Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George Ayres, a bone mill carrier, born 4th December 1856 in Little Bowden, Northamptonshire, and his wife Sarah Ann Ayres (nee Bryan, married in the 1st quarter of 1888 in the Market Harborough, Leicestershire district), born 2nd October 1856 in Easton, Northamptonshire. William Alfred was born in the 1st quarter of 1894 in Great Bowden, Leicestershire, his siblings were, John Bryan, a groom, born in the 2nd quarter of 1887 in Northamptonshire, Jenny, born 1889 in Little Bowden, Frank, born 2nd September 1891, Robert, born 1892, Horace, born 5th February 1897 and Arthur, born 16th December 1898, the latter four siblings were all born in Great Bowden, in March 1901 the family home was at 13, Leicester Lane, Great Bowden. In April 1911 William was employed as a domestic gardener and was residing in the family home at 13, Leicester Lane, Great Bowden, together with his father, a shepherd, his mother and siblings, Jenny, a corset trade worker, Frank, a stable worker, Horace, a farm labourer and Arthur, a schoolboy. His elder brother John Bryan fell in action on the 23rd August 1918. In 1939 William’s father, mother and brother’s Frank and Horace, all resided at 13, Leicester Road, Great Bowden. William was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 21 Mar-18 – On account of the German offensive every available vehicle was turned out to maintain a continuous supply of ammunition to Artillery and Infantry Brigades. Lieutenant C. W. BURMAN and 20 men were sent to MONTIGNY DUMP to assist in the work there. A new ammunition dump was formed at NOBESCOURT FARM and manned by Lieutenant W. T. C. FENTON and 20 men.
The War Diary records: 30 Mar-18 - During these moves the Divisional Ammunition Column supplied ammunition to Artillery and Infantry Brigades and re filled dumps were formed and manned when required, and advanced wagon lines maintained for continual supply to Batteries.
There are 3 men missing, and 5 men have been wounded and 6 men killed.