Sergeant William Powell
Military Medal recipient, 19th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry
William Powell lived in Sunderland. He initially served with 19th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, one of the first 500 men to join, and later 13th Battalion.
In 1917, he received the Military Medal, his citation reading:
For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during operations 20/22 September 1917. In leading his men forward, by his own personal example, he inspired his men, and it was owing to his splendid example that an enemy strongpoint was captured. On reaching the final objective he quickly consolidated his position. He took charge of a bombing post on the right flank, which had been left exposed owing to the withdrawal of the battalion on that flank, with a handful of men he held the enemy at bay during four counter attacks, and also gained valuable information of the enemy’s movements by numerous patrols.
Signed by Lieutenant Colonel EF Faulkner, Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General.
Powell was killed in action at Cambrai, France, on 5 October 1918, and is buried at Beaurevoir British Cemetery, Aisne, France
Death date: 05-10-1918
Residence: Sunderland
Military Service:
19/348 Sergeant William Powell, 19th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry
Medals:
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Military Medal
Civil Parish: Sunderland
Contributed by Geoff, Sunderland
