WAR MEMORIALS IN THE PARISH OF NORTHOP
The villages of Northop, Northop Hall and Sychdyn (Soughton)
The villages of Northop, Northop Hall and Sychdyn (Soughton)
Name William Piercy
Regiment 9th Welsh Regiment
Service Rank and Number Private 62408
Military Cemetery/Memorial Chambrecy British Cemetery
Ref No. of Grave or Memorial 111.A.5
Country of Cemetery/Memorial France
Medals Awarded British War Medal 1914 -1920 Victory Medal 1914-1919
Date and Circumstances of Death He was killed on the Marne (Western Front) 30th May 1918 age 19. Willie was firstly declared 'missing' for some weeks before finally being pronounced, dead.
Biographical Details Known The details known are very similar to his brother. Please refer to Griffith Piercy's page. William died 5 months before his brother. He too is commemorated on the family grave in Northop Churchyard.
Regiment 9th Welsh Regiment
Service Rank and Number Private 62408
Military Cemetery/Memorial Chambrecy British Cemetery
Ref No. of Grave or Memorial 111.A.5
Country of Cemetery/Memorial France
Medals Awarded British War Medal 1914 -1920 Victory Medal 1914-1919
Date and Circumstances of Death He was killed on the Marne (Western Front) 30th May 1918 age 19. Willie was firstly declared 'missing' for some weeks before finally being pronounced, dead.
Biographical Details Known The details known are very similar to his brother. Please refer to Griffith Piercy's page. William died 5 months before his brother. He too is commemorated on the family grave in Northop Churchyard.
Thanks to Bill Piercy, William's nephew and namesake, for allowing us to scan this fine large bronze medallion which was awarded to Mr and Mrs Piercy to commemorate their son's sacrifice.
The young Piercy family. Left to Right William jnr 5/6 yrs, William (father) with Thomas 3 / 4 yrs, Griffith 6/7yrs, Isabella (mother) with baby Jenny 1yr.
18th October 1918
The County Herald
Infants at Northop National School. The Piercy boys are standing next to each other with their arms folded (nicely) on the second row from the front. Griff is fourth from the left and Willy fifth.
Northop National School. The Piercy boys are standing on the back row. Willy is the first boy from left and Griff is the fifth. There must be other boys here that were killed in the war and named on the memorial. Mr Richardson on the right.
Private 62408 William Piercy of the 9th Welsh Regiment
This oak carving was done by one of the brothers but nobody knows whether it was Griff or Will.
William's citation from the County of Flintshire
Gratitude from the nation.
Mr and Mrs Piercy had this plaque on the wall in their home.
Griffith's and William's medals
Many grateful thanks also to Mrs Jane Bradshaw, niece of Griff and Will for sharing with us so many photographs and artefacts pertaining to the two brothers. We have included some of her other photographs on 'Sychdyn's Homefront WW1 page'.
Parish Magazine
July 1918
'Roll of Honour
We are sorry to hear of Willie Piercy one of our old boys being wounded in France. We trust he is not seriously wounded and that he will soon be right again.'
July 1918
'Roll of Honour
We are sorry to hear of Willie Piercy one of our old boys being wounded in France. We trust he is not seriously wounded and that he will soon be right again.'
Northop Parish Magazine
September 1918
'Roll of Honour
.... other anxious parents in the parish who are eagerly expecting to hear from their missing sons. We are sorry to hear that Ben Jones East Northop, Willie Piercy Soughton and Willie Driver, The Gardens are still unreported. They were all on the Western Front when they disappeared. We sincerely hope they will soon be heard of and that they are fairing pretty well amongst others who are prisoners of war.'
September 1918
'Roll of Honour
.... other anxious parents in the parish who are eagerly expecting to hear from their missing sons. We are sorry to hear that Ben Jones East Northop, Willie Piercy Soughton and Willie Driver, The Gardens are still unreported. They were all on the Western Front when they disappeared. We sincerely hope they will soon be heard of and that they are fairing pretty well amongst others who are prisoners of war.'
Northop Parish Magazine
November 1918
'Roll of Honour
From time to time during war, tidings of the supreme sacrifice has reached many a family in the Parish and to these we have added another which is of unusual significance. Mr and Mrs Piercy, Offa Bank, Soughton have been informed of their two boys Griffith and Willie having fallen at the Front in France.
The news arrived on two successive days and we can imagine the grief it caused. Two better boys never joined the colours. Their genial disposition and noble bearing were known to all who knew them and their upbringing leave no cause for regret to their parents. We offer our deepest sympathy with their relatives in their bereavement.'
November 1918
'Roll of Honour
From time to time during war, tidings of the supreme sacrifice has reached many a family in the Parish and to these we have added another which is of unusual significance. Mr and Mrs Piercy, Offa Bank, Soughton have been informed of their two boys Griffith and Willie having fallen at the Front in France.
The news arrived on two successive days and we can imagine the grief it caused. Two better boys never joined the colours. Their genial disposition and noble bearing were known to all who knew them and their upbringing leave no cause for regret to their parents. We offer our deepest sympathy with their relatives in their bereavement.'