Mexborough and Swinton Times October 5, 1918
Corporal William Cliffe
Royal Naval Department
Corporal William Cliffe, 3 Cliff view, Denaby Main, was killed in action in France on September 4, aged 25. He enlisted at the outbreak of war, being then employed at the Yorkshire main colliery. Formerly he was employed at the Denaby colliery.
He fought in the Gallipoli campaign, and his only brother Reginald, was killed by his side. Corporal Cliffe went to France in March 1916, and was wounded in December 1917. He returned to France a few weeks ago, and went into action the day before he was killed.
His parents have received the following message from their son´s friend able Seaman A.R.Jones:
“I am just writing to let you know that I received a letter which you sent to my dear pal. I don´t know whether you have heard the sad news, but we lost him in the big push we were in.
He went right through it all with me and my pals, we were on our way back after getting relieved, and we were getting heavily shelled at the time. One dropped amongst a few of our lads, and afterwards we found that our dear pal Cliffe was amongst them.
I can honestly say we miss him very much. I went through the Dardanelles and France with him. He died a British soldier and a true pal.” Cpl Cliff was at the time of enlistment, a student at the Sheffield University mining classes, having already obtained four certificates and a diploma in mining.
He was the last surviving son, his brother Reginald having been killed in action three years ago has stated.
From C.W.G.C.:
Able Seaman
CLIFF, WILLIAM ALVEY
Service Number KP/238
Died 04/09/1918
Aged 26
Drake Bn. R.N. Div.
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Mentioned in Despatches
Son of Samuel and Georgiana Cliff, of 3, Cliff View, Denaby Main, Rotherham.
VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL Panel 1 and 2.