Private W. Street served in the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment and Machine Gun Corps. His Service Number was 18436. (This number is on the side of the medals). Volunteering in December 1914 he was sent overseas in September of the following year and saw much service in various parts of the Western Front. Fighting at Givenchy, Arras, the Somme, and many other places. He was gassed and on recovery he was transferred to the labour corps. Where he served as a cook. He can be seen wearing a 'white' coat seated in a photograph with his troop. He rendered valuable services until he wad demobilsed in March 1919.

Levi William James Street - his real name, holds three medals, the 1914-15 Star, the General Service Medal and the Victory Medal.

His home address in England at this time was, 45 Cowfairlands, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. He was aged approximately 37 years at the beginning of his war service and he was approximately aged 42 when he returned home.

My father (the infant in the photograph) was aged 5/6 years when he returned home. Apparently William was so traumatised by his military experiences he had terrible nighmares. His wife, Emma, locked the children in their bedrooms at night to keep them safe.

A happier time with his family was the celebration of his 50 years of marriage in July 1949. A rare ocurrance, since many women were widowed and few marriages reached a golden anniversary. We are fortunate to have a photograph.

William died aged 74 in September 1951.