Sgt. W.G. Naylor

FIRST NAMES: William George

UNIT: Army Service Corps

NUMBER: M2/051422

STATUS: Killed in Action

DATE OF DEATH: 7th April 1918

CEMETERY OR MEMORIAL: Herrisart Communal Cemetery

AGE: 30

William was born on 11th October 1889, the son of James Henry Naylor and Jane (nee Stott), of High Street, Northallerton.

According to the 1901 Census James was a self-employed Whitesmith and they had 4 children, James H (16), Nellie (13), William George (11) and Percy (4). James H was listed as a whitesmith worker, so was most likely working for his father.

By the time of the 1911 Census William was married to Annie and they had two children, Margaret Annie (3) and James William (3 months) and were recorded as living at South End. William was recorded as being a whitesmith, working at home.

By the time of his death William and his wife had four children. He played in the Northallerton Town Band and was connected with the local Fire Brigade.

He worked as a motor mechanic in his family's garage business. The Naylors and a family called Smirthwaites were the first people to open garages in Northallerton. Both Smirthwaites and Naylor's garages have now been replaced by a Tescos store and car park and the former Naylor's garage showroom is occupied by Maxwell's electrical shop.

William volunteered for active duty when War broke out and served with the Army Service Corps, perhaps as a despatch rider. He was killed in action by a shell, aged 30.