William Henry Charles's Story.
Birkenhead News 29 July 1916“Not Afraid to Die.”
CORPORAL ASKEW, ROCK FERRY, KILLED.
Mr. and Mrs. Askew, of 13, Eldon Road, Rock Ferry, have received news of the death in action of their second son, Corporal William Askew, who was killed on July 12th whilst serving with the 17th Service Battalion (“Pals”), K.L.R.
This young soldier – he was 24 years of age – was home only last June looking fit and well. From his Captain Mr. and Mrs. Askew have received the following sympathetic letter :- “I am writing to say how deeply I sympathise with you on the death of your son, Corporal Askew. He has been in this company from the start, and the men of his platoon were very fond of him indeed, and would follow him anywhere. He was a very fine man, and one whom we all liked and shall miss him very much. I have lost, by the death of your son and others of this Company, some friends whom I shall always remember for their fine bearing and behaviour during great hardships.”
His friend, Lance-Corpl. John A. Hailing, writes :- “When our Company went into action last Willie did not go with us, as he had been put in charge of a carrying party in the village behind the lines. I might just mention that we suffered rather heavily in the attack, and I thought that Wille would be quite all right behind the lines. Unfortunately, on the 12th inst., the night we were relieved, the Germans bombarded the village where he was, and Willie and another pal of mine were both killed by the bursting of a shell. Next day, when I learnt of the sad news, I immediately went and saw those who were with him during his last moments, and they all assured me that he suffered no pain, his last words being that he was not afraid to die. He died like a true and brave soldier. We have had a number of losses in our platoon, but I can honestly say that none have been more missed that Willie. He was always cheerful and happy even under the most adverse circumstances, and I have been asked by all his comrades in the platoon to tender you their deepest sympathy.”
The late Corporal had been employed by the Marine Insurance Co., Liverpool, for ten years, and had gained the affection and respect of his business friends. He was a very keen golfer, and often played on the Prenton golf links. He belonged to the Richmond A.F.C. Two other sons are serving.