Sergeant William Trevor Finnemore (21534)

William Trevor Finnemore enlisted in to the Worcestershire Regiment at the Guildhall Recruiting Office, 42 High Street, Worcester on the 17th February 1915. At the time he was only 16 years old, born in West Bridgford, Nottingham, on 29th June 1898. He was normally known as Trevor rather than William.

Years later he told his family that when he enlisted and asked his age he initially told the truth. The response he got back from the recruiting officer was "walk round the room and think about that answer lad". He was then asked the same question again and came up with a different answer, this time he gave his age as 19. The story has it that his father was on the next train to try and stop him enlisting, but arrived too late!

On his enlistment document he gave his age 19 years 5 months. His home address was given as Half Key Farm, Malvern and his occupation was stated as a Butcher. His next of kin was given as Elizabeth Finnemore, his mother.

After he enlisted he was posted to the Depot at Norton Barracks, Worcester as a Private soldier. On the 25th February 1915 he was posted to the 6th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment at Devonport. He was appointed to the rank of Lance Corporal on the 2nd September 1915. Appointed Acting Corporal on the 1st April 1916. Promoted to the rank of Corporal on the 10th July 1916.

Qualified as 2nd Class Instructor at Rifle Course, Hayling Island during period 31st July 1916 to 25th August 1916. He also had a fair knowledge of the Lewis Gun.

Appointed Acting Sergeant on the 1st September 1916. Ceased holding Acting Sergeant rank on the 30th November 1916 and reverted to rank of Corporal. Left Devonport on the 30th November 1916.

Embarked for France on the 30th November 1916. He disembarked at Rouen, France on the 1st December 1916 and was posted to the 4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment at Rouen.

On the 24th December 1916 he was posted to the 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment for action in the field and served in 'D' Company. Appointed Lance Sergeant on the 26th April 1917. Appointed Acting Sergeant on the 18th August 1917.

Went on leave back home to U.K. on the 26th November 1917 until 10th December 1917.

 

Sgt. W. T. Finnemore

Infantry School 2nd Corps - France (August 1917)
Sgt. W. T. Finnemore is second from the right in the second row from the back

He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on the 12th May 1918. A few months later he was wounded in action by a Mustered Gas Shell on the 17th August 1918. After treatment he rejoined the 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in France on the 12th November 1918. He finally left France for U.K. for demobilization on the 18th February 1919 at the time he was at Fienvillers, France.

Trevor was awarded 1 wound stripe and 3 Blue Chevrons (Overseas Service Stripes). You can clearly see the 3 miniature blue inverted chevron strips worn on the cuff of the right sleeve. The 3 Blue Chevrons he was awarded were for 1916, 1917 and 1918.

He was finally demobilized on the 21st March 1919 and returned to Witton, Birmingham.

 


Infantry School Report (1917)



Sergeants of the 3rd battalion Worcestershire Regiment - France (Summer 1918)
William Trevor Finnemore (21534) seated far right.



Part of his Service Record - note name as Trevor Finnemore



Discharge document

After the First World War he did not return to complete his butcher's apprenticeship. He played rugby for the Witton Works of Magnet. He became a welfare officer and later worked for 34 years for Pirelli at Burton-upon -Trent, finally retiring as General Services Manager in 1963.



During the National Strike in 1926 he drove a bus for the City of Birmingham



Pirelli Platoon of the Home Guard
William Trevor Finnemore seated cross legged at the front

During the Second World War he was a Lieutenant in charge of the Pirelli Platoon of the Home Guard and is seen in the above photo.


William Trevor Finnemore retires in 1963



William Trevor Finnemore died on 26th July 1972 in Bridlington

Note: Thanks to his daughter Sally Luther for copies of photographs and documents of her father.

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