William Fowler Wicks 1891 to ?

William Fowler Wicks was my Son in Law’s maternal great uncle.

Examination of his World War One records show he could be a bad boy, 90 days for using threatening language to a superior officer whilst on active service.

Also he married a french girl in 1917 whilst on active service. They had no children

He is said to have been to Army school in 1911 and gained a 2nd Class certificate possibly in India. He apparently bought himself out by purchase 22 June 1912 from the 6th Dragoons. 

He re-enlisted on 16th March 1914 for 7 years with a further 5 on the reserve and wished to join the Lancers.Official records show the following details.

William Fowler Wicks born in the parish of Clapton London in the county of Middlesex a British subject and aged 24 years and 80 days. He is a Saddler by trade and he is 5 ft 9 1/2 in tall, weighs 152lbs, has an expanded chest of 38 1/2 in, is of fresh complexion, has blue eyes and fair hair. Small scar near right eye and scar at top of forehead. He claims to be Church of England

Service record for Private William Wicks No.5365 of the 16th Lancers

His medal Card states he was awarded, Victory Medal, British Medal and 1914 Star with Clasp and rosette and his address on 2 Apr. 1938 was Rue de Lable, Paris 15th Dept. France.

In fact he lived the rest of his life in France.