William Henry Hughes was born in Mostyn in 1899.

In 1901 he was living at Taliesen Cottage, Mostyn with the Pearson family. William Pearson aged 42, — filler in an Iron Works, Sarah Pearson his wife aged 39, Catherine Pearson aged 8, daughter, William H. Hughes aged 2, boarder and Daniel Pearson aged 8 months, son. Sarah was formerly Hughes, so perhaps William Henry was Sarah’s son from a previous relationship, though I have been unable to find a previous marriage for Sarah. He could perhaps have been the child of another member of her family.

By 1911 William Pearson had died and Sarah and family are still living at Taliesen Cottage, Rhewl, Mostyn. Sarah Pearson aged 48, a widow, Daniel Pearson, son aged 10 and William H. Hughes, aged 12, adopted.

He attended Lady Augusta School in Mostyn where he got a medal for regular attendance in 1908.

Unfortunately William’s military records are missing, so it isn’t known when he enlisted. He was a Private in the 9th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, and was captured and interred in a Prisoner of War Camp sometime before 19th June 1918. He died on 18th September of the same year, still a Prisoner of War.

After his death his mother, Sarah received notification that £15 8s 1d was due to William’s estate. This included a Special War Gratuity of £5 10s 0d.

William was awarded the British War and Victory Medals, which were forwarded to his mother. She also received a Death Penny in his name.

We are grateful to William Henry Hughes’ family for supplying the above photographs, via Flintshire Record Office.