William Hunter was the son of James and Margaret Hunter, of 55, Coronation Street, North Shields, Northumberland.

On 4th January 1915, William sailed for France to reinforce the 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.

William deserted in September 1915, he apparently ‘lost heart at soldiering’. He remained on the run in France for the next two months before being arrested. He then managed to escape from custody, before finally being caught again in the following January. The subsequent court martial concluded that he was of little use as a fighting solider and should be shot*.

Details of the court proceedings can be found on the Blindfold and alone webiste here: CLICK

On 21st February 1916, William was shot at dawn for desertion. His medals were also forfeited.

William Hunter was buried in Maroc British cemetery.

Rank: Private

Service No: 10710

Date of Death: 21/02/1916

Age: 18

Regiment/Service: The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 1st Bn.

Cemetery: MAROC BRITISH CEMETERY, GRENAY, I. B. 38.

* Source: Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson:A Political Soldier: A Political Soldier By Keith Jeffery

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