Pte. William Liddell
Tank Corps, 5th Bn., formerly Royal Scots,
died 3rd October 1918 aged 27
Bellicourt Cemetery
Born Ballenbriech 1891. Son of John Liddell, a shoemaker and his wife, Janet Love, Strathavon Cottage, Westfield. Husband of Georgina Baxendale Liddell, 11 Fetters Lane, Tweedmouth. Killed by machine gun fire, retreating from a disabled tank. No known relation to the other Liddells.
The newspaper obituary, (West Lothian Courier), states:
Mrs. Liddell, Strathearn Cottage, Westfield, Bathgate, has been notified that her youngest son, Private William Liddell, R.N., serving in the Tank Section, had been killed in action.
Pte. Liddell, who was married, leaves a widow, presently residing with her father at Berwick.
Sergeant Frank Hancock, writing to Mrs. Liddell, Berwick, under date 22nd October, says:- "It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that your husband has been killed in action. I was driving a tank. We had been fighting for about three hours, and had nearly reached our second objective which, had it been secured, would have completed our task for the day. Our tank was hit by an enemy shell. The shell hit the rear of the tank, completely disabling it, but without hurting any of the crew. Our machine guns were all out of action, and ammunition for a six-pounder gun, which your husband had done great service with, almost exhausted. There was nothing left for us but to evacuate the tank and make a running fight for it. We were surrounded by enemy infantry but hoped to get to our lines all right. We first used a number of bombs to make a smoke screen in order to help our retreat. Under this screen, as prearranged, we scattered, each man looking after himself. I was the last to leave the tank, and was not far from your husband when he fell shot through the head with machine bullets. I stayed by him long enough to ascertain if he was dead. Next day an officer, another member of the crew and myself went off and buried him beside the tank, and put a cross at his head. Your husband and I had been in a good many actions together and I always found him a true and congenial comrade. I feel I have lost a real friend. Will you please accept on behalf of myself and the rest of the tank crew, our sincerest sympathy with you in your bereavement.
Last update: 2009 10 03 JGM