Flack, William Arthur DCM

William was born in Steeple Morden in the 4th quarter of 1893, the elder son of Arthur and Rosetta Flack of Odsey Mill, Odsey, Cambridgeshire.

William served in the Royal Garrison Artillery Regiment, 24^th Trench Mortar Battery, Regimental Number 38008, in the Western European Theatre of War, France and Flanders.

While a corporal, he showed extreme bravery and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. “For conspicuous gallantry at Hooge on 13 November 1915. He unscrewed a burning fuse from a 50lb trench mortar bomb, which had fallen back into the bore of a gun owing to a misfire. By his prompt and brave action he saved the lives of the detachment and averted the destruction of the gun. The unscrewed fuse exploded as he threw it from him”. He was then promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant.

William died of wounds on 19 December 1915.

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the 14/15 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is buried in the Boulogne Military Cemetery, Eastern Part 11 UK Graves A-F, and on the Odsey War Memorial, Cambridgeshire.

At the time of enlisting his parents were living in Rock Road, Royston.

Before enlisting William was a labourer on a nearby farm.