Key Information
Name: William Dalton Columbo Sharp
DoB: April 17 1882
Regt: Norfolk
DoD: October 9 1917
Academic Career: CGS 1895
Biographical Information:
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Family Background:
William has the unusual distinction of having been born at sea, aboard the Ship Columbo (Indian Ocean), hence his name. His older sister Annie was also born on the Columbo (English Ch)in 1883; as was his younger brother Robert Columbo (Atlantic) 1886. There was also an older brother, Jeremiah (B.1891), and three younger siblings Norah (1889), Johnston (1891) and Margaret (1893), who were all born at Bowness on Solway. This was where their father Johnstone Sharp was born around 1841. The 1851 and 1861 censuses see him living at Drumburgh and Glasson (as an apprentice) respectively. He became a ship master and by 1901 was retired and living at Aglionby Street, Carlisle. His mother Margaret originated in Scotland. She was born c. 1853.
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Academic Record:
William played in the Rugby team for the school in 1897.
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War Service:
Many Londoners joined the Norfolk Regiment. The 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment fought at the Battle of Poelcapelle, one of the series referred to as Third Ypres or Passchendaele. The 15 Brigade attacked with the 1st Norfolks and the 16th R. Warwicks. Moving forward at 5.20am they were checked by fire from Polderhoek Chateau and supporting pillboxes. Fire and the mud stopped any real progress being made and the troops were forced back to their original position. Another attack scheduled for that night was cancelled.
William was killed in action; one of 45 soldiers from this Battalion who died that day. William is commemorated at Tyne Cot having no known grave.
He left £338 5s 1d in his will for his father to administer.
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Other:
William was an articled clerk in Carlisle in 1901, but by 1911 he was living at Parsons Green, Fulham, as a Chartered Accountant.
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Sources:
a) Carlisle School Memorial Register 1264-1924
b) Census: 1851 HO 107 2432
1861 RG9/4473
1901 RG/4867 & RG13/4867
1911
c) The Great War Forum