Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
William James Foreman was born in the 4th quarter of 1892 in Exning, Suffolk, to coachman and groom James and Frances Foreman nee Norman.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 2 Oak Terrace, Exning. Alfred was working as a coachman and Frances was looking after their children: Alfred, William, Ladas, Frank and Robert.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family were still living at 2 Oak Terrace. James was working as a groom and Frances was at home. The household further comprised of their children: gardener William and labourers John, Frank and Robert. Frances stated that she had given birth to eight children of whom five were still alive. The accommodation had five rooms.
William was employed for five years by the Earl of Durham as a gardener at Harraton House in Exning. He left Exning for Polesden Lacey, Surrey where he was gardener in the service of the Honourable Mrs Ronald Greville. William then joined the Army.
William enlisted in January 1915 in Cockspur Street, London into the 13th Battalion, the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). He was a Corporal with regimental number: GS/12058. At the time of his enlistment he lived in Dorking. Corporal Foreman disembarked on 30th July 1915 in France.
William Foreman died of wounds on 26th September 1916 in France.
He is buried at the Barlin Communal Cemetery Extention in France. His grave reference number is: I. D. 38. The headstone bears the inscription: “He Who Gave For Us His Life Who For Us Endured The Stripe”.
William James Foreman was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star.
William’s father James Foreman received £8 and 10s on the 30th of December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
Foreman Family History
William’s father James was born about 1865 in Camden Town, Middlesex. His mother; Frances Norman was born about 1861 in Dalham, Suffolk to labourer James Norman, born about 1818 and Martha Norman, born about 1836, both in Dalham.
James and Frances married in the 3rd quarter of 1886 in Newmarket.
William had seven siblings of whom five are known: Alfred born about 1889; Ada born about 1891; Ladas born about 1895; Frank born about 1898 and Robert born about 1900, all in Exning, Suffolk.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Church Street, Exning,. James was working as a stable man (groom) and Frances was looking after their children Alfred and Ada.
| Born | Exning, Suffolk | |
| Son of | James and Frances Foreman | |
| Enlisted | Cockspur Street, London | |
| Regiment | 13th Battalion. City of London Regiment. Royal Fusiliers | |
| Number | GS/12058 | |
| Date of Death | 26th September 1916 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Died of wounds | |
| Age | 33 | |
| Cemetery | Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, France |
