Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Joseph Dunkley, a gas labourer, born 1854 in Towcester, Northamptonshire and his wife Sarah Jane Dunkley (nee Travil, married in the 4th quarter of 1891 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1868 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. William was born in the 3rd quarter of 1892 in Melton Mowbray, his siblings were, Russell Travil, born on the 23rd August 1889, Dorothy, born 1894 and Joseph born 1896, the latter three siblings were all born in Melton Mowbray and Benjamin, born 12th April 1900 in Northamptonshire, in March 1901 the family home was in Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 William was employed as a Midland Railway labourer and was residing at 10, Timber Hill, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a general labourer, his mother and siblings, Russell, a general labourer, Dorothy, a mill worker, Joseph, a shoe trade worker, Benjamin, a schoolboy, Ivy May, a schoolgirl, born 28th February 1903 and Frank, a schoolboy, born 6th February 1906, the latter two siblings were both born in Melton Mowbray. In the 3rd quarter of 1917 in the Melton Mowbray district, William married Beatrice Eleanor Brown, who was born on the 24th December 1895 in Buxton, Derbyshire. In the 2nd quarter of 1919 in the Leicester district, William’s widow married Arthur Norton, born 11th June 1896 in Leicester. Beatrice died in October 1986 in Oxford. William’s younger brother Joseph died from pneumonia in November 1918. William was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
On Friday September 14th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – MARRIAGES. DUNKLEY – BROWN.- On August 28th, at the Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, by the Rev. Canon Blakeney, Pte. William Dunkley, Leicestershire Regt., second son of Mrs J. Dunkley, to Beatrice Eleanor, second daughter of Mr R. P. Brown, both of Melton Mowbray.
The War Diary records: 1 Oct-17 - FRONT LINE. The night was extremely quiet, the absence of hostile shelling was particularly noticeable. At 5.30am a heavy hostile barrage was placed on the front line, and 100 yards west of the road in J.10.a central. This was maintained until 6.00am when it became evident that a hostile counter attack on the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT was in progress. The S.O.S. was sent up by the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT on the right, also by this Battalion, and a heavy barrage was placed on and in front of the enemy lines. Heavy Lewis Gun and rifle fire was immediately brought to bear on the threatened flank. A few minutes after 6.00am, a message was received from the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT that the enemy had gained possession of their front line. About 6.30am, small parties of the enemy were seen about JOIST FARM J.10.d.2.0 moving by short rushes towards our right front line Company and threatening to turn the right flank of the Battalion. Heavy Lewis Gun and rifle fire was opened on the enemy, who suffered casualties and were unable to make any progress down the slope towards the front line. About this time the intensity of our barrage lessened, and towards 7.00am ceased altogether. Between 7.00 and 10.30am the enemy made repeated attempts to advance against the open flank of the Battalion, but was driven back on each occasion by rifle and Lewis Gun fire. During this period it was found that the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT had been reinforced by two Companies of the 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT and were holding the line of the road running north and south in J.10.a. A defensive flank was formed from the right flank of “B” Company J.10.d.35.50 to Battalion Headquarters at J.10.c.5.5. The right support Company (“A”) moved up to the road and linked up with Battalion Headquarters on the left, and the left Company of the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT on the right. At 10.15am Captain J. B. MATTHEWS with the left support company (“D”) moved from its position J.10.a.3.2 in order to make a counter-attack against the enemy holding the high ground in the vicinity of JOIST FARM. Unfortunately Captain J. B. MATTHEWS M.C. was killed instantly by a sniper when making a personal reconnaissance preparatory to the attack, and at 10.30am the hostile artillery put down a heavy barrage on the east side of POLYGON WOOD consequently this counter thrust did not materialise. This heavy hostile barrage was kept up until 1.00pm at which hour the shelling ceased, but no further hostile attack took place. At 2.00pm small parties of the enemy were seen moving about the south west edge of JETTY WARREN, but were dispersed by rifle fire, Shortly afterwards a hostile Machine Gun opened traversing fire along the road in J.10.c central, and Lieutenant Colonel UTTERSON D.S.O. was hit in the arm by a bullet. At 3.10pm a determined effort was made by the enemy 10 or 12 strong to move down the slope from JOIST FARM towards Battalion Headquarters but the attempt was stopped by rifle fire from the Battalion Headquarters concrete emplacement, the enemy retiring and leaving several dead behind them. No further attempt to advance was made by the enemy and the remainder of the afternoon passed quietly. At 6.10pm the S.O.S. signal was put up by the Brigade on the right and an exceptionally heavy barrage was placed on the enemy lines by our artillery. No hostile attack developed and at 8.00pm the barrage ceased. At 8.05pm the enemy attempted a counter-attack against the ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS on the left. The S.O.S. was again sent up and a second barrage of an hour’s duration was placed on enemy lines. The counter attack was beaten back with loss to the enemy. The remainder of the night passed quietly and at dawn a protective barrage was formed by our artillery lasting for 15 minutes.
On Friday October 12th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – MELTON SOLDIER’S KILLED. Mrs Dunkley, who lives at 10, Timber Hill, Melton Mowbray, has this week received the following letter relating to her son, Pte. William Dunkley, of the Leicester’s:- “Oct. 4th. Dear Madam, - Just a few lines to let you, and also his wife, know the sad news about Bill being killed on Oct. 2nd, somewhere in Belgium. I am very sorry for you and his wife. He was a nice pal to me out here -----. It was hard, and him just been married too. I did not see him killed, but I inquired about him in his Company when we came out of action. Bill and another chap were killed together, and three others wounded, whilst in a shell hole -----. You may have heard before you receive my letter, but I thought I would write, seeing that I know you all so well at home. Bill was killed by a German bomb, so I was told by some pals in the Company. Well I am sorry for you with all my heart. I remain, your true friend Jack Wall.” Deceased, who was 25 years of age, joined the colours on August 10th 1917 (sic), and had been at the front a year and seven months up to the time he came home on leave on August 26th, last in order to be married. The wedding took place on August 28th, and he returned to France the following Saturday. For a number of years he was in the employ of the Midland Railway Company in Melton. Much sympathy will be felt for his widowed mother, and his wife, who resides in Leicester. Two of his brothers are serving.
On Friday November 9th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading.“BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATHS. – In loving memory of Private William Dunkley, Leicester Regt., killed in action Oct. 2nd, 1917, somewhere in Belgium. Aged 25 years.
I loved him in life, he is dear to me still.
But in grief I must bend to God’s only will.
Only those who have lost are able to tell.
Of the pain at my heart in saying farewell.
From his sorrowing Wife.
On Friday September 27th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. DUNKLEY. – In loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. William Dunkley, 8th Leicestershire Regt., killed in action October 1st, 1917.
A sorrow too deep for words.
From his loving Wife.
DUNKLEY. – In loving memory of my dear son, Pte. William Dunkley, 8th Leicestershire Regt., killed in action, October 1st, 1917.
Too dearly loved in life to ever be forgotten.
By his loving Mother, Brothers and Sisters.
On Friday October 4th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. DUNKLEY. – In loving memory of dear pal Pte. W. Dunkley, 8th Leicester’s, killed in action in France, Oct. 1st, 1917.
One year has passed, my hearts still sore.
As time rolls, I miss him more.
His loving smile and welcome face.
No one on earth can take his place.
I hoped for safe return.
I longed to clasp his hand.
But God has postponed our meeting.
Twill be in a better land.
From his broken hearted pal, Harry Knapp.
2, Sydney Street.