France: Rifleman William Raws

Private William Raws, Liverpool Regiment, September 1914 - March 1916. He was wounded in Ypres, and lost his right leg below the knee after gangrene took hold.

'Tuesday 13th [April]. My last day on active service. They told me the Germans were shelling us and Ben moved along a bit and I took his place. Immediately we heard another coming for us and we crowded, but as it exploded overhead I got a piece through my foot and I jumped up saying 'I'm hit" and he started taking my puttee and boot off.

May 1st. May day. A very sad and much to be remembered day for me for on it I said Goodbye to my right foot'.