Remembering today my great uncle, Pte William Mallard 8643 1st Btn South Staffs. Son of Annie and Benjamin Mallard, he had enlisted at Lichfield in 1909. Serving abroad as a regular soldier, he wrote postcards from Gibraltar and South Africa to the family back home at 210 New John Street West, Hockley, Birmingham.

William was killed in fierce fighting near Zillebeke on November 7th 1914. More than one hundred of his comrades died with him on the same day, among them Captain John F Vallentin who was posthumously awarded the VC. Most of them have no known grave but are commemorated on the Menin Gate at Ypres. William is also remembered at The Hall of Memory, Birmingham.

William's niece (my aunt) is the proud custodian of his medals and plaque which are framed and on display, together with his photograph.

Ninety five years on, Pte Mallard, Capt Vallentin and all The Old Contemptibles of the 1st South Staffs - We Will Remember Them.

Here, here. One of the worst days in the battalion's war. Speaking as someone who has literally followed in the footsteps of the battalion on every step of its journey from 6 October 1914 to its departure for Italy in November 1917, I remember them almost daily.

Remembering Pte Mallard, and all The Old Contemptibles of the 1st South Staffs.

Doug.

Remembering Pte William Mallard and all his comrades who died as a result of the action on November 7th 1914, may you all forever rest in peace.

Thank you all.
Stephen

We Will Remember Them.

while my grandfather survived ww1 he was wounded, he served with the 1st battalion s staffs

William and all the Old Contemptibles,

You are Not Forgotten

Jan, thank you for postoing additional information to allow us to learn more about who you are asking us to remember.

Ian.

May they all Rest in Peace.