Soldier – Cliffe, William – Killed in Action in France

September 1918

Mexborough and Swinton Times, Saturday, Sept 14th 1918

Corpl William Alvey Cliffe
Royal Naval Department

Corporal 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 there 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 writing to let you know that I received a letter which you sent to my dear pal. I don’t know whether you have erred the sad news, but we lost in the big push we were in. He went right through it all with me and my pals, and 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 among them. I can honestly say we missing very much. I went through the Dardanelles and France with him. He died a British soldier and a true pal.”

Corporal Cliffe 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, as 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.