Pte William James Proctor, 25628, 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment (Depot), died from pneumonia in the London General Hospital, Camberwell, on March 3rd, 1917. He was aged 33.

Born in Redbourn, he played football for Luton's Clarence FC and in June 1916 joined the 27th Middlesex Regiment (the Footballers' Battalion) [3445] under the Derby scheme. He trained at Aldershot and about five months before his death proceeded to France, where he was transferred to the East Surrey Regiment.

The severe winter, coupled with campaigning hardships, had sapped his constitution, and colds and chills eventually led to pneumonia. He was invalided home, and arrived at the London General Hospital about a week before his death and was visited by wife Jessie and friends.

Prior to joining up, the old boy of Christ Church School was employed by hat manufacturers Messrs J. and K. Connor, of 28-32 Buxton Road, Luton.

He had married Jessie Marion Crook, daughter of James Crook, licensee of the Bedford Arms, Stuart Street, in the summer of 1913. They lived at 86 Russell Rise, Luton, and had a daughter, Joan, born in late 1915.

William Proctor was buried at the Luton Church Cemetery, Crawley Green Road, on March 8th, 1917.