Pte William Fensome, 18837, Machine Gun Corps, and formerly with the Essex Regiment (9882), was killed in action on July 1st, 1916, in the "Big Push" at the start of the Battle of the Somme.

Military records show him to have been the son of widower Mr Thomas Fensome, of 5 Ebenezer Street, Luton, and give his age as 28. The Ebenezer Street address is included on the Luton Roll of Honour.

Confusingly, a Luton News report said that William and brother Harry (10352), who had been killed in action with the Essex Regiment on November 22nd, 1915, were the sons of Mr William Fensome, of 104 Chapel Street, Luton. Pte William Fensom's age was given as 24, and before enlistment he had worked for hat manufacturers Messrs Carruthers Brothers, of King Street, Luton.

The newspaper report said the news of Pte Fensome's death was received by his fiancee, Miss Fisher, in a letter from the sergeant of his company. She was also sent a farewell letter William had written on the eve of going into battle in the event of his being killed. Pte W. Kingsley, of the Worcester Regiment, had found the letter and some photographs on Pte Fensome's body and forwarded them as requested of the finder.