Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Boulger a groom, born 1866 in Kildare, Ireland and his wife Kate Boulger (nee Gray, married in the 3rd quarter of 1890 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1866 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. John Willie was born in the 4th quarter of 1890 in Melton Mowbray, also residing with the family was John’s cousin, Frances E. Smith, born 1877 in Draycott, Wiltshire, in April 1891 the family home was at Granby Square, Rutland Street, Melton Mowbray. In March 1901 John was residing in the family home at 2, Granby Terrace, Rutland Street, Melton Mowbray together with his father, a groom, his mother and siblings, George, born in the 1st quarter of 1892, James Edward, born 1895, Thomas Herbert, born 1898 and Dora, born 1899, all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 John was absent from the family home at 16, Cottesmore Avenue, Melton Mowbray, residing there was his mother, a laundress, and his siblings, George, an iron foundry worker, James, Thomas and Dora. His younger brother George fell in action in September 1915. John first entered the theatre of war in France on the 13th July 1915, he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 24 May-17 – MONCHY LE PREUX. Lieutenant Colonel CONNOLLY leaves to take command of 162 Brigade ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY. Major R. W. DUFF assumes command of 63rd Brigade, ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY. 63rd Brigade ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY. S.O.S. lines as follows. 0.8.d.59. – 0.8.b.4540. – 0.8.b.39.
The War Diary records: - 24-25 May-17 – MONCHY LE PREUX. Batteries of 12 guns constantly shelled by 15 and 21 cm batteries. 2 18 pounders and one Howitzer knocked out.
On Friday June 22nd 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – MORE LOCAL SOLDIERS KILLED. On Saturday afternoon Mrs Boulger, 16, Cottesmore Avenue, Melton Mowbray, received official notification from the War Office of the death of her son, Pte. William Boulger, killed in action. Deceased was formerly in the employ of Mr Fred Watchorn, Scalford Road, afterwards removing to Nottingham, from which city he enlisted. Mrs Boulger’s youngest son Herbert is in hospital at Boulogne suffering from gunshot wounds. His younger brother George also fell in action.
On Friday May 10th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MISSING MELTONIANS. – Mrs. Boulger, 16, Cottesmore-avenue, Melton Mowbray, has been officially informed that her son, Pte. Thomas H. Boulger, Notts and Derby Regiment, was posted as missing after an engagement in the field between March 21st and 23rd. He was the youngest of four brothers who all enlisted, and before joining up two years ago was in the employ of Mr. Edward Perkins, J.P., wholesale grocer, Market-place. His eldest brother Gunner John William Boulger, R.F.A., was killed on May 25th, 1917, and his next brother, Corpl. George Boulger, Leicester’s met with his death in September, 1915. His only surviving brother Driver James Boulger R.F.A., has been out at the front since August 1914.