William Albert Nightingale

Date of birth:                   8^th August 1892
Place of birth:                 Torquay, Devon
Service No.:                     B.166 111
Rank:                                  Officer’s Steward 3^rd Class
Regiment / Division:   Royal Navy
Battalion/Ship:              H.M.S. “Victory”
Died:                                   7^th April 1916 aged 23 years
Death Location:            UK

Life before the War

William’s parents were Henry  (Harry) and Kate, both of whom and including William’s brother Harry Ernest, were all born in Torquay, Devon.

In the cenus of 1901, Harry, Kate and Harry the son were living at Grove Road, Shirley. In the census of  1911 the three of them had moved to 15, Randolph Street, Freemantle, Southampton. Harry senior was employed by the Steamship Co. working as a Plumber of Lead and other Metals. Harry junior was also employed by the Steamship Co. as an Apprentice Shipwright.

Harry married Kate nee Cload in Torquay, Devon 1892. Harry was born 1872 and died 1947. Kate was born 11^th January 1872 and died 1957. Harry Ernest was born 10^th November 1894 and died 1970 Southampton. There was a third child as per the 1911 census, who died.

William lived with his paternal grandparents as shown in the 1901 and 1911 census details. His grandfather William was the Licensed Victualler of the Royal Arms, 14, Padwell Road, St. Mary’s Parish, Southampton. The address was also their home as well as their employment. William died in 1908 and the Royal Arms was then run by his wife Eliza nee Herd.

Kelly’s Directory shows that William was the licensee of the Royal Arms in 1898, then Eliza had taken over from 1908 and their son, also William, became licensee up to the early 1940’s. The Public House has now been pulled down and new house/flats have been built.

War Service

The Royal Arms.Padwell Road.Southampton