Current Information:

Born-Ilford

Calvaire (Essex) Military Cemetery, Belgium

On 21st April, 1915, the 2nd Essex battalion of 12 Brigade, 4th Division moved into trenches near Ploegsteert, in Belgium where they remained until relieved on 25th April. William Counter was one of two men killed on 25th April when the artillery on both sides was active. The attrition rate among British soldiers on the Western Front was on average 300 each day and 60% of these were as a result of shellfire. When not involved in an actual battle it was either shell fire or a sniper’s bullet that caused most deaths and injuries.