6445 Private
2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division
Age: 33
Date of Death: 7.11.14
Buried: (Royal) Berkshire Corner Memorial Panel 5
Family history: Son of Adam Gentles, Barleyhill, Bonnybridge. He was married to Annie and they had two children Mary (4 years) and Adam (7 months). At the time of his death they lived in Birmingham where William had been employed at an iron foundry before he rejoined his battalion. William was an iron moulder to trade and for a considerable period had been employed at the Columbian Stove Works of Smith and Wellstood Limited, Bonnybridge, where he served his apprenticeship. He was a reservist, having seen action in the Boer War taking part in the fighting at Modder River and the Relief of Ladysmith.
The action leading to his death
The battalion was engaged in an attack to retake trenches lost to the Germans at Ploegsteert Wood.
(Linesman Map)
The War Diary records that two desperate assaults were made and repulsed with heavy casualties.
Medals Awarded
1914 Star & Clasp, The British War Medal, Victory Medal.
