Corporal William Chew
20887 1st Royal Fusiliers
Died of Wounds 29th September 1916, aged 26
Lived at 417 Manchester Road
Buried in Burnley Cemetery, UK
Commemorated on St Peters Memorial, Burnley
Burnley Express 7th October 1916 - 4th September 1919

Willie Chew was born in Burnley the son of Charles and Elizabeth Chew who originally lived at the “Parker Arms” on Croft Street and later moved to 417 Manchester Road Burnley. He served as Corporal 20887 in the Royal Fusiliers and died of wounds in Kirby Ash (Liverpool) Hospital. aged 26 on Friday 29th September 1916.

“Gunshot In Head. Burnley Corporal in Rouen Hospital ( Burnley News of September 13, 1916 )

Corporal Wm. Chew, son of Mr and Mrs C. Chew of 417 Manchester Road, Burnley is lying in hospital in Rouen suffering from gunshot wound in the side of the face. His parents were notified by telegram last week, which was followed by official intimation, and an intimation that the wounded soldier could be visited at Rouen in response to which his father and mother are now in France. Corpl. Chew while at the front had the good fortune to meet his brother Charles, who is serving with the A.S.C. somewhere behind the firing line. Writing home on 30th August, Pte. Charles Chew stated: “I saw our Bill just after coming out of action. He was quite all right and in the pink of condition considering what he had gone through. The battalion did not go over the top, but had to hold an advanced position for four days. They have been stationed near us these last few days.” Another letter from Pte. Charles in which he mentions having seen his brother again, when he appeared quite well, was written on the day the corporal was wounded.
Corporal Chew, prior to joining the Army last October was manager for Mr E. Hall, pawnbroker, Trafalgar Street, and he was very well known in the town. His brother was also engaged in the pawnbroking business.”

The Burnley Express reported that;-

“He was wounded on September 4th 1916 by a shrapnel wound in his left temple from which he subsequently died. He was formerly the manager for Mr Hall , Pawnbroker, of Trafalgar Street. His father kept the “Parker Arms” for many years. His brother Charles is on Active service with the Army Service Corps.2

“Burnley Fusiliers’s Death. Funeral of Corpl. Chew. ( Burnley Express of October 7th 1916 )
The internment of of Corpl William Chew, of the Royal Fusiliers, son of Mr and Mrs Chew, 417 Manchester Road, Burnley took place at the Burnley cemetery on Wednesday. Copl. Chew (whose portrait we gave on Wednesday) was wounded on Sept. 4th in France, but left Rouen Hospital apparently well on the way to recovery. He was sent over to the Knotty Ash Military Hospital, near Liverpool, There was a sudden change in his condition on Friday of last week and he died the same day. Corpl. Chew was brought home for burial. The service at the house on Wednesday was conducted by the Rev. S.E. Clarke, Vicar of St Matthew’s, while the Rev. F.E. d’A. Willis, Vicar of St Stephen’s, officiated at the cemetery. The coffin was of polished oak, with brass mounts, and bore a plate on which was inscribed ; ‘ Corpl. William Chew, died Sept. 29th 1916 aged 26 years.

Notes
1901 Census – 10 and 12 Croft Street – Charles Chew (38) publican, Elizabeth (37) born St. Helens, William (11) Charles (10)

Willie Chew was also commemorated on the Pickup Croft Sunday School Memorial which was dedicated on 16th September 1922. Pickup Croft was a mission church of St Peter’s Parish and was also used as an Infant School.