William Henshall spent much of his young life in Welling. By the age of 15 he was working as a nurseryman, involved in growing plants, flowers or soft fruits. He volunteered a month after war broke out. Just 18 years old, he was probably one of the keen young men caught up in a patriotic wave to enlist at a time when it was generally believed the war would be over before Christmas. William was to suffer a serious injury in 1916 from which it took him a year to recover. He was sent back to Belgium in 1917, survived the horrors of Passchendaele, only to be killed in action on Boxing Day 1917. He “fell at his post, and his death was merciful, in that it was instantaneous” his Captain wrote to his mother.
William was never to marry and have children, but is honoured and remembered by his great nephew, Barry Dixey, who co-runs Welling Collectables, a small shop in Welling filled with treasures of all things past. Each year Barry makes a display William’s photos, medals and cap badge in his shop window, which William would have known as a shoe and boot shop all those years ago. If you walk past 27 High Street, Welling do take a look, or go inside and talk to Barry or one of his colleagues. It is one small story of a life unlived and tragedy echoed millions of times across the world.
We will remember them
