BICKERTON, WILLIAM, 2nd Lieut., Machine Gun Corps, 3rd s. of Thomas Bickerton, of Longhoughton, near Alnwick, co. Northumberland, by his wife, Mary, dau. of J. J. Robinson; b. Longhoughton aforesaid, in 1888; educ. Duke’s School, Alnwick; was a Grocer; joined the Northumberland Fusiliers early in June, 1915; quickly attained the rank of Sergt., and served as Machine Gun Instructor in various training camps in England; obtained a commission as 2nd Lieut. 28 March, 1917, being attached to the Machine Gun Corps; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 3 June, and was killed in action at Hollebeke 20 Sept. following. Buried there in the Fusiliers’ Wood. His Captain wrote: “Your son was killed in the early morning of 20 Sept., shortly after the commencement of the great battle in which we took part. He was killed instantly by a shell, whilst gallantly commanding his guns. Our machine guns did a lot of execution, and the enemy did his best to find us. I cannot tell you how deeply sorry I am personally at the death of your son. William was one of my best officers and highly popular with all of us. Our part of the attack involved a great deal of preparation. He was a keen and gallant fellow. I am sure you must be proud of him. His place here in this company will be difficult to fill,” and Lieut. Eckersley: “He was an excellent and fearless officer, and was highly esteemed by both officers and men.” Unm.
Source : De Ruvigny’s Roll Of Honour Vol 5