Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Richard Massey a Botanical Brewer, born 1869 in Biddulph, Staffordshire and his wife Sarah Elizabeth, born 1872 in Turnerspiddle, Dorset. William was a Botanical Brewer and was born in 1895 in Hanley, Staffordshire, his siblings were Jospeph, born 1898 in Hanley, Staffordshire, Sarah Elizabeth, born 1900 in Hanley, Staffordshire, Walter, born 1902 in Nottingham, Richard, born 1904 in Nottingham, Edward, born 1908 in Whitwick, Leicestershire and James Harry, born 1910 in Hugglescote, Leicestershire. In April 1911 the family home was at Forest Road, Hugglescote, Leicestershire. In March 1901 the family home was at 22, Gregory Avenue, Nottingham. William always known as Bill moved with his family at the turn of the century from Hanley in Staffordshire to Hugglescote in north west Leicestershire. He attended the Church School and worshipped at St. John the Baptist Church. He was one of eight children, three of them being girls. His father owned the ‘Botanic Brewery’ on Forest Road, Hugglescote and they bottled mineral waters, the business later moved to Castle Street in Whitwick. Bill enlisted into the 1st/5th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment during the first week of the war, and after doing so persuaded his best friend Charles Hatter to follow suit. They proceeded to Luton for training before eventually embarking on foreign service. On the 23rd July 1915, Bill was badly shocked and almost totally buried when the enemy detonated a mine under their trench (50) near Hill 60 in the Ypres Sector. It is a fact that despite the furore of battle and the smoky twilight, Charlie heard his calls, found him and frantically dug him out. During this event the enemy sent forth a hail of rifle and shellfire. Bill sent the following postcard to his parents. It was dated four days after the explosion, 27th July 1915:- “Dear Mother and Father, Just a few lines to let you know I am all right, and we came out of the trenches this morning. I thought I would let you know as my company has had some bad luck these last few days, but I am all right. I will write a letter tomorrow, Charlie is all right. With best love to all, Will. Only four days after Bill wrote his card Charlie was wounded during a heavy barrage. He was shell shocked and peppered with shrapnel at Maple Copse near to Zillebeke, Ypres and forwarded to hospital. The school chums, the boxers and soldier pals – they were never to see each other again. On the 8th August 1915 Bill was on trench duty in Trench 50, close to where he was almost buried some two weeks earlier, when he met his death, being shot through the head. Private Sidney Summers of 158, Ashburton Road, Hugglescote sent a letter to Bill’s parents explaining his grief:- Monday 9th August 1915. Dear Mr Massey, Bill was shot through the head when on sentry duty. I hope it will be some consolation to you to know that he died without pain. I was not far off at the time, but did not know it was Bill for some time after. It was about four in the morning. I went to see him when they told me the poor chap had been shot, but they had covered him over so I could not see his face. When they told me it was Bill I could have dropped. He was like a brother to me. We always got on well together and he has been in my thoughts ever since. I saw him the night before --- we had a chat together. He was just as cheerful as ever, and I little thought that would the last time I would speak to him. Poor old chap. But we never know who’s turn it is, so we can only trust in Him who holds our lives in his hands. He died like a soldier, doing his duty for King and Country. I will find where he is buried and let you know. Break the news quietly to his mother because I know it will be hard to bear. With deepest sympathy to you both at this sad time, Sincerely Sid Summers. Sadly Sid Summers himself perished on the 24th September 1918. Bill’s brother Joseph also served in the Leicestershire Regiment, and survived the war. The War Diary for today records. MAPLE COPSE. At 2.45am guns opened on enemy trenches supporting counter attack at HOOGE. After 3.10am the situation became normal. At 2.15am 3 officers and 200 men of the 4th Battn LINCOLNSHIRE REGT arrived and occupied support trenches. This enabled the Battn to hold the fire trenches adequately for the first time during our tour.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday August 13th, 1915

Hugglescote Soldier Killed.

Just as we go to press we regret to hear that another local soldier, the son of Mr Massey, of the Hugglescote Botanical Brewery, has been killed in action, he having been shot through the head while doing sentry duty on Monday night. Further particulars will be given next week.

Coalville Times article - Friday August 20th, 1915

Hugglescote Territorial Killed - Comrade's Touching Letter.

After being at the front for six weeks, Pte. William Massey, of the 5th Battalion, Leicestershire Territorials, was killed in action on Monday, August 9th. He was 19 years of age, and a son of Mr Richard Massey, mineral water manufacturer, of Hugglescote, whom he assisted in the business before joining the forces. He was included in the second batch of Territorials which left Coalville and received his training at Luton.

The sad news was conveyed in a letter dated August 10th from a comrade of the deceased, Pte. S. Summers, whose home is in Ashby Road, Hugglescote. The letter ran as follows:

“I am writing a few lines to tell you the sad news about your son, Will, who was killed on Monday morning, August 9th. He was shot through the head when on sentry and I hope it will be some consolation to you to know that he died without any pain. I was not far off at the time, but did not know he was shot till some time after. It was about four o’clock in the morning. I went to see him when they told me that the poor chap had been shot, but they had covered him over so that I could not see his face. When they told me it was Bill, I thought I should have dropped. He was like a brother to me. We always got on well together and he has been in my thoughts ever since. I saw him the night before and we had a chat together. He was just as cheerful as ever and I little thought that that would be the last time I should speak to him. Poor old chap! But we never know whose turn it is next, and we can only trust in Him who holds our lives in His hands. He died like a soldier, doing his duty for King and country. I will find out where he is buried and let you know. Break the news quietly to his mother because I know it will be hard to bear. With deepest sympathy with you in his loss, from his pal.”

Sid Summers

On Monday last, Mr and Mrs Massey were visited by Mrs Wright, of Limby Hall, Swannington, who had received a letter from her boy in the trenches, telling her of Massey’s death. In this letter the writer stated that Massey was killed just after they had made a charge. They had got into the trenches and the unfortunate soldier put his head up to look over and was immediately shot. At the time of writing (Tuesday) Mr and Mrs Massey had received no official intimation of the death.

The last letter they received from their son was written on Sunday, the day before he was killed, and was received by them on the Tuesday. He wrote:

“Dear Mother and Father – Just a few lines in answer to your welcome letter, which I got yesterday. I was pleased to hear from you and that you are all well as I am at present. It is rather rough weather here just now, plenty of rain and mud about. As I write this, I am in my dug-out with a pair of sandbags piled over my shoes and trousers, and they have got about half an inch of caked mud on them, which keeps me very warm and comfortable. We don’t bother about dirt here. We are happy enough and keep smiling. We expect to be relieved tomorrow night, if all is quiet, and I hope it is. We are going in dug-outs about three miles away for six days in reserve for anything that might come and then we go back to the trenches again for six days when we shall have done our share as we shall have had 22 days of it. . . . . I received the ‘Coalville Times’. You must not have any hope of me being able to get over, as I expect it will be a good while yet. I suppose you have got a letter by this time saying that Charlie Hatter (another Hugglescote soldier) was wounded. I have not heard from him yet. We are in the same trench that was blown up the other week and we can’t help but think about it. I expect we shall be having some lively times here, but we shall be well prepared for them.”

Coalville Times article - Friday August 27th, 1915.

The Late Pte. Massey, of Hugglescote - Letter from his platoon commander.

Mr and Mrs R. Massey, of Hugglescote, have received the following letter in reference to the death of their son, Pte. Wm. Massey, killed in action which arrived too late for insertion in our last issue:

“Dear Mr and Mrs Massey, - No doubt by the time you get this, you will have heard from our Company Officer about the sad death of your son. It came as a big shock to all his friends, and they have asked me to express their sympathy to you in your sad loss. Perhaps it may comfort you a little to know that he died doing his duty, and that he was laid to rest by four friends, at the back of the firing line. His death came as a great loss to his company. Although he had been with us only a short time, he had many friends, and I know he could always be depended upon to do everything he was told. We had several parcels, but I divided them up between the platoon, knowing it was his wish and we are returning the letter. I also got a letter from his cousin, but have sent it back to her. Must conclude now, hoping you will not take your loss too much to heart. – I remain, yours truly.”

Sergeant Dobson, 1374.
His Platoon Commander.

Coalville Times article - Friday August 18th, 1916

IN MEMORIUM

“THY WILL BE DONE”

In loving memory of William, eldest son of Richard and Sarah Massey, of Whitwick, killed somewhere in France, August 9th, 1915. Aged 19 years and 7 months, of the 5th Leicesters.

Not death, but just the parting of the ways,
Divides us from a hero slain,
A patriot sleeps, but with the morning’s rays,
Fond hearts awake and meet again.

From Father, Mother and all.

Coalville Times article - Friday August 10th, 1917

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of William Massey, of the Leicestershire Regiment, killed somewhere in France, August 9th, 1915, aged 19 years and 7 months.

“Gone but not forgotten”

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sister, Whitwick.

Coalville Times article - Friday August 9th, 1918

In loving memory of William Massey, of the 5th Leicesters, killed in France, August 9th, 1915. Aged 19 years, and 7 months.

“Thy will be done.”

From his loving Mother, Father and all.

Coalville Times article - Friday August 1st, 1919

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of William Massey, 1/5th Leicesters, killed in France, August 9th, 1915, aged 19 years and 7 months.

From his loving Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Whitwick.

Coalville Times article – Friday April 2nd, 1920

WAR MEMORIAL AT HUGGLESCOTE CHURCH

UNVEILED BY COL. R. E. MARTIN

A tablet which has been placed in Hugglescote Parish Church, to the memory of men from the parish who fell in the war, was unveiled by Lt.-Colonel R. E. Martin, C.M.G., on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation.

The tablet is of excellent design, in keeping with the handsome edifice, and is of a permanent character, the names of 101 men being inscribed on Swithland slate, set in a frame of Ketton stone, surmounted by a cross and crown encircled in a carved laurel wreath, with similar carvings on either side. The inscription runs as follows:

“Their name liveth for evermore.”

“To the Glory of God, and in imperishable memory of the men of the parish who fell in the great war, 1914 – 1918.”

The names of the men inscribed on the tablet are as follows:-

H. A. Attwood, C. T. Beadman, J. Brooks, W. Baker, J. E. Briggs, H. G. Blackham, J. T. Bishop, J. Barrs, G. Barrs, R. Beadman, E. Bonser, G. Beale, J. G. Bennett, E. S. Boot, W. Berrisford, F. J. Betteridge, F. P. Benistone, J. W. Cawley, F. Chamberlain, J. A. Crookes, R. A. Cross, L. Cross, J. Cox, P. Cliff, J. W. F. Collier, C. Drewett, H. B. Drewett, S. Dodds, A. Elkin, H. C. Elkin, J. Farn, H. Fletcher, H. Finch, L. Finch, G. Firban, G. Gadsby, A. Gamble, S. F. Gamble, W. Gray, W. O. Hoden, O. Hallam, B. Hatter, J. Haywood, W. Hill, F. Hill, J. E. Hibbert, G. Hart, G. H. Highfield, E. Harper, J. W. Harper, H. Hall, J. E. Holmes, J. Jones, W. Jones, F. J. Kirby, I. V. Kelham, H. Lewis, W. Lewis, W. Massey, H. O. Moseley, T. Marriott, G. Martin, J. A. Moult, J. Maunders, J. Moon, I. Mycroft, W. Newbold, O. H. Pratt, J. A. Pegg, F. Pink, E. H. Palmer, W. Riley, A. T. Richardson, W. Rogers, C. Simmons, E. A. Stinchcombe, J. Summers, S. Summers, C. Shilton, G. Slatter, J. Smith, J. C. Shaw, S. Smith, G. Spencer, S. C. Smith, J. W. Setchell, W. Statham, A. G. Tovell, S. T. Timson, J. Tebbatt, F. Whitmore, E. Willett, B. Walker, H. Watson, C. H. Walker, J. Woods, T. Willett, A. Wright, A. Wood, J. Young and W. Young.

As the congregation passed into the church, members of the Hugglescote Church Lads’ Brigade, with the ex-Sergt.-Major W. Hill in charge, lined up on either side of the entrance and two of the Brigade with bowed heads and leaning on reversed rifles, stood by the memorial, covered with the Union Jack.

The service, which was very impressive, was conducted by the Rev. Canon Broughton (vicar) and opened with the hymn, “Stand up for Jesus.” Then followed prayers and collects. Psalm 130, and a lesson read by the Rev. J. C. Wallace, after which the clergy and choir proceeded to the memorial, led by the churchwardens, Messrs. W. E. Canner and J. W. Fletcher.

In unveiling the tablet, Colonel Martin said “To the glory of God and in imperishable memory of the men of this parish who fell in the great war 1914 – 1918, I unveil this tablet, which has been erected by their fellow parishioners in grateful recognition of their self-sacrifice.”

The “Last Post” having been sounded by buglers of the Church Lads’ Brigade, the choir and clergy returned to their places and Colonel Martin gave an address from the chancel steps.

He spoke of the memorable days in August 1914, when the principles on which our national life is based were being assailed, and it was the part of every true man to stand in defence of them. They had tangible proof that the spirit which was then evoked in the nation was the same spirit as that shown by their forefathers who went out to fight country’s enemies. He would never forget the day about the end of August, 1914, when the North Midland Territorial Division, which had been mobilised about three weeks, was told to fill up its ranks for service abroad. It fell to him, among others, to come back into Leicestershire to try and explain to the people what they were up against, and he remembered what a splendid response they gave. In the North Midland Division, between 80 and 90 per cent of the men said they were prepared to go anywhere, though many of them were married men who had never experienced Army service before. Many things have happened since – much self-seeking, a desire to get rich quickly, many apparent inequalities of justice and self-sacrifice – but he was sure they could all take comfort from the fact that there was tangible proof given in those days that the nation was sound at heart and could be trusted to do the right thing when the crisis really arose. And what happened when the armies got overseas and began their real work? He ventured to say that no one had the privilege of serving in a better battalion. The men from that district – Coalville men they always called them – were a splendid lot of men filled with genuine enthusiasm for fitting themselves for the part which they had to play, and who on getting across the water, proved themselves as good as the best. He went on to speak of evidences of practical Christianity displayed by the men, and of deeds of heroism which came to his notice. One instance he recalled was when they were between Hill 60 and Ypres. When the Brigadier realised that he had in the ranks men accustomed to mining, he formed a number of Coalville men into a mining section, whose duty it was to construct projecting galleries in front of the trenches, to find out if the Germans were under-mining. One day a member of the party came across a German mine filled with German explosives in large quantities, and it would have been a very natural thing for him to want to get away from it as soon as possible, but instead of that, he crawled over the top and disconnected the mine and came back and reported it to his commanding officer. This man, whose name was Starbuck, had no thought for his own safety, but first took steps to safeguard his comrades.

Proceeding, Col. Martin said his services came to an end in October, 1915, but he had always felt ever since then that the war had been worth while, if for nothing else than for the fine spirit it brought out, and if the same spirit could be shown in regard to present day problems, it would go a long way towards reaching a solution. He was not one of those who said this country ought to have stood aside and have taken advantage of the trade while other countries were fighting. The people, who said that, he thought, were wrong. He thought that what the people of this country did when they found what they were up against should be an example and pattern to them now. If the war had done nothing else, with all the misery, self-sacrifice and sorrow, he believed they were worth while because they afforded the opportunity which was taken by so many of showing a truly Christian spirit. He believed that experience had not been lost, but would help them to get through present day difficulties with credit to themselves.

The closing hymn was 11, “For all the saints,” and a collection was taken for St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers and Sailors. As the congregation were leaving the church, Mr F. Baxter (organist) played, “O, rest in the Lord.” Before and after the service, peals were rung with the bells half-muffled.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 09/09/2017