married Annie Bourne at St James Church, Sutton, near Macclesfield, and by 1911 he was working as a gardener and living at 62 Langley with his wife and children Gladys (3) and Violet (11 months).
Annie later lived at Kemp Croft, Sutton Lane Ends, Macclesfield.
WW1 SERVICE
William attested in Macclesfield in December 1915 and after training was drafted to France on 16 September 1916. He was wounded in the left shoulder in January 1917 and repatriated to England for treatment. After his recovery, in August 1917 Private Pickford returned to his unit in France.
The death of Private Pickford was reported in the Macclesfield Times on 22 March 1918:
A LANGLEY SOLDIER - PTE PICKFORD DIES IN FRANCE - notification has been received of the death in hospital in France of Pte William Pickford, South Lancs Regt, of 62, Langley. He died from septic poisoning, following the formation of an abcess on the knee, in connection with which an operation was performed, but without success. Private Pickford enlisted early in 1916, and after twelve months' training was drafted out to France. He was wounded and on recovery was sent out to France again about seven months ago. In civilian life deceased was for many years gardener to the late Mr Wm. Whiston, J.P., C.A. Pte Pickford was 38 years of age and leaves a wife and two children. He attended St James Church, Sutton, and was an old member of St John's Bible Class.
Mrs Pickford has had several letters of sympathy, including one from Second-Lieut Molyneux, who states that deceased was a good soldier and well liked by his pals.
COMMEMORATION
Private William Pickford is buried in grave ref I. C. 14. at Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, France. His widow asked for the inscription NEARER MY GOD TO THEE. ABIDE WITH ME. FROM LOVING WIFE & CHILDREN SADLY MISSED. to be added to his headstone. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission holds casualty details for Private William Pickford.
Locally, William Pickford is commemorated on the Langley, Sutton (Walker Lane) and Sutton (St James Church) war memorials.
SOURCES
GRO (England & Wales) Index: Births, Marriages
Cheshire Parish Marriage Registers (FindMyPast)
Census (England & Wales): 1881, 1911
WWI British Army Service Records 1914-1920 (Find My Past)
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Macclesfield Times: 22 March 1918, 23 September 1921 (photo supplement)
Research by Rosie Rowley, Macclesfield.