Pte 24484 William Archer Houseman

• Age: 18
• From: Halifax, Yorkshire
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• D.O.W Wednesday 12th July 1916
• Commemorated at: Abbeville Cc
  Panel Ref: V.E.11

William Archer Houseman was born in Halifax in the December quarter of 1897 the son of Frederick Houseman and his wife Mary (nee Wadsorth). Frederick and Mary had married in 1888 in Halifax.

The 1901 Census shows the family are living at 43 Woodside Road, Halifax.

His father, Frederick is a grocer's manager born in Halifax in 1859, whilst his mother, Mary, was born in Halifax in 1860. William is shown as Willie and is the youngest of two sons. His older brother is Charles F. born in Halifax in 1891. 

His mother Mary died on 26th March 1907 aged 47.

Frederick married Sarah Jane Greenwood in December 1908 at Halifax.

At the time of the 1911 Census the family have moved to Liverpool.

They are living at 59 Cowley Road, Walton.  His father's new wife is Sarah Jane born in West Vale, Yorkshire in 1876. Willie is the only child in the household and is 13 years of age and at school. 

He enlisted in Liverpool joining the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 24484. 

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain.

His father died in October 1915 prior to Willie's departure to France.

Willie died of wounds, received in the fighting at the Somme, on 12th July 1916, aged 18, he now rests at Abbeville Communal Cemetery, France. The Inscription on his headstone reads

"A NOBLE BOY AND WELL-BELOVED"


For much of the First World War, Abbeville was headquarters of the Commonwealth lines of communication and No.3 BRCS, No.5 and No.2 Stationary Hospitals were stationed there variously from October 1914 to January 1920. The communal cemetery was used for burials from November 1914 to September 1916, the earliest being made among the French military graves. The extension was begun in September 1916. During the early part of the Second World War, Abbeville was a major operational aerodrome, but the town fell to the Germans at the end of May 1940. On 4 June, an attempt was made by the 51st Division, in conjunction with the French, to break the German bridgehead, but without success. Towards the end of 1943, eight large ski shaped buildings appeared near Abbeville. These proved to be storage units for flying bomb components an they were heavily bombed by Commonwealth air forces. Abbeville was retaken on 4 September 1944 by Canadian and Polish units. Abbeville Communal Cemetery contains 774 Commonwealth burials of First World War and 30 from the Second. 


News of his death was reported in the local press:  

HOUSEMAN -  In friendship's memory of Private William A. Housman (4th Pals) in his 19th year, who died of wounds received in action, July 12, 1916 - Nita Gibson.

Soldiers Effects to brother Charles F. and pension to mother Sarah Jane.

Probate 17th Nov 1919 - William Archer of 8 Stafford Parade, Halifax, probate to Sarah Jane Housman widow and Charles Frederick Houseman civil servant. Effects £114 1s 8d.

Willie is commemorated on a family memorial at King's Cross Methodist New Connexion Cemetery in Halifax. The inscription reads :

In loving memory of Mary wife of F Houseman who died March 26th 1907 aged 47 years. 
Also William Archer youngest son who died of wounds received in action July 12th 1916 in his 19th year interred at Abbeville Cemetery, France
Also Frederick Houseman died 15th October 1915 aged 50 years
Also Sarah Ann the beloved wife of Frederick Houseman died March 6th 1938 aged 61 years 

We currently have no further information on William Archer Houseman. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.