Lance Corporal 16607 William Johnson Moores

• Age: 50
• From: Bolton, Lancs
• Regiment: Royal Defence Corps 20th Btn
• Died on Sunday 30th December 1917
• Commemorated at: Bolton Astley Bridge
  Panel Ref: 3.DI.(CH) 38

William Johnson Moores was born in Bolton in 1867, the son of Thomas Moores and his wife Catherine (née Oldham).  William had younger siblings Robert, Thomas, James, and Emma.

In 1871 the family is found at 85 Talbot street, St. Helens. His father is an iron dresser. William  is 4.

At the time of the 1881 census William’s family is living with his uncle and family at 9 Abraham Street, Bolton. His father is an iron dresser, William is 13, working as a cotton winder.

William married Margaret Ellen Aspinall on 29th September 1888 at St John the Apostle Church in Bolton, his occupation is shown as an Iron dresser. They had 6 children; Thomas and Emma both sadly died in infancy, Catherine who died aged 4, Ellen, Clara and Annie. 

In 1891 they were living at 47 Keswick Street, Bolton.William is 23, an iron dresser, Margaret is 22.

The 1901 census finds them at 19 Wilton Street, Bolton.  William (birthplace given as St. Helens), is 32, an iron dresser.  Margaret is 31, Ellen 8, and Catherine 4. Sadly, Catherine died not long after the census. 

1911 shows the family living at 4 Wilton Street, Bolton, William is 43, his occupation is shown as iron dresser in an engineering works. His wife Margaret is 42, Ellen is 18, a winder in a cotton mill, Clara 9, and Annie 2.  Also living with them is 58-year old widow Ellen Aspinall. 

His wife Margaret died in 1916 aged 47.  

William initially served with the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 23978 before he transferred to the 320th Protection Coy of the Royal Defence Corps as Private 16607. He died at home on 30th December 1917 aged 50. He now rests at Bolton Astley Bridge Cemetery and was buried on the 03rd January 1918.

There are 47 First World War burials at the Cemetery.  

The R.D.C. was initially formed in March 1916 by converting the (Home Service) Garrison battalions of line infantry regiments. Garrison battalions were composed of soldiers either too old or medically unfit for active front-line service; the Home Service status indicated they were unable to be transferred overseas.  The role of the corps was to provide troops for security and guard duties inside the United Kingdom; guarding important locations such as ports or bridges. It also provided independent companies for guarding prisoner-of-war camps. 320th Coy came under Western Command.  No medal roll has been found, further indicating that William served at home.

The amount of the War Gratuity suggests that he enlisted in about July 1916, not long after the death of his wife.  His youngest daughter Annie would have been 7 years old, and Clara 15; it is possible that eldest daughter Ellen, who married in 1915, became their caretaker.

William’s death was announced in the Manchester Evening News on 31st December 1917: 

“William Johnson Moores, a Lance Corporal in the Royal Defence Corps, was on Sunday morning found dead at the foot of the stairs at 4, Wilton Street, Astley Bridge, Bolton, where he had been spending his Christmas leave with his daughter. He was 50 years old.”

The War Gratuity of £6-10s went to daughter Ellen. From the pension card in the name of his daughter Ellen Whittle, it is not clear whether a pension was awarded. His effects were shared by his daughters Ellen Whittle and Clara Moores.

Sadly, William has not been found on any memorial.

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