Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Samuel Bishop a waggoner and shepherd, born 1851 in Thrussington, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Ann Bishop (nee Spibey married in the 4th quarter of 1876 in the Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire district), born 1857 in Rearsby, Leicestershire. William was born on the 14th July 1881 in Twyford, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Samuel, born 1884, Emma, born 1886, Fred, born 1888 and Rose, born 1890, all his siblings were born in Ashby Folville, Leicestershire, in April 1891 the family home was at Thorpe Road, Ashby Folville. In March 1901 William was absent from the family home at Main Street, Asfordby, Leicestershire, residing there was his father, a shepherd, his mother and siblings, George Thomas, a domestic under gardener, born 1877 in Thrussington, Emma, Fred, Rose and Ethel, born 1900 in Shoby Cottage, Leicestershire, William was employed as a farm horseman and was residing as a boarder at Pasture House, Asfordby. In April 1911 William was absent from the family home at Saxelbye Park Stables, Saxelbye, Leicestershire, residing there was his father, a shepherd and labourer, his mother and siblings, Emma and Ethel. William had an elder sibling, Annie Margaret, born 1879 in Twyford. William first entered the theatre of war in France on the 29th July 1915, he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 14 Jul-16 - FRICOURT. Battalion moved off at 12.15am and moved up to the southern edge of MAMETZ WOOD. Fairly heavy shelling. They reached the reserve position MAMETZ WOOD 500 yards west of the front edge at 3.20am just as intense bombardment of German trenches began, and either went into existing trenches or dug in. At 5.20am “B” Company (Captain ANDERSON) and 1 platoon of “A” Company moved over to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD to reinforce the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT They finally reached the north of the wood of village and as far as possible dug themselves in. They were mixed up with the 6th, 7th and 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Heavy casualties including all Company officers. At 6.00am remainder of “A” Company moved to German 1st line trench and started to consolidate it. 2 platoons of “C” Company taken to Brigade Headquarters for carrying. At 8.15am Lieutenant Colonel HAIG with “D” Company and ½ of “C” Company moved to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG had orders to take over defence on the north western and western edge of the wood which was being heavily shelled. At 8.45am “D” Company (Lieutenant NOLAN) directed on the north western corner of the wood to clear wood and dig in on the edge. 2 platoons of “C” Company in support trench with Battalion Headquarters. Between 9.00am and 12.00 noon “D” Company met with heavy opposition and reached forward support line but failed to clear wood. Lieutenant NOLAN was killed. Lieutenant de LISLE and Lieutenant SMITH were wounded. Between 12.00 noon and 3.00pm Germans threatened counter attack, very heavy shelling of all lines. “A” Company brought to Battalion Headquarters and 2 platoons sent to reinforce 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. At 12.00 noon Colonel KUMME, 2 officers and 30 men captured by “D” Company. Between 4.00pm and 7.00pm Brigadier came and ordered all available men to attack the north western edge of the wood. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG, Captain EMMETT and 2nd Lieutenant STEPHENS with about 50 men advanced roping in about 100 men of 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT as supports. Captain EMMETT with 40 men reached the north western edge of the wood and killed 4 German observers and attempted to charge the German trenches 50 yards from the edge of the wood. Captain EMMETT and 36 men were killed by machine gun fire. Meanwhile Lieutenant Colonel HAIG with the 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT and a few of the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT had reached the railway line and came under enfilade machine gun fire (Lieutenant STEPHENS was killed). The edge of the wood close to the village was cleared and a small drive was organised towards Captain EMMETTS party. They came under heavy sniping fire and Lieutenant HINCKLEY was wounded and most of his men killed or wounded. 7.00pm all posts started consolidating where they were. Patrols sent out constantly from the strong posts. Rough positions as below (On the Battalion Diary page a rough sketch shows the positions of the Companies). Between 9.00pm and 11.00pm heavy shelling and enemy rifle fire but no actual organised attack.
On Friday September 8th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – GRIMSTON MAN KILLED. The friends of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop, Grimston, will learn with regret that they have lost their son. Pte. William Bishop, of the --- Leicestershire having been killed in action. Pte. Bishop enlisted soon after the outbreak of the war, and went abroad in July, 1915. He was in the heavy fighting during the early part of July, and his death occurred on the 14th, the day on which he attained his 35th birthday. Pte. Bishop was a -?- man, and previous to his joining the colours, was in the employ of the Holwell Iron Company., later he was engaged in agricultural pursuits.