King-W-G-Pte-4844

DEATHS.

KING.-Killed in action in France, after one year and ten months' service on September 22nd, 1917, Staff-Sgt, William George King, aged 22 years and 6 months, only son of the late Captain S. J. King, G.F.B., late of Gray's and Winchester, England, and of Joseph Pickles and Son, Commerce House; dearly loved fiancee of Alma A. Bull, "Apton Hall," Royal avenue, North Essendon. 

Family Notices. (1917, October 18). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 25, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74604039

Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiries Bureau Correspondence

When King was killed I was in hospital - 53 General  - with a wound, but as he was my particular pal I made every enquiry possible when I rejoined the Bn.  From various sources I learned that King was killed by a bullet whilst carrying a message from the line to HQ.  He was shot right through the brain.  This was in the Ypres district and as we held the ground for months I have not doubt he was buried though I am not aware of the fact myself.  King was of medium height, very fair with blue eyes and very fair hair.  He was of athletic build and good at sports.  He had a wonderfully fine complexion and was very good looking.  He had been PT Instructor for two years.  He came from Essendon, a suburb of Melbourne.
Pte J R Stuber 7368A B Co
No 1 Australian, Rouen, 24/7/18
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Re Pte W G King 4844 B Coy 23rd Battn AIF.  I was a stretcher bearer in B Coy and was within a few yards of him when he was killed by an HE shell.  He was buried on the field and not taken to a cemetery, therefore the grave would not be registered.  His wallet and few personal belongings were given to his friend Pte Vale who was killed afterwards himself.  Pte King, I should say was about 5 ft 6 ins in height, very fair and clear complexion, and was previous to joining this Battn Instructor in Physical Culture at the F B (2nd) Larkhill.
Letter from: 5633 Pte A Lillico
B Coy
23rd Battn, AIF, Belgium.