William Ernest Padgham was born in Fletching, Sussex in 1899, his birth registered in the district of Uckfield in the September quarter of that year. He appears on the 1901 census of England and Wales as a one year old infant living at Wharf Cottage, Fletching with his family.  The family comprised John Padgham (head, aged 40, a native of Fletching working as an agricultural labourer), his wife Mary Padgham (aged 39, a native of Lindfield) and their five children: Louisa Padgham (aged 13), Florence Padgham (aged nine), Alice Padgham (aged five), Albert Edward Padgham (aged three) and William.  All of the children are noted as having been born in Fletching.

 

Chailey Parish Magazine first mentions him in November 1916, noting: Padgham, Gnr W, RFA, England.  He appears to have served throughout the war, his name appearing in the monthly roll call published up to and including July 1919.

 

The National Archives notes a medal card for him under the name 183461 Gunner William E Padgham, Royal Field Artillery.

 

William’s older brother Albert Padgham also served his King and Country during the First World War and died of wounds in France in 1916.

 

 

Sources and Acknowledgements

 

• 1901 Census of England and Wales
• Chailey Parish Magazine
• The National Archives: Medal Index Card
• David Gordon for the photograph of William Padgham reproduced on this page and for general helpful correspondence and photographs regarding the Padgham family, his grandfather Leonard Preston Gordon, and other Chailey and Newick related topics.