Saturday 12 April 2014

Lance Corporal William Snoddy 10th Battalion Canadian Infantry



This week Carrickfergus remembers William John Snoddy - Lance Corporal Canadian Infantry - Died of wounds 11th April 1917 aged 24.  

NAME; Snoddy, William John
RANK; Lance Corporal
SERV. NO; 35546
UNIT/SERVICE; 10th Battalion
 REGIMENT; Canadian Infantry
BORN; Carrickfergus in 1893
LIVED; 105th Street, Edmonton, Alberta – Canada
ENLISTED; Canada 1914
FATE; Died of wounds 11th April 1917 aged 24
CEMETERY; Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, Calais – France - II. E. 15
CHURCH;
MEMORIAL;
REMARKS; William was born in Davy's Street, Carrickfergus in 1893 the son of William Snoddy (Snr)and grew up around the town.  He left Ireland in 1912 and travelled to Canada where he engaged in railway work until the outbreak of the war.  In late 1914 he enlisted with the Army Service Corps and on being transferred to the 1st Canadian Division was drafted to England.  He served with distinction in France and Flanders arriving there initially in 1915, he served gallantly during the Somme campaign of 1916.  He returned home just 2 months before his death for a brief holiday which would have been a time of mingled joy and sorrow as he celebrated his marriage to his Canadian Bride Rebecca Snoddy and a few days later he the duty of attending the funeral of his younger brother who had died of a brief illness.  It is believed William was injured during the Battle of Arras in early April 1917, he was moved to a casualty clearing station were he subsequently died of his wounds.  He is buried at Lapugnoy Military Cemetery near Calais. 

The following entry appeared in the local paper on 20th April 1917 “Lance Corporal Snoddy was one of the heroes of the Great Push and before entering it he took the precaution of putting his affairs in order.  His foresight was sadly justified, for the sacrifice which he was prepared to give was required of him.  With his young bride and his parents much sympathy is felt in their great loss”


1 comment:

  1. Civil Marriage
    Date of Marriage 29 Aug 1891
    Groom Name William SNODDY
    Bride Name Isabella HAMILTON
    Church Saint Nicholas Church of Ireland
    Parish Carrickfergus
    Civil District Larne
    County Antrim
    HAMILTON ISABELLA 1891 JOSEPH Antrim
    SNODDY WILLIAM 1891 JAMES Antrim

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