William Ernest Powell

Rifleman, Royal Rifle Corps

William Ernest Powell lived at 116 Denmark Hill, London and was a student at Alleyn’s until 1900. After completing his studies, he kept ties with the school through his voluntary work and later helped to organise and manage the School’s Benevolent Fund. In addition to this, William also gave a great amount of time and energy to helping out with the Old Boys’ Club along with another former student, Percy Alfred Line. When Percy joined the war effort in 1915, William took over the running and organisation of both offices until being called up for service at the start of 1916. After being found fit for service, he joined the Royal Rifle Corps and was sent for service overseas on the Western Front. In October 1916, he was serving in France during the Somme Offensive when he was wounded in action. Unfortunately, he later died of his injuries on October 20^th 1916. He was known as a ‘quiet, neat and gentle’ individual and his loss was greatly felt, not only by the Old Boys’ Club in general, but also by the Cricket Club of which he was a most useful and popular member. William is buried at Etretat Churchyard.