William Ernest Nickson was the son of William and Annie Nickson, Cross Keys Inn, Lane End. From the 1911 census we see William and Annie had 10 children born, 9 then alive. The family in 1911 were: William Lewis Nickson 45 publican and farmer b Buckley; Annie 39, Robert Lewis 16, Nellie 15, William Ernest 13 born Buckley, Ruby Maud 11, Hector Redvers 10, Pattie 8, Thomas Sandford 5, George Walley 3, John Richard 2, and Robert Ernest brother to head 44.
William enlisted in Bettersfield (Bettisfield?) Salop and died of his wounds in France on the 4th October 1918 when he was 20.
William Ernest’s death was posted in the Liverpool Daily Post, October 25th 1918
Gunner W.E. Nickson, R.F.A., Cross Keys Hotel, Buckley, who was recently reported wounded, is now officially posted as having died of wounds on October 4. He was 21 years of age.
William Ernest is remembered on the family grave at St. Matthew’s.
Sacred to the memory of
Mary Nickson
Who died January 12th 1909
Aged 15
John R Nickson
Who died August 5th 1911
Aged 2 ½ years
W E Nickson R F A
Killed in action in France
October 4th 1918
Aged 21 years
Annie Nickson
Mother of the above
Who died July 5th 1932
Aged 58 years
Also her husband
William Lewis
Who died January 31st 1949
Aged 83 years
Their daughter Nellie
Who died August 24th 1963
Aged 67 years
James Hewitt
Husband of the above
Who died September 2nd 1966
Aged 69 years