In memory of

Platoon Commander William Battle

William and Elizabeth Battle.

Marcelle Williams

William Battle's grave in Bandon Hill Cemetery.

Marcelle Williams

Platoon Commander William Battle, of the 58th Surrey (Purley) Battalion, was killed by shrapnel at Kenley Waterworks, during the first wave of attacks on RAF Kenley on the 18th August, 1940.

William was a Great War veteran, twice wounded, who had rescued his injured Company Commander under heavy fire, while serving with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.

In civilian life, he had worked for many years as a messenger at the National Provincial Bank in High St, Croydon.

In the early days of WWII, William was one of the first men to volunteer for the Local Defence Volunteers, Kenley Section, and threw himself in to organising and training his Platoon. It fell to him to become the first L.D.V. to give his life in defence of this country.

Platoon Commander Battle was the son of William and Jane Battle and the husband of Elizabeth J. Battle, of Kenley.

He was laid to rest at Bandon Hill Cemetery, Wallington. His coffin was carried by Officers of the Battalion. The C.W.G.C. stone which marks his grave bears a simple inscription:

“AN ORDINARY ENGLISHMAN”.

Rest in peace Sir and thank you for your service.