Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Henry Wright, born 1858 in Eaton, Leicestershire and his wife Emma Wright (nee Widdowson, married on the 13th November 1888 in the Parish Church, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire), born 1865 in Cropwell Butler, Nottinghamshire. Willie was born in the 4th quarter of 1895 in Hose, Leicestershire. In March 1901 Willie was absent from the family home at Stathern Road, Harby, Leicestershire, residing there was his father a farm labourer, his mother and siblings, John Thomas, born 1890, Sarah Ann, born 1892 and Ruth Ellen, born 1899, all his siblings were born in Harby. In April 1911 Willie was employed as a general farm worker and was residing in the family home at Colston Lane, Harby, together with his father, a general farm labourer, his mother and siblings, Ruth, a schoolgirl, George Edward, born 1902 in Harby and Mary Elizabeth, born 1908 in New Cottages, Langar, Nottinghamshire.
On Friday August 31st 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS” – HARBY. MEMORIAL SERVICE.- A memorial service was held at the Parish Church last Sunday evening for Willie Wright, son of Mrs Wright, of Harby Bridge Cottages. Reported missing on September 25th 1916, official confirmation of his death was received last week. There was a large congregation present. A muffled peal was rung previous to the service. A suitable discourse was delivered and a solo from the “Crucifixion” was sung by Mr Jack Watson. At the close of an impressive service the “Dead March” was played, and the National Anthem sung. Great sympathy is felt for the relatives. Deceased has another brother fighting for King and country.
The War Diary records: 24-30 Sep-16 - East of TRONES WOOD. About 7.00pm on the 24th the Battalion marched up to take a position prior to making an attack the next day. Before they reached the position the enemy heavily shelled our men, several casualties resulting. At 12.30pm on the 25th the first attack was launched, the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT being in a position on the right of FLERS. The objective was the first German line, a distance of about 1000 yards from the trench from which the Battalion launched the attack. The attack was made in waves, each platoon forming a wave, and 2 waves going over at a time. The attack was launched with splendid heroism, the first objective was gained in about ¾ of an hour, the men then stopped a short time to consolidate their gain, and to allow the artillery barrage to lift. They then pressed on to their second objective which was the village of GUEDECOURT. By the time they reached the village their ranks were sadly thinner, by the tremendous artillery barrage the enemy put up, and by machine guns which wrought terrible havoc. Never the less with dauntless gallantry they pressed on reaching the village and engaging the enemy in hand to hand fighting, which took place all the night. In the morning the 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT relieved the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT in the village, and the enemy were finally driven out. The 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT were brought back to the second line of trenches, where they were relieved by the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT on the 28th. They then went back to SWISS TRENCH where they remained until relieved on the night of October 1st.