King, William

William King was born in Buckinghamshire, England on February 19, 1884. In 1906, he immigrated to Canada, and made his way to southern Alberta, where he met his wife, Sarah. The couple were married in 1908 and settled into a home in Lethbridge, Alberta where their two oldest children, Maurine and William Jr. were born. A third child, Margaret was born while the family was on a trip home to visit relatives in England. The last child, Sadie was not born until after William King had enlisted in the CEF. William and Sarah King were known as hard working folks, determined to make a good life for their growing family. On February 5, 1915, William King enlisted with the 50th Battalion CEF in Calgary, Alberta. Corporal King remained with the 50th Battalion at Camp Sarcee for 8 months as a musketry instructor until embarking for England. He arrived in England on November 4, 1915 on the SS Orduna and remained in England until embarking for France on August 11, 1916. He was only at the front lines for two weeks when tragedy struck. On August 24, 1916 Corporal King was on a work party with other members of the 50th Battalion when he was shot through the heart by a sniper’s bullet. He was laid to rest at Ridge Wood Military Cemetery. Corporal King was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His wife, Sarah was awarded the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her husband