Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Henry Hougham, a factory stoker, born in the January quarter of 1850 in Broadstairs, Kent and baptised on the 12th May 1850 in St. Peter’s Church, St. Peter in Thanet, Kent (son of William Henry Hougham, 1823 and Ann Mortley, 1826) and his wife Rachel Hougham (nee Paskell, married on the 29th May 1871 in St. Paul’s Church, Deptford, Kent), born in the April quarter of 1852 in Bermondsey, Surrey (daughter of Edward Paskell and Mary Ann Dunnett). Wallace Vane was born in the October quarter of 1891 in Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Albert Ernest, a shoe trade rivetter, born on the 22nd June 1874 and baptised on the 31st December 1876 in St. Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe, Surrey, Arthur Edward, a shoe trade rivetter, born on the 1st October 1876 and baptised on the 31st December 1876 in St. Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe, Henry Victor, a shoe trade rivetter, born in the October quarter of 1879 and baptised on the 1st February 1880 in St. Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe and Maud Beatrice Rachel, a shoe trade rivetter, born on the 23rd January 1883 and baptised on the 11th May 1883 in St. James’s Church, Bermondsey, the latter four siblings were all born in Bermondsey, Joseph, born in the July quarter of 1885 in Evington, Leicester, Amy Louise, an elastic trade weaver, born on the 8th June 1887, Percival John, born in the January quarter of 1889 and Dora Alice, born on the 4th April 1895 and baptised on the 20th July 1909 in The Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, Glen Parva and South Wigston, Leicestershire, the latter three siblings were all born in Wigston Magna, in March 1901 the family home was at 2, Healey Street, Wigston Magna. In April 1911 Wallace was employed as a shoe trade finisher and was residing in the family home at 6, Healey Street, Wigston Magna, together with his father, a building contractor’s carter, his mother and sister Dora, a boot and shoe trade machinist. Wallace’s older brother, Percival died on the 8th January, 1916 from wounds received in action.
FAMILY NOTE: Wallace also had two older siblings, William Charles, born on the 13th December 1872 and baptised on the 2nd March 1873 in St. Mary’s Church, Rotherhithe and Stanley George, born in the April quarter of 1881 and baptised on the 11th May 1883 in St. James’s Church, Bermondsey, both siblings were born in Bermondsey.
Wallace (Wallis) enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 3rd September 1914 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number 12011. He gave his place of birth as Wigston, Leicestershire and age as 23 years. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as shoe hand.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 3rd September 1914 and recorded his birthplace as Wigston, Leicestershire, declared age as 23 years, trade or occupation as shoe hand, that he was 5-feet 7¾ inches in height, weighed 119 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 33 and 35 inches, his physical development was described as good, his vision was described as R.E.-V=[not recorded] L.E.-V=[not recorded]. Enlisted at Leicester on the 3rd September 1914. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 23 years, height 5-feet 7¾ inches weight 119 lbs, chest measurement of between 33 and 35 inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had brown eyes and his hair colour was light brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, [none recorded]. He gave his religion as [not recorded].
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 3rd September 1914. Place Leicester.
He gave his next of kin as his father, William Hougham, mother Rachel Hougham, Healy Street, Wigston, Leicestershire, brother Percy Hougham, Leicestershire Regt. (7633).
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester. 3/9/14.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 3/9/14.
Posted. To 8th (Service) Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Aldershot. Pte. 25/9/14.
Posted. To Colchester. 28/2/15.
Posted. To Perham Down. 8/4/15.
Posted. To Barnard Castle.
Embarked. 17/9/15.
Disembarked. 18/9/15.
Joined. 6th (Service) Bn. Leicestershire Regt. In the Field. 8/10/15.
Died. In No.4 Casualty Clearing Station, perforated gastric ulcer. In the Field. 18/11/15.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 3/9/14 – 17/9/15. 1 year 15 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 18/9/15 – 18/11/15. 62 days.
Total Service. 1 year 77 days.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
On the 14th August 1916, Wallace’s mother, Rachel, of 6, Healey Street, South Wigston, Leicestershire, was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of five shillings, commensurate on the 22nd August 1916.
[recognitum XXX-III-MMXXIII]