William Ormerod

Private 57268
2nd/6th Bn, Manchester Regiment

William was the son of Thomas and Catherine Ormerod, of 41 Holgate St, Great Harwood, Blackburn.

At the time of the 1901 Census he was living at 41 Holgate St, Great Harwood, with his parents and siblings. Details of the census entry are as follows.

At the time of the 1911 Census, William was living at 43 Holgate Street, Great Harwood.

William was killed on the first day of the German Spring Offensive in 1918, at which time 2nd/6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, was attached to 199th Brigade, 66th (2nd East Lancashire) Division.

On the stretch of front line held by the 66th Division the enemy pushed quickly through the Forward Zone, but were temporarily checked at Villeret by the 2nd/6th Manchesters.

The War Diary of the battalion (PRO WO 95/3144) records the events of 21 March 1918:

"11 a.m.: Casualties up to now slight. Second Lieutenant G. Carmichael killed. Enemy reported in wire on Red Line.

11.15 a.m.: Enemy reported entered Red Line between A and C Companies and, owing to the mist, were able to surround both companies. Battalion H.Q. formed defensive line in Cote Wood."

Page 188 of the British Official History records:

"North of the Grand Priel Woods, the enemy was detained for some time by the 2nd/6th Manchesters about Fervaque Farm in the front line of the Battle Zone, opposite Villeret. Several  attacks were beaten off and it was not until 1.30 p.m. that the British resistance was overcome by the aid of liquid fire. The enemy then pushed on again ..."

The Battalion's War Diary states:

"Remnants of the battalion returned to a line joining Carpeza Copse. Strength of the battalion now 12 officers and 150 other ranks."

William's two brothers, Benjamin and Bernard were also killed during the First World War.

William has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial (Panels 64 to 67).

He is also commemorated on the Great Harwood War Memorial.

The Soldiers Died in the Great War Database records that William was born and lived in Great Harwood. He enlisted in the Army in Blackburn, and prior to joining the Manchester Regiment, he served with the Liverpool Regiment, with the Regimental Number 93672.