The service and death of 48964 Lance Corporal William Lucas was typical of many RE Field Company casualties. He was born in Portsmouth, Hants, in 1895; a legal clerk, he volunteered for the Royal Engineers in 1915. After training in Bordon, Hants, he embarked for France in August 1915, aboard the SS Australind, serving on the Western Front from 28th August. He served in the Battle of Loos,  the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Messines, and the early attacks of the 3rd Ypres (Battles of Menin Road Ridge and Polygon Wood). When the Passchendaele phase of the 3rd Ypres began on 12th October, it had to be paused whilst communications and tracks were repaired. On 13th October, Lucas and the 102nd Filed Company were constructing tracks between Glencorse Wood, Polygon Wood, and Reutek, no more than a kilometre behind the new 23rd Division front line. Well within range of German artillery, Lucas and 3 sappers were hit (see casualty page). He survived the 9km journey to Godewaersvelde Casualty Clearing Station, dying of his wounds on 14th October, aged 23. He is buried in Godewaersvelde British Cemetery. 

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Obituary from Portsmouth Evening News, Tuesday 23rd October, 1917.

 

‘LUCAS: - On the 14th of October, from wounds received in action on 13th, our dearly loved and only son, and brother, Lance Corporal William Lucas, of the Royal Engineers, after two years and two months fighting, aged 23 years. Will be sadly missed by his sorrowing father and mother, A. and R. Lucas, of 21 Glidden-Street, sisters and brothers-in-laws, and grandfather. Rest in Peace’. 

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