Binns,+W

Private, 1st/6th Bn. Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). Service No: 1779. Age: 20, Date of Death: 06/11/1915 Son of David and Mary Binns, of Glen Lee, Keighley. TALANA FARM CEMETERY, IV. D. 11.
 * Binns, W**



Born in Wilsden on 27th July 1892 and baptised at Wilsden on 13th November 1893. Parents John and Mary Jane Binns. John was a Foreman in a Stone Quarry. 1901 census: Aged 6 years, family living at Hog Holes. 1911 census: Aged 16 years, family living at Glen Lee, Keighley. Occupation: apprentice overlooker. 1912: Working as an Overlooker for Timothy Hird and Sons, Worsted &c., Spinners, Keighley. (Acres Mill, King Street and Fleece Mills.) Attested for the 6th Bn West Riding Regiment (Territorial) on 3rd June 1912, aged 17 years and 3 months. Attended annual territorial training camps at Flamborough Head (28th July 1912), Aberystwyth (27th July 1913) and Marske (27th July 1914) Embodied with the 6th Battalion on 5th August 1914. Signed for Overseas Service on 9th September 1914. Embarked with the 1/6th Battalion at Folkestone on 14th April 1915, on S.S. Onward, arriving in France the same day. Killed in action on 6th November 1915 Buried at Talana Farm Cemetery in France. Awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal. William is listed in 'Keighley's Gallant Sons' as a volunteer. He is remembered in Keighley's WW1 Roll of Honour in Keighley Library. He is probably the same W. Binns who is listed in the Keighlian Roll of Honour for Keighley Trade and Grammar School, now Oakbank School.

William's younger brother George Henry Binns also served (with the Northumberland Fusiliers) and was killed on 4th October 1917, aged 21 years. He is on Tyne Cot memorial and has no known final resting place.