William was born on July 12th 1880 and baptized April 24th 1880. Mother Jane , father Henry. Woolton. In the parish of Woolton(Probably St Peters Church Woolton as St Peters is the parish church of Woolton)

According to the 1891 census, William (aged 11) was living with father Henry , mother Jane, brothers Robert (aged 15), Thomas (aged 13), with the family living at 3/4 Chapel St Woolton.

In 1909 William (aged 28) married Annie Rawlinson (aged 20). William’s father Henry. Annie’s father Robert was a laborer. in The Parish Church of Liverpool.

The 1911 Census lists William aged 31, wife Annie aged 21, and sons Robert Rawlinson aged 3, and William aged 1. Family living 3 in 10 Court, Quarry St Woolton

On William’s pension record, Annie has remarried to Arthur Ashcroft on 30th June 1916 along with sons William Benedict (born 24th March 1910,) and Robert Rawlinson (adopted) born 17th June 1908. Also Frederick born 23rd June 1913 and died 13 December 1917.

Williams  Southern Soldiers effects initially to widow Annie then to Annie Ashcroft.  

William served serial number 2628 and serving in 2nd Kings Royal Rifle Corps and was killed in action 23rd October 1914.

Rifleman William Southern Remembered with Honour Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

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