Pte 16167 William Reginald Corlett

• Age: 23
• From: Rock Ferry, Cheshire
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• Died Tuesday 17th December 1918
• Commemorated at: Cologne South Cem Germany
  Panel Ref: I.A.2

William Reginald (Reg) was born in Rock Ferry on 29th August 1895 the son of William Thomas and his wife Eleanor Isabella (nee Crowe). His parents married 22nd June 1890 in the Parish Church, Maughold, Isle of Man.

The 1901 Census shows the family are living at 160 New Chester Road, New Ferry, Cheshire. William Reginald is incorrectly recorded as 3 years of age. His father, William Thomas is a 36 year old foreman (joiner) born in Ramsey, Isle of Man, whilst his mother, Eleanor Isabell is 32 years of age and was born in Kirk Michael, Isle of Man. Reg has two siblings living in the household; John aged 10 who was born in Ramsey, Isle of Man and Gladys Eleanor aged 3 born in Rock Ferry.

Reg’s brother John sadly drowned in Peel, Isle of Man in 1904.

By 1911 the family have moved to 13 Bolton Road, Lower Bebbington. Reg is now 15 and described as a junior clerk. His parents are both in the household. His father is described as a 46 year old soap manufacturers worker. His parents advise that they have been married for 20 years and have had six children of whom four have survived. Those siblings recorded in the household are; Gladys aged 14, George aged 9 born in Port Sunlight and Doris aged 7 also born in Port Sunlight. Also present is Jessie Crowe described as a niece. 

As a young man Reg was in the local Boys Brigade and was a fine gymnast as highlighted in the Birkenhead News of 05th July 1913: 

PORT SUNLIGHT

Boys Brigade Prize Winners

Three years' service anchors - For three years' continuous service with good conduct: Col.-Sgt W. R. Corlett

Non-commissioned officers' proficiency certificates with honours, for proficiency in drill and theory: Col.-Sgt W. R. Corlett

One year Efficiency Badges for good conduct throughout the session, and not more than three absent marks in all from company drill and bible class. Attendance at evening education classes counted as drill: Col.-Sgt W. R. Corlett

Swimming certificates, first class. - Col.-Sgt W. R. Corlett

Ambulance certificates and badges - first year. - Col.-Sgt W. R. Corlett

Buglers' certificates and badges. - Col.-Sgt W. R. Corlett

Signalers' badge, - Col.-Sgt W. R. Corlett

Non-Commissioned Officers' Appointment Certificates: Col.-Sgt W. R. Corlett.

He was one of a number of employees who joined the Liverpool Pals from Lever Brothers based at Port Sunlight. He enlisted at St George's Hall  in Liverpool on 02nd September 1914 joining  the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 16167. He was described as being 19 years and 4 days old, 5'5 1/4 inches tall, weighed 121lbs and is described as being of sallow complexion with fair hair and blue eyes. 

From the 23^rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until 03^rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th 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. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

Whilst at Knowsley he was made unpaid Lance Corporall on 22nd January 1915 before becoming paid Lance Corporal whilst based at Belton Park on 29th May 1915.

Once in France, William attended Grenade school on 26th February 1916 and was granted leave  from 07th May  - 19th May 1916. His father died in the March quarter of 1916. Reg was granted a good conduct badge in September 1916 for two years’ service and was promoted to the rank of Corporal on 10th April 1917. He was granted leave  again from 26th August - 12th September 1917. Upon his return to France he reverted to the rank of Private at his own request on 29th September 1917. 

Reg was taken Prisoner of War on 23rd March 1918 at Ham during the German Spring Offensive. He was held at Limburg POW camp (northwest of Frankfurt), and previously at Giessen (north of Frankfurt).His father, living at 13 Bolton Road, Port Sunlight, Cheshire, was notified on 09^th April 1918 that Reg was Missing. 

His capture was reported in the Birkenhead News on the 15th May 1918

News has come to hand that Bandsman W. R. Corlett of the King's Liverpool Regiment is now a prisoner of war in Germany. He was posted as missing from March 21st. He is the eldest son of the late W.T. and Mrs Corlett of 22 Haddon Road, Rock Ferry, joined up in 1914 and had been out in France since August 1915. Prior to enlisting he was employed by Messrs. Lever Brothers at their branch office in Liverpool as stock clerk, and had been there seven years. He is 23 years of age. His mother has received a postcard from him in stating he was quite well.

Reg was held captive until the end of the war. He sadly died of pneumonia on 17th December 1918, aged 23, a victim of Spanish Flu, and now rests at Cologne Southern Cemetery. 

In 1922 it was decided to concentrate the graves of servicemen who had died in Germany into four cemeteries at Kassel, Berlin, Hamburg. and Cologne.  Over the course of the following year graves were transferred to Cologne Southern Cemetery from over 180 different burial sites

His personal belongings were sent to his mother on 04th December 1919. She was then living at 22 Haddon Road, Rock Ferry. These effects were shoulder titles, cap badge, passport, 2 identify discs, letters, photos, 1 pipe, 1 pocket book, photo frame, 1 cigarette case, 1 watch broken and chain, 1 wallet, 1 razor in case, 1 cigarette lighter, 1 key ring & chain, 1 banjo in case, nail cleaner, compass, metal ring.

A close up of his photo on the site reveals the wrist watch and metal ring returned with his personal property. Also the Drummers badge just above his Corporal stripes.

Two sets of Soldiers Effects to mother Eleanor, brother George, sisters Gladys and Doris, Pension to mother Eleanor I.

Reg is commemorated on the following Memorials:

St Peter's Church, Rock Ferry 

Port Sunlight Boys Brigade

Lever Brothers Port Sunlight.

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

Grateful thanks are extended to Les Corlett, the Great Nephew of Reg who has kindly allowed use of the wonderful photograph of Reg and also for biographical details.