William King was born about 1885. [1] At the time of their marriage, according to their marriage certificate, they were living together at 18 Brooke Road Walthamstow. My mother, (their daughter Ethel) only found out at the age of 65 that her parents were not married when she was born. She was absolutely mortified! The witnesses at their marriage were Alice Shreeve and Henry Surguy
William served in World War 1 in "D" Company, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment). He went missing on 25 March 1918 and was still missing on 2 May 1918, on which date L J Spokes,the Company Quartermaster Sergeant wrote to his wife, imploring her to "keep a brave heart and trust in me, so try to look on the bright side of things". And of course he did return - I believe he was taken prisoner of war - but he never wanted to talk about it.
Personal recollection Original letter from Company Quartermaster Sergeant
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