1892 Sep 21. Born William Joseph Wilkie at Blockley, Worcs
1901 census at The Shipston On Stour Union Workhouse, born Blockley Worcs
1910 Jun 27. Enlisted RMLI
1911 census A Royal Marine Private at Royal Marine Depot, Walmer, Kent. Born Blockley. Worcs 1893
1914 Aug 26 Portsmouth Battalion at Ostend
1914 Sep 19. at Dunkirk
1914 Oct 3 Defence of Antwerp
1914 Oct 9 POW
At dawn, 8th October, the German infantry began a fresh assault, on the older fortress line. By this time, the first British marine brigade had been strengthened by the addition of two further brigades, similarly untrained and lightly equipped, making up the Royal Naval Division. During the evening, the brigades of the Royal Naval Division were ordered to withdraw. Not all of the units received the orders, and there was some confusion. One battalion, the Portsmouth Battalion of the RMLI, went by another route to Kemseke, the next station down the line. While there they fought with advance units of the 37th Landwehr Brigade. About half eventually got away, and finally did get a train at Zelzate. The remainder, plus some 400 Belgians, surrendered at Kemseke.
1919 Feb 9 Repatriated
1919 Jul 19 6th Royal Marine Battalion 18/7/19-14/10/19 (slightly wounded in N.Russia 28/8/19).
1921 Apr 12. Accidentally drowned whilst bathing at Rosmoney, near Westport.
Buried Crookham Christchurch Churchyard, Fleet, Hampshire.
Mother. Emily Milton; Keresley Cottage, Velmead, Fleet, Hants