1914/15 Star named 15660 CPL W LATHAN, British War & Victory Medals named 2 LIEUT W LATHAN & Memorial Plaque named WILLIAM LATHAN. Comes with original medal transit certifcate, photo of his original grave with his helmet next to it, 10 photo of him in uniform, various family photos, photo of 3 brothers in uniform Will, his brothers Jack & Charles, photos of George Lathan Labour MP who was a relative. His original boxes for his medals.
William Lathan born 22nd Aug 1895 in Norwich, Norfolk, Son of George & Sarah Latham and younger brother of Donald, John, Emily, Thomas, Charles, Florinda, Gladys. He enlisted into 9th Norfolk Regiment numbered 15660 on the 15th Sept 1914 as a 19 year old Clerk. After training he lands in France on 30th Aug 1915 with the 9th Battalion, he is wounded in action on 2nd Oct 1915 Gun Shot Wound and is sent back to the UK. He transfers to the 10th Battalion on 21st Apr 1916 and then back to the 9th Battalion on 26th Jan 1917. He is wounded in action again Gun Shot Wound to thigh on 9th Apr 1917 but is able to remain on duty. On 7th Sep 1917 he is sent to No2 Officers Training Cade Battalion and is commission on 17th Dec 1917 as a 2nd Lt in the Royal Sussex Regiment.
He joins the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment and on 14th Sept 1918 he is attached to the 17th Battalion in B Coy. On 24th Sep 1918 they are in the line at Le Drumez Section, France and the war diary confirms he is killed in action.
A letter from a brother officer explains how he was the only one killed. William was in charge of a working party and a 2.35pm he was walking across a field, when a stray enemy shell burst at his feet. 2nd Lt Buckland of B Coy explains he ran to his aid but William was killed instantly from the shrapnel and did not suffer. He was buried that day in Lestrem Cemetry near Estaires.
