45440 Private
Northumberland Fusiliers, 14th Battalion Pioneers, 21st Division
Age: 25
Date of Death: Died of Wounds 20.9.17
Buried: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery XXIII.D.20A
Family history: Son of John and Maggie Morrison Anderson, Abbey View Cottage, Shieldhill, Falkirk. He enlisted in November 1914 in the Cameron Highlanders before being transferred to the Highland Cycle Brigade and then to the Northumberland Fusiliers. Before enlisting he was employed as a miner by the Carron Company at Gardrum Colliery, Shieldhill.
Pioneer Battalions were created from infantry battalions, often from the Territorial Force, these tended to have a mix of trades and skills which were invaluable. Members of Pioneer Battalions were trained soldiers but were engaged on labouring or construction work and could still be called on to fight.
On the day of William Anderson’s death the 14th Northumberland Fusiliers were engaged in working on construction work at Plumer Road near Zillebeke. The Operational Order for 19th September 1917, set out the area and work to be undertaken:
Map showing the area:
(Linesman Map)
The War Diary recorded that:
The battalion did not arrive at Sanctuary Wood due to heavy shelling. Plumer
Road was taped out and work began. The War Diary recorded battalion casualties as Other Ranks 3 killed and 14 wounded.
Medals Awarded
Headstone
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