Private 30189 William Drew

Killed in Action on Saturday, 28th April 1917, age 31.
Buried in Grave I. B. 19. at Croisilles Railway Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France.

9th Bn., Devonshire Regiment. 20th Brigade of 7th Division.

Son of John and Ann Maria Drew
Born: West Bromwich, Enlisted: Wednesbury, Resident: Tipton.

First landed France & Flanders, post 31st December 1915.
Medal entitlement: British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Soldier's Papers at National Archives did not survive.

Commemorated on the St. Peter's, Greets Green Memorial.
Commemorated here because identified as Tipton on 'Soldiers Died in the Great War'.

Link to Commonwealth War Graves Site: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/316739/

Genealogical Data

Birth of William Drew registered December quarter 1885 in West Bromwich.

1901 Census
25 Farley Street, West Bromwich, Staffs.
John Drew (46, Brickyard Labourer, born West Bromwich), his wife Ann M. (45, born West Bromwich), and their 8 children: Mary A. (24, born West Bromwich), Enoch (20, Foundry Labourer, born West Bromwich), Ann M. (17, born West Bromwich), William (15, Glassworks Labourer, born West Bromwich), Rebecca (13, born West Bromwich), James H. (6, born West Bromwich), Joseph H. (4, born West Bromwich), and Baby (3 weeks, born West Bromwich).

1911 Census
25 Farley Street, West Bromwich, Staffs.
John Drew (56, Labourer in Iron Foundry, born West Bromwich), his wife Ann Maria (55, born West Bromwich), and 6 of their 9 surviving children of 13: Ann Maria (27, Washwoman, born West Bromwich), William (25, Iron Moulder, born West Bromwich), Rebecca (23, Domestic Servant, born West Bromwich), James Henry (16, Tag Heater, born West Bromwich), Joseph Herbert (14, Art & Craft Student, born West Bromwich), and Edward (10, School, born West Bromwich).

Personal Data

William is the brother of James Henry Drew who was also killed whilst serving in the army.

After William's death, his outstanding army pay and allowances amounted to £1/1/1d (1 pound, 1 shilling and1 penny); this was paid to his mother and sole legatee, Ann Marie, in December 1917. His War Gratuity was £7/10/0d (7 pounds and 10 shillings), this was also paid to his mother, in December 1919. The value of the War Gratuity suggests that William had enlisted in approximately August 1915.

WIlliam's mother, Mrs A.M. Drew, received a Dependant's Pension; the Pension Card also mentions William's sister, Miss Ann Marie Drew, but it is not clear why. The initial pension amount and date is not recorded, but it was 8/6d (8 shillings and 6 pence) per week in April 1920 when the pension was transferred to William's father, John, on the death of William's mother.

Action resulting in his death

Still to be researched. Contact me if required.

Newspaper Cuttings

Birmingham Daily Post 1st February 1917
RANK AND FILE: MIDLANDS MEN.
The following casualties amongst warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men are reported under various dates:
WOUNDED.
DEVON R.- Drew, 31089, W., (Tipton).