Pte 31021 William Huntriss

• Age: 23
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: 4TH KINGS
• Died on Friday 15th February 1918
• Commemorated at: Anfield Cem Liverpool
  Panel Ref: XVII.C.1332

William was born in Liverpool on 19th September 1894 and was baptised on 28th September 1894 at St Peter's Church. He was the son of William and Hannah Huntriss (nee Hunter) who at the time of his birth were living in Falkner Square. They had married on 17th March 1885 at Holy Trinity Church, Liverpool. William senior was born in  Yorkshire and was a mariner, Hannah was born in Belper, Ireland.

William was one of four children he had a brother Harry and two sisters Elizabeth and Leah who both sadly died in childhood.

On 1901 census William is aged 6 living at 247 Victoria Square, Liverpool. His father, William, is a 43 year old ships rigger, his place of birth shown as Workington, whilst his mother, Hannah, is aged 40 and born in Ireland. His brother Harry aged 15 is a telegraph messenger born in Liverpool.

In 1911 the family are living at 51 August Road, Tuebrook, Liverpool. His father is a 53 year old storekeeper for the Harbour Board, his place of birth now shown as Sherborne, Yorkshire, whilst his mother is now 50 years of age. William is now 16 and an apprentice gas fitter. Also present is Elizabeth Hunter the mother of Hannah, she is aged 74 and a widow. She is a resident of Gibraltar.  

He enlisted in Liverpool joining the 19th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 31021. He was at some point subsequently transferred to the 4th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment.

He died of wounds recieved in France on 15th February 1918 aged 23 at Winwick Military Hospital, Warrington and was buried in the family grave at Anfield Cemetery on 18th February 1918 alongside his parents.

From the details on the headstone it appears that his parents died within a week of each other. Hannah died on 18 th February 1916 and William on 25th February 1916. They had been resident at 13 July Road at the time of their deaths.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 15th February 1918

HUNTRISS - February 15, at the Military Hospital, Warrington, aged 23 years, WILLIAM HUNTRISS K.L.R., of 6 Alroy Road, Fairfield, youngest son of the late William and Hannah Huntriss. Internment Monday next, Anfield Cemetery. (friends kindly accept this - the only intimation - time later.)

News of a memorial service was featured in the Liverpool Echo on 22nd February 1918

St DOMINGO MEN'S BROTHERHOOD BIBLE CLASS (corner St Domingo Vale), BRECKFIELD RD NORTH.

Leader: Mr W. LEWIS, SUNDAY NEXT,  the 24th inst at 2:45 p.m., SPECIAL SERVICE will be held in memory of our late brother Pte W. HUNTRISS K.L.R., who died from wounds received in France at Winwick Military Hospital, Friday the 15th inst. Meeting Open for Men and Women. A cordial invitation given to all.

The family grave headstone in Anfield Cemetery reads:

Also WILLIAM

Youngest son of The Above

Pte 19th KLR, Died Of Wounds

15th Feb 1918, Aged 23 Years

Interred Here

William is commemorated on the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board Memorial. 

Soldiers Effects to brother Harry, no Pension record found.

Harry also served as a Liverpool Pal as Private 17367 in the 19th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment. He was discharged with a disability on 09th February 1917

CWGC shows William's next of kin to be his brother Harry then living 16 Alverstone Road, Egremont, Cheshire.

We currently have no further information on William Huntriss. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.