Leading Chief Stoker, William James Wilson
HMS "Thunderer", Royal Navy

Born on 7th November 1888 at Longstore, Guernsey. The son of William Robert Wilson (seaman) and Mary Ann Stewart. An Errand boy. In 1891, he was living in Guernsey at 11 Havelet with his parents as a 2 year old so he seems to have lied about his age on when he enlisted. In 1901, he was living with his parents and uncle James Stewart at 9 Salem Street, Plymouth. He enlisted on 27 July 1905 for 12 years in the Royal Navy. 5ft 6.5 in, dark hair, brown eyes, dark complexion, 3 scars on right forearm, WP and 5 dots very faint left forearm. He started as Stoker 2nd class at HMS "Vivid II "and then HMS "Argyll". Served on several ships but spent whole of war on HMS "Thunderer" as Leading Stoker. He would have been at the Battle of Jutland.
He was still serving in 1921 and living in Plymouth with his wife Lily Mogridge (m 1912) and 3 children. Served until 2nd Feb 1926 finishing on HMS "Dauntless". May have been a postman in Plymouth between the wars. Served in WWII until 11th November 1944.

Nephew of PO James Stewart and Private Reginald Druce. Cousin of Private Walter Thomas Pike, AB Reginald Stewart Druce, Stoker Herbert Druce and Stoker Harold Druce, all of whom served.