In the 1911 Census William was aged 29 and married to Eleanor (Nellie) Covil nee Martin who had been born in Lewisham twenty six years earlier. They had married on the 25th December 1909 at St.Stephens Church, Lewisham and lived at 70 Whitworth Rd., Plumstead. They later had a daughter, Eileen Florence who was born on the 24th March 1913. William’s trade was a House Painter.
William was the Son of Alfred Herbert then aged 54, a Joiner born in Woolwich and Emily 52 from Chichester, Sussex. In 1911 the family lived at 75 Whitworth Road, Plumstead. The family also consisted of Arthur 18 and Maud 3. The other siblings had married and moved from the family home. Percival 31, Horace 22, (both House Painters), Amy 23, Hetty 21 and Evaline 17. All of the girls were married by this time.
All of the children had been born in Plumstead.
William attested for the army on the 12th December 1915 aged 34 years and 4 months at Woolwich and was called to join the Royal Artillery, Service number 96697 on the 10th June 1916 joining the Royal Garrison Artillery . William was posted to the 22nd Heavy Battery of the R.G.A. landing at Le Havre on the 20th November 1916 to join his unit .
After this we have little information on William’s activity but he seems to have been a reliable soldier as on the 18th January 1917 he was classified as a temporary Wheeler for an extra 6d per day (2.5 pence in today’s currency). He was then promoted to Battery Wheeler on the 14th July 1917 at an extra 2 shillings per day (10 pence). Perhaps this skill as a Wheeler was learnt from his Father who’s trade was a Joiner. He was then graded for Class 1 pay on the 26th April 1918.
His last leave in the UK was from the 23rd to 31st December 1917, the last time he would have seen his family.
We are unable to find any Diaries relating to 22nd Heavy Battery activities whilst on active service but know that William died of wounds on the 30th April 1918 at the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station at St. Omer, France.
William did not complete a Soldier’s Will.
The attached shows the effects that were found on his body. Although the copy is unfortunately very feint we believe the list reads as follows :
- 2 ( not readable) letters
- 1 ( not readable)
- 3 religious books
- wallet
- tobacco pouch
- 2 knives
- shaving brush
- spanner
- tobacco box
- cards
- coin
William is buried Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. France Grave ref.5.A.81.
A.E. Covil was listed on the tablet in the Memorial Hall, which we believe is William Covil. We have however found no direct link to East Wickham and Welling and therefore the Trust has no plans to add his name to the East Wickham and Welling War Memorial.
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This story has been researched by volunteers. We have taken every effort to ensure its accuracy. If you are related to William Alfred Covil, or if you have any further information, please do get in touch.