| Name | Wilfred William Keevill |
| Address – 1911 Census | 28 High Street, Midsomer Norton |
| Died | 20.07.1916 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Age at death | 24 |
| War Graves Commemoration | Pozieres British Cemetary |
| Roll No | 24642 |
Prior to the War, Wilfred was employed as a boot riveter with Messrs Edwards and Sons.
In addition to playing cricket he was also a member of the Midsomer Norton Male Voice Choir and Choral Society.
William Wilfred Keevill, Corporal, Service No. 24642, South Wales Borderers, 1st Btn.
Formerly 39627, R.A.M.C. He was the son of Mr and Mrs Frederick Keevill of Midsomer Norton. William joined the colours at Taunton on 7th September 1914 and was first attached to the Medical Corps but was later transferred to the Borderers and first went on active service 28 March 1915.
Prior to joining the army he worked for Messrs Edwards & Sons, boot manufacturers.
He was a member of the Midsomer Norton Male Voice Choir and Choral Society and often sang for his regimental friends. He also took an active interest in cricket and hockey. Captain Alex Williams wrote to Mr & Mrs Keevill “One would like to be able to write in every case, but fighting has been so hard and one has so little time that it is impossible. Corporal Keevill was with me on the night when he was killed. We were in a very nasty place in front of our own lines digging a new trench. The Germans spotted us somehow or other and turned a machine-gun on to the party and caught Corporal Keevill and two others before we had time to get down. He was killed instantaneously and could not possibly have been in any pain before he died. I knew him all the time he was in this company, or rather, ever since he joined this battalion, and he was an excellent soldier and a fine man. Had he lived he would have been a sergeant now. As a man he was always so open and kind yet absolutely fearless.
He died as any man would be proud to die – for his country and those he loved at home. The war hits us all very hard; my father and uncle have been killed, so I, too know what your loss must mean. But those who are left must carry on till victory comes. With very deep and great sympathy”. At the age of 24 William was killed 20 July 1916 and is buried in Poziers British Cemetery, Plot III, Row Q, Grave 13. William’s name also appears on the memorial plaque in Midsomer Norton Cricket Club and on the memorial in High St. Methodist Church.
