Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George William Staniland a farmer, born 1859 in Whissendine, Rutland and his wife Louisa Glenn Staniland (nee Mount), born 1864 in Saltby, Leics. William was born in 1896 in Croxton Kerrial, Leics., his half blood siblings were, George C., born 1888 in Harlaxton, Lincs., Mary Jane, born 1891 in Croxton Kerrial, Leics., his full blood sibling was Kathleen, born 1898 in Croxton Kerrial, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at The Nook, Croxton Kerrial, Leics. In April 1911 William was employed working on the farm and was residing in the family home at Stonesby, Leics., together with his parents and full blood sibling, Kathleen, a schoolgirl and half blood sibling Mary. On Friday March 30th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “STONESBY” – PROMOTION.- Trooper Wm. Staniland of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, has been promoted to Lance Corporal. On Friday April 27th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “STONESBY” – PRO PATRIA MORI._ It is with the deepest regret we record the death of Lance Corpl. Wm. Staniland, of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, which occurred on the western front on April 1st. Official information has just been received from the War Office, following rapidly upon the earliest intimation from troop chums. The first letter came from Lance Corpl. Vin Baguley who wrote:- Dear Mr Staniland, It is with the deepest regret that I write these few lines in sympathy with you, on hearing the news come through of poor Will’s sad end. I hear that he was killed by a shell instantaneously, so do not think he suffered a deal of pain. It is only a week since he left us in the best of spirits. He went up in charge of a fatigue party. He was the best of pals, and I can assure you that no one will miss him more than myself. He was considered one of the best fellows in the troop by everybody, and in him we have lost a good comrade. The troop wishes me to send their deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. I remain yours sincerely, Vin Baguley. Sec. Lieut. G. F. Brewitt writes:- “It is with the deepest regret that I have this day heard of the death of your son, which occurred on the 1st April while detached from his troop. As his troop leader I can assure you that he was extremely popular with everybody, a most proficient soldier, and had already proved himself a very able Lance Corpl. and leader of men. He will be greatly missed by all of us. With deepest sympathy, I am yours very sincerely, G. F. Brewitt.” Deceased joined the Leicestershire Yeomanry some five years ago and volunteering when war broke out, went to France Nov. 5th 1914. He attained his 21st birthday on March 29th, three days before his death. Much sympathy is felt for his bereaved parents and his three sisters, who lose a promising only son and brother. On Friday May 4th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “STONESBY” - IN MEMORIAM.- On Sunday afternoon a memorial service was held at the Parish Church for the late Lance-Corpl. Wm. Staniland, of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, killed in action. The special psalms and prayers of the burial service were used, as also were special lessons and hymns. The organist Miss Gamble palyed “O Rest in the Lord” and the “Dead March” for voluntaries. The Rev. B. H. Smith gave a special sermon appropriate to the occasion. The War Diary entries for the 1st and the 31st April 1917 record.
1st April 1917
MERLIMONT PLAGE. Regiment in billets at MERLIMONT PLAGE, MERLIMONT and CUCQ (all PAS DE CALAIS).
30th April 1917
STATES:
Officers 31st March 30
Add
Major T. W. HAY (From ENGLAND)
Major R. A. HEATH (From Hospital) 2
32
Deduct
Captain Lord SOMERS
Captain G. R. F. DAWSON
Lt. J. W. PAYNE
2nd Lt. W. D. BURNLEY (To Hospital)
2nd Lt. M. D. JONES (To Base) 5
30th April 27
Other Ranks 31st March 603
Add
From Hospital 12
From Base 12
From other units 2
Drafts 41 67
670
Deduct
To Hospital 38
To other units 18
To ENGLAND for Commission 1
Killed in action 1
Wounded 4 62
30th April 608