Gunner William Church, 951406, 42nd Brigade Royal Field Artillery, was wounded in both knees on November 8th, 1918 - three days before the Armistice. As a result his right leg was amputated above the knee.

Before enlisting in April 1916, Nottingham-born William (pictured) had been a teacher at St Matthew's School, Luton. He took part in severe fighting on the Somme and at Cambrai and was gassed on one occasion. He had been recommended for the Military Medal, but instead received a parchment commendation testifying to his excellent service.

In 1911 teacher William was a boarder at 95 Havelock Road, Luton. On May 29th, 1912, he married Jessie Steele in Derby, and they later lived at 58 Talbot Road, Luton, with daughter Margaret Nancy (born November 1913) and son William Harold (September 1915).

Gunner Church, born on April 13th, 1884, spent months in hospital, and was fitted with an artificial limb before being discharged from the Army, confirmed in January 1920. He returned to teaching and died Exeter in 1973 at the age of 73.

William had been a member of Luton Liberal Club and belonged to the Town Chess Club.