2nd Lieutenant, “A” Company 4th Battalion The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.
Died 13th May 1918, age 21.
Buried at Post Office Rifles Cemetery, France.
Student of textiles.
William was the only son of Ernest Nightingale (a steel and tool manufacturer) and Martha Annie Cooper. He was born on 21st April 1897 at Bolton-Le-Moors, attended Friern Barnet Grammar School and Hulme Grammar School and entered Manchester University in 1915 with one months experience working in a weaving mill (possibly his uncles). He was a Lieutenant in the Boy’s Brigade. From January to August 1916 he was a member of the University Officer Training Corps. He was severely wounded at Hebuterne in early 1917 and did not return to the front until January 1918. On13th May 1918 he was killed at Givenchy. His battalion commander in a letter to his parents said that “He was leading his men most bravely and though wounded continued to fight on, and refused to go back until he was finally killed. HIs bravery was a fine example to those around him and was of immense value in steadying the men.” He left effects worth £175 6s 8d to his father.