Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Chamberlain, a railway goods foreman, born 1857 in Spaxton, Somerset and his wife Elizabeth Chamberlain, born 1867 in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Willie was born in the 2nd quarter of 1899 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Harry Sharman, born 1888 and Frank, born 1891, the latter two siblings were both born in Worcestershire, May, born 1896 and Bertie, born in the 3rd quarter of 1897, the latter two siblings were both born in Melton Mowbray, in March 1901 the family home was at 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 Willie was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at 44, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his father a railway goods foreman, his mother and siblings, May, a shoe trade machinist, Bertie, a boot trade apprentice, Ivy, a schoolgirl, born 1902, Joe Sharman, a schoolboy, born 1905 and Cyril, born 1908, the latter three siblings were all born in Melton Mowbray. Willie was reported missing in action, presumed killed between the 12th and 18th April 1918. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. His older brother Bertie fell in action in July 1917.
On Friday May 24th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “INFORMATION WANTED.” – Mr. W. Chamberlain, 44, Burton Street, received official notice on Tuesday morning that his fourth son, Pte. William Chamberlain, Northumberland Fusiliers, had been missing between the 12th and 18th April. This young soldier, who was in his 19th year, went out to France on April 2nd. His parents received a letter dated 3rd April, and since then all trace of him has been lost. Before enlisting in July 1917, he was employed at the Midland Railway Passenger Station as porter. Mr. Chamberlain has had four sons serving in H.M. Forces – Corpl. Harry Chamberlain, R.F.A., received shell shock and wounds and was discharged; Rifleman Frank Chamberlain, London Regt., was seriously wounded and also discharged; Pte. Bert Chamberlain, Cheshire’s, was killed in action July 1917, which was the same week that William joined up. If anyone can give any particulars of the missing lad his parents will be very grateful.
The War Diary records: 11-12 Apr-18 – LINE WYTSHAETE. Battalion holding line. Very heavy shelling, enemy attacked in evening and was repulsed everywhere. Battalion relieved by 1st LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT went to REGENT STREET Dug-outs.
13-14 Apr-18 – REGENT STREET DUG-OUTS. Left for IRISH HOUSE. 2 Other Ranks killed.
15 Apr-18 – IRISH HOUSE. Moved to line VIERSTRAAT – KEMMEL in afternoon. Went into line and relieved 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT.
16 Apr-18 – LINE WYTSCHAETE. After heavy bombardment enemy attacked and owing to mist turned our right flank. A defensive flank was then formed on high ground near BLACK COT, following officers became casualties Lieutenant Colonel HOWLETT, D.S.O., M.C., Captain G. B. RIDDELL, Captain C. R. LINGWOOD, Lieutenant RIT-?-, Lieutenant DEUCHER, M.C., Lieutenant H. W. DICKINSON, 2nd Lieutenant W. S. BELL, 2nd Lieutenant F. GERTSON, 2nd Lieutenant GATESHILL, 2nd Lieutenant D. JOHNSON, 2nd Lieutenant G. W. LACEY and 320 Other Ranks.
17 Apr-18 – WYTSCHAETE. The remainder of the Battalion held a defensive flank together with a Company of 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT.
18 Apr-18 – WYTSCHAETE. The Battalion were in the same position and were withdrawn in the evening to SIEGE FARM.