W J Caseley (c.1899 – 1917)

Wilfred James Caseley was the son of William Caseley, a labourer, and his wife, Alice. William died while Wilfred was still a young boy. Alice worked as a charwoman to provide for the family.

Wilfred joined the 7th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He died of wounds on 15th April, 1917 – possibly received during the Battle of the Scarpe. He is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.

Private Caseley, 18051, was awarded the Victory and British Medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal of 5th May, 1917.

A LOCAL MAN DIES FROM WOUNDS
[Bridgnorth Journal, 5th May, 1917]
Another Bridgnorth man has lost his life in the war, 18051 Private J. Caseley, 7th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. On the 14th April, Mrs Alice Caseley, 12 Severn Street, received a telegram from the Infantry Records Office, Shrewsbury, informing her that her son was reported dangerously ill with gun shot wound in right leg, that he was lying at No. 13 General Hospital, Boulogne, and expressing regret that permission to visit could not be granted. On the 18th April a further telegram was received from the Records Office as follows:- “Deeply regret to inform you your son 18051 Pte. J. Caseley, 7th K.S.L.I., died from gun shot wound right leg at No. 13, General Hospital, Boulogne, 15th April, and I am to express sympathy and regret of the Army Council in your sad bereavement.” This was followed by a communication received through the post confirming the telegram. Two letters were also received by Mrs. Caseley from the chaplain at the hospital in France, in which he informed her that her son was dangerously wounded when admitted, but everything possible was done for him, the doctor and sisters being unremitting in their efforts on his behalf, but all was unavailing. The chaplain concluded with some sympathetic words. Pte. Hartley, Pte. Caseley’s mate, who was near him at the time he was wounded also wrote to Mrs Caseley. He states that Pte. Caseley was hit with a machine-gun bullet in the leg, and that when he left him he was quite happy and full of smiles.