SHARPLEY, William Aston. Born 1886, baptised at Rainow Church, Cheshire on the 28th April 1886. He was the son of Samuel Latham, Surgeon, and Eliza Ann. He was married on the 24th November 1917, while on sick leave to Miss Ida Leigh at, St James Church, Handsworth, Staffordshire. At the time of the marriage he gave his address as 10, George Street, Lorells, Birmingham and his occupation as a traveller, but he was still a soldier. He died on the 6th December 1975 aged 89 and he is at rest with his wife and son, Herbert Leigh. Warrant Officer in the RAF who was killed December 1945 at Macclesfield Cemetery, Cheshire.
Some notes from what remains of his army record.
He joined up on the 11th January 1915 and was posted to the army reserved the next day aged 29 years and 10 months and he gave his occupation as a salesman. He was called to the colours on the 2nd March 1916 and was posted as Gunner 64986 the Royal Garrison Artillery Depot. After his training he was posted to France on the 29th January 1917. While on active service he suffered from Trench Feet. After treatment in France he was sent for further treatment to Queens Canadian Military Hospital, Beachborough Park, Shorncliffe on the 27th July 1917. At some stage he was discharged from the hospital for sick leave. While on sick leave he got married , the he was returned to France on the 12th April 1918. On the 21st August 1918 he was admitted into the No5 General Hospital, Rouen. His ailment was not recorded and what ever it was it did not require treatment back in England. On the 12th October 1918 while at the front he was shot and wounded in his right elbow. He was treated in the field and then sent to England on the 28th October 1918 and admitted into Devonport Military Hospital. On the 14th October 1919 he was medically discharged to pension to his home at 240, Platts Avenue, Rusholme, Greater Manchester.
