Sergeant William Booth

(1893 - 1958)

Sited on the front of Stalybridge Library in Trinity Street, Stalybridge, a blue plaque honours this local man who served in the 20th Manchester Regiment in Italy during the First World War.

William Booth was born in Stalybridge in 1893 where he lived all his life. While serving in Italy he was awarded dual honours - the British Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Italian Medal for Military Valour - for his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in a raid, where his 'courage and energy inspired and won the admiration of all'.

Only two Italian Medals for Military Valour were awarded in all the Manchester Battalions.

During the Second World War Sergeant William Booth was an active leading fireman in the Stalybridge Division of the National Fire Service and served through the blitz on Manchester and Liverpool until the end of hostilities.

He died on 11th January 1958 and received the honour of a full military funeral at Dukinfield Cemetery.