Main CPGW Record
Surname: TOPLEY
Forename(s): William Mee
Place of Birth: Cockerham, Lancashire
Service No: 155538
Rank: Gunner
Regiment / Corps / Service: Royal Garrison Artillery
Battalion / Unit: 133rd Siege Battery
Division: ---
Age: 31
Date of Death: 1918-01-10
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: P. V. N. 3B.
CWGC Cemetery: ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial(s): Not Listed (View Names Not Listed on a Local War Memorial)
Additional Information:
William Mee Topley was the son of Samuel and Mary Ann Topley, née Hudspith. Samuel was born at Ruddington, Nottinghamshire and Mary in Crosthwaite Parish near Keswick, Cumberland.
1891 Wakefield, Yorkshire Census: 43, Howard Street - William M. Topley, aged 4 years, born Cockerham, Lancashire. [William was living with his uncle and aunt, John William and Sarah Jane Harrison.]
1901 Cockerham, Lancashire Census: North Lodge - William M. Topley, aged 14 years, born Cockerham, son of Samuel and [stepson of] Annie Topley. [William’s mother died in 1889 and Samuel married Annie Whitaker in 1891; Annie was born at Addingham, Yorkshire.]
1911 Lancaster, Lancashire Census: 6, Queen's Place, King Street - William Mee Topley, aged 25 years, born Cockerham, Lancashire. [William was boarding with Walter and Mary Shaw.]
William was married to Edith Whitaker in 1913. Edith, who was born at Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, in 1888, was the niece of his father's second wife, Annie.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Gnr William M. Topley, 155538, Royal Garrison Artillery.
William is commemorated on the Lancaster War Memorial.
A short biography of William is included in: ‘Swaledale & Wharfedale Remembered – Aspects of Dales’ life through peace and war’ by Keith Taylor (2006).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
TOPLEY W., R.G.A., son-in-law of Mrs. F. Whitaker, Rose Cottage, [Bolton Abbey], died in hospital, Dover.
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Gunner William Mee TOPLEY

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Royal Garrison Artillery
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