Signaller William Pearce, 956450, A Battery, 76th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died from pneumonia on May 19th, 1919, in the 42nd Stationary Hospital, Cologne, while serving as a member of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine.

A telegram to his parents at 46 Beech Road, Luton, two days before his death said he was seriously ill, but a permit to visit him could not be granted. A Chaplain and the hospital Sister later wrote to inform them of their son's death.

William Pearce had joined up in April 1916 and was drafted to France the following August. Poisoned legs meant he was taken to Dublin and later back to England for treatment in 1916. He returned to France in July 1918, and had been with the Army of Occupation since the signing of the armistice.

Before joining the forces, William had been in business at 180 Leagrave, Road, on the corner with Norman Road.

He was buried with full military honours at a British cemetery at Euskirchen in Germany [Cologne Southern Cemetery].