William Henry Wilton was born in Ramsgate, Kent, England in 1871.

The 1871 Census shows that the family lived at 15 Bank Cottages, Erith, Kent. The head of the family was John Augustine Wilton aged 31, who was employed as a General Labourer.  His wife Elizabeth Wilton aged 29 and their three children – Thomas Frank Wilton, aged 9, John Augustus Wilton aged 7 and William Henry Wilton aged 1 year.

The 1911 Census shows that William is now 40 and is married to Edith Annie Wilton, aged 37.  They lived at Kingston House, Russell Road, Rhyl, Flintshire, North Wales and had two children – Henry Charles Wilton aged 7 and Frederick William Wilton aged 6 years.  William is employed at The Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl as an Engine House Fitter.

During January 1915 he enlisted at the Recruitment Centre, Rhyl with 5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers.  William had previously served with the King’s Royal Rifles during the Boar War.

Five other soldiers from 5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who are remembered on the Rhyl War Memorial were also killed in action at Sulva Bay that same day – Private 876 Peter Edwards, Private 1287 David Jones of 11 Brickfield Terrace, Rhyl, Private 857 William Jones of 122 Wellington Road, Rhyl, Second Lieutenant Robert Clare Walton of 11 Garden Lane, Chester and Private 2554 Bertie Campini of 36 Ffynnongroew Road, Rhyl.  Three other Rhyl Soldiers who are also remembered on the Rhyl War Memorial were also killed in action or died from wounds at Sulva Bay some days later – Private 1596 John Haines, 5th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, of 9 West Street, Rhyl on Monday 16 August 1915, Private 3248 Edward Davies, 5th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers of 80, Vale Road, Rhyl on Sunday 22 August 1915 and  Private 175 Francis James Martin, Army Cyclist Corps(Welsh Division) of 11 Kinmel Street, Rhyl on Sunday 29 August 1915.

Green Hill Military Cemetery, Turkey.

William’s Grave at Green Hill cemetery. Thanks to Bill Rosedale for photograph

On 25 November 1915 a payment of £2. 14s. 9d. was made by the War Office to Mrs Edith Annie Wilton, being monies owed to her husband William.  On 17 July 1919, a further payment, which was recorded as a War Gratuity of £6. 10s. 0d. was also made to her.

William is also remembered on a Remembrance plaque at The Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire and on The North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales.