William John Webster – Royal Artillery, 484 Battery, 143 Light Anti‑Aircraft Regiment

Gunner William John Webster – Royal Artillery, 484 Battery, 143 Light Anti‑Aircraft Regiment

Early Life and Family Background

William John Webster was born in 1904, at Sedgley, Staffordshire, the son of Stephen Charles Webster and Edith Webster.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Webster family were living at 9 Windsor Terrace, Gorseinon. Stephen, aged 44, born in Staffordshire, worked as a Sheet Mill Sheaver, while Edith, aged 45, managed the home. Their household included their married daughter Beatrice Shinton (22) and her husband Thomas Shinton (24), who worked as a Bar Drawer. Also present were Leonard Webster (19), employed as a Doubler, and the younger children Florence (13) and William (7), both attending school. A visitor, Martha Shinton (10), was also staying with the family.

The Family in 1921

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the Websters had moved to 7 Whitington Terrace, Gorseinon. Stephen, now 54, was employed as a Steel Sheet Shearer by the Bryngwyn Steel Sheet Company, while Edith, aged 56, was recorded as the Householder. Their son William, aged 18, was working as a Steel Sheet Helper, also employed by the Bryngwyn Steel Sheet Company. He was the only child still living at home.

Marriage

William John Webster and Rachel Ann Roberts
marriage certificate
St David’s Church, Llangyfelach, Swansea

In 1924, William married Rachel Ann Roberts at St David’s Church, Llangyfelach, Swansea, establishing his own household while continuing his work in the steel industry.

Service in the Second World War

During the Second World War, William John Webster served as a Gunner with the Royal Artillery, attached to 484 Battery, 143 Light Anti‑Aircraft Regiment. Units of this type were responsible for defending key industrial and military sites against enemy air attack, operating light anti‑aircraft guns and undertaking the demanding technical and operational tasks required to keep Britain’s air defences functioning.

William John Webster
Kingsbridge Cemetery credit - findagrave

Death and Burial

William died in Surrey on 31 October 1943, during the fourth year of the war. His body was brought home to Wales, where he was laid to rest at Kingsbridge Cemetery, returning him to the community in which he had lived and worked.