William James McGairl – Royal Army Service Corps

Driver William James McGairl – Royal Army Service Corps

Birth and Family Background

William James McGairl was born in 1914. He was the son of Henry McGairl and Lily J. Gould, who were married in 1910.

1939 Register

1939 Register

The only confirmed official record for William is the 1939 Register, which records the McGairl family residing at 49 Castle Street, Mumbles. Henry McGairl was employed as a bricklayer, while his wife Lily J. undertook unpaid domestic duties. Other members of the household included Reginald G., a window cleaner; William J., employed as a motor van driver; David G., a grocer’s assistant; and Kathleen M., who also undertook unpaid domestic duties.

Military Service

William James McGairl served as a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps.

In January 1943, units of the Royal Army Service Corps were heavily engaged in support of Allied operations in the Mediterranean theatre, following the landings in North Africa during Operation Torch in November 1942. By this stage of the campaign, Allied forces were advancing eastwards against entrenched Axis positions.

The RASC played a critical front-line role, responsible for transporting troops, ammunition, fuel, food, and equipment along long and often dangerous supply routes. Drivers frequently operated close to the fighting, moving supplies forward under threat from enemy artillery, air attack, mines, and ambush, often along poorly developed roads and in difficult winter conditions.

On 9^th January 1943, when Driver William James McGairl was killed in action, RASC personnel were exposed to the same dangers as combat troops. Casualties among drivers were not uncommon, as supply convoys were prime targets for enemy action and vehicles operated without armoured protection. Losses sustained during this period highlight the hazardous nature of logistical service and the essential contribution made by transport units in sustaining offensive operations.

Death and Burial

Driver William James McGairl was killed in action on 9^th January 1943.

William James McGairl
Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy
credit - findagrave

He is buried at the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy, which contains the graves of Commonwealth servicemen who fell during the fighting in the Italian campaign