Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Alfred Garrett, a bricklayer’s labourer, born 1843 in Thurlaston, Leicestershire and his wife Harriett Garrett (nee Corbett, married on the 23rd May 1866 in Thurlaston Parish Church), born 1848 in Thurlaston. William, a schoolboy, was born in the 4th quarter of 1884 in Thurlaston and was baptised on the 1st February 1885 in Thurlaston Parish Church, his siblings were, John, a quarry worker, born 1868 and was baptised on the 5th April 1868 in Thurlaston Parish Church, Frances Ann, a schoolgirl, born 10th April 1878 and baptised on the 21st July 1878 in Thurlaston Parish Church and Alfred, a schoolboy, born 1887 and was baptised on the 6th March 1887 in Thurlaston Parish Church, all his siblings were born in Thurlaston, in April 1891 the family home was in Thurlaston. In the 4th quarter of 1900, in the Blaby, Leicestershire district, William’s father died, aged 57. In March 1901 William was employed as a wagoner and was residing in the family home at Desford Road, Thurlaston, together with his widowed mother, living on her own means and his Niece, Frances H. Bennett, born 1889 in Brauunston, Leicestershire and Nephew, Stephen Bennett, born 1895 in Thurlaston. William also had the following siblings, Mary, born 1870 and baptised on the 3rd July 1870 in Thurlaston Parish Church, Eliza, born 1872 and baptised on the 29th September 1872 in Thurlaston Parish Church and Louisa, born 1882 and baptised on the 23rd March 1882 in Thurlaston Parish Church the three siblings were all born in Thurlaston. William married Henrietta Middleton on the 20th February 1911 in St. Michael’s Church, Belgrave, Leicester, Henrietta was born on the 5th May 1886 in Huncote, at the time of their marriage William was residing in Dunstall near Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. In April 1911 William was employed as a groom and was residing in the family home at 113, Commercial Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, together with his wife Henrietta. In 1939 William’s widow Henrietta was residing at 9, Eunice Avenue, Huncote, together with their son, Shirley, a driver and assistant motor mechanic, born 22nd June 1914.
William was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 12 Ap-16 - In reserve trenches. Battalion on fatigues all day repairing bund along SUWAIKEH MARSH.