William John Norry, Age 27

Private, 19530, 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry.

K.S.L.I Regiment Cap Badge.

William had been born in Dawley, but was living in Coalbrookdale at the time of his enlistment. William and his brother Edward were the sons of Mr. W. Norry, 2 Wellington Road, (Carpenters Row) Coalbrookdale.

Before joining up William was employed at the Severn Foundry, Coalbrookdale. Edward had also joined the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. His brother Edward had been wounded at Hooge in October 1915, recovered and returned to the front

On the 22nd March 1918 William was with what was left of the 1st Battalion after the Germans had launched their massive offensive to try and win the war on the day before (21st March 1918). The battalion was less than 100 strong and was being lead by Lt A B Rodgers. On the morning of the 22nd, they came under increasing German attacks and were forced back to Vaulx and at dusk received orders to retire to the GHQ line where they were relieved the following day.

William John Norry 1891 - 1918

Unfortunately, William was killed in action during the second day of the German offensive (22nd March) the battalion having suffered over the two days (2lst & 22nd) over 21 Officers and 492 other ranks being killed, wounded or missing.

William’s body was never found and his name appears on the Arras memorial bay 7.

WWI Medal Rolls Index Card

Commonwealth War Graves
Commemorated Arras memorial

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Victory Medal	British War Medal	Territorial War Medal