William enlisted on 2nd June 1916 and was sent to Army Reserve. He was 28 years and 26 days old, a Postman by trade, and living at 41 Queen Street, Birtley, Co Durham at the time. He mobilised on 8th August 1917 and was posted to "R" Coy two days later. William was posted to serve on H.M.H.S. "Glenart Castle" on 26th February 1918. He was reported missing, believed drowned, when the ship was torpedoed. His death was accepted by the War Office after a lapse of time. He was the son of William and Annie Elizabeth Blench and the husband of Ethel [nee Inns] Blench. [Portrait photograph kindly provided by William's family]