William Challis. Died 25 September 1915
The only William Challis we can find in Wokingham is a man of 36 in 1911, married with 5 children. It is possible that he was an elder brother of Ernest Challis as his parents had 7 children and Ernest was one of the youngest.
The ‘Soldiers Died’ records show William Challis as serving in the 8th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment and he was killed at the Battle of Loos on 25th September 1915, a day of very heavy losses.
If this William CHALLIS was born in 1882 then I would suggest he is the son of Joseph & Mary CHALLIS of Emmbrook. Ernest CHALLIS born 1885 was the son of John & Ellen CHALLIS also of Emmbrook. I have not yet followed up the respective parents (Joseph/Mary & John/Ellen) but the fathers Joseph (b.1856) & John (b.1858) were both born at Newbury (ref: 1901 Census) – were they brothers? Easy enough to follow up!
My interest is that I am studying the history of Emmbrook and its inhabitants (historically that is!). I have been told that the CHALLIS who was a bricklayer worked on the police station in Rectory Road, amongst other buildings in Wokingham, but I do not have any confirmation of this. Do contact me if you wish!
I am sure it is like telling your grandmother to suck eggs, but I have used the Commonwealth War Graves Commision for info. on Emmbrook men’s last resting place.
Thank you for your site – only just got onto it, and I can see that it will prove very interesting for me.
Regards – Peter