William was born on 2.9.1891 in Leicester and was baptised on 9.11.1891 at St. Margaret’s Church, Leicester. His parents were William Alfred Cheney, a shoe edge maker and Ann (nee Griffiths). They had 7 children I know of-
Ann 1888
William H M 1891
Bertie 1897
Horace 1899
Walter 1901
Elsie 1902
Herbert 1903
In 1901 census the family lived at 5 London Street and William went to Bridge Road school.
In 1904 his mother Ann died aged 36.
In 1905 William senior married his second wife, Eliza Dawson. They had no children.
In 1911 census the family lived in Bakehouse Lane but William junior was a boarder at 15 Clover Street, Chatham and listed as a Royal Navy Seaman.
William’s RN records state that he first served in 1909 at HMS Ganges. He last served as AB J/4265 on 1.1.1915 aboard HMS Formidable when he was Killed in Action, aged 23. His body was not recovered for burial but he is listed on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent. He is also on the Bishop Street Methodist Church Memorial.
At the time of his death his family lived at 31 Farglia.111 Street. His photograph is in Daily Post 7.1.1915 Pg 6.
Leicester Mercury 6.1•1915 Pg 2.
