Museum of the Manchester Regiment
The Men Behind the Medals

William Balmer

William Balmer :

William Balmer : 1914 Star

1914 Star

We don't know anything about William's early life.

William joined the Manchester Regiment during the second half of 1903 or in early 1904. He was given the service number 9383. We don't know anything about William's Army career.

The First World War broke out in August 1914, and the 2nd Battalion of the Manchester Regiment arrived in France on the 16th August. Ten days later it fought in the Battle of Le Cateau, and lost around 350 men. It needed reinforcements, and William was one of the soldiers sent to join it. We don't know whether William was serving in the Army when the war began, or whether he was a Reservist called back from civilian life. He arrived in France on the 30th August.

We don't know what happened to William during the War, although we have no record of him being promoted or transferred to another unit. He survived the War, but his life afterwards is also a mystery.

As well as the 1914 Star, William was awarded the British War Medal and the Allied Victory Medal for his service.

Museum of the Manchester Regiment
c/o Portland Basin Museum
Portland Place
Heritage Wharf
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL7 0QA

Telephone: 0161 342 5480
Email: Portland.Basin@tameside.gov.uk
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© Trustees of the Manchester Regiment Museum & Archive and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council