Main CPGW Record
Surname: WIGGAN
Forename(s): Willie
Place of Birth: Skipton, Yorkshire
Service No: 41660
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 17th (Service) Battalion. (2nd Leeds)
Division: 35th Division
Age: 26
Date of Death: 1917-08-31
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D.
CWGC Cemetery: ---
CWGC Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial(s): Not Listed (View Names Not Listed on a Local War Memorial)
Additional Information:
Willie Wiggan was the son of John Richard and Eliza Wiggan, née Sugden. John was born at Hebden and Eliza at Lockwood, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Willie was related to Private Harry Wiggan (28743) (q.v.) and Private John Wiggan (1263) (q.v.).
1891 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 1, Alexandra Ville - Willie Wigan, aged 3 years, born Skipton, son of John R. and Eliza Wiggan.
1901 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 8, Walton Street - Willie Wiggan, aged 13 years, born Skipton, son of John and Eliza Wiggan.
1911 Nelson, Lancashire Census: 86, John Street - Willie Wiggan, aged 22 years, born Skipton, Yorkshire, son of Eliza Wiggan (married).
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Willie Wiggan, 41660, W. York. R. Pres. Dead 31.8.17.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Willie Wiggan, 41660, 17th W. York. R. Presumed Dead 31.8.17.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Willie Wiggan, 41660, 17th Bn W. Yorks. Date and Place of Death: On or since 31.8.17 death pres'd. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Father - John R. £7 8s. 10d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Willie. Regimental Numbers: 8048, 41660. Name(s) on card(s): Dependant: Mrs Eliza Wiggan. Relationship: Mother. Died 10.3.23. Mr J. Wiggan. Address: 86, John Street, Nelson, Lancs.
The 15th (Service) Bn Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) (1st Leeds), informally known as the Leeds Pals, were amalgamated with the 17th (Service) Bn Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) (2nd Leeds) to form the 15th/17th Battalion on the 7 December 1917.
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: ---
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Private Willie WIGGAN
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 35th Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
13 September 1918
Former Skiptonian's Fate – Private Willie Wiggan, West Yorkshire’s
Mr. and Mrs. John Wiggan, of 86 John Street, Nelson, who formerly lived at Bold Venture Terrace, Skipton, have been informed that their son. Private Willie Wiggan, West Yorkshire Regiment, is now officially presumed to have been killed in the fighting near Guillemont on August 31st, 1917, since which date he had previously been reported missing. Twenty-eight years of age, deceased was a farm labourer at Nelson before joining up in September, 1916, and he had been in France since December, 1916. He had many relatives and friends in this district, and it is a notable fact that the late Private C. L. Tranter, of Skipton, and he joined the same regiment, trained together, and were reported missing on the same date. Should this meet the eye of any chums of Private Wiggan, who can throw any further light on his fate, his parents would be grateful if they will communicate with them.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
20 September 1918
Skipton Man Killed
Pte. Willie Wiggan, West Yorkshire Regiment, of 86, John Street, Nelson, and formerly of Bold Venture, Skipton, was officially presumed to have been killed on Aug. 31st, 1917. He was 28 years of age, and was formerly employed as a farm labourer at Nelson.
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