William enlisted at Nottingham, date unknown.
He was killed in action on Sunday 3rd September 1916 during the attack at Beaumont Hamel.  A Free Press Newspaper report, dated 1917, states that ‘he had been missing for a long time past.’

31427, Pte. Thomas Burton, 17th Btn. Sherwood Foresters, was also killed in action on the same day, during the same attack.
The community lost three men on that day, the third being 978 Sgt. William Wood Gibbons of the Royal Munster Fusiliers.

Sgt Rawson is buried at Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont Hamel, Somme. A memorial service was held on Sunday 5th August 1917 at St. Mary's Church., Westwood.

The village of Beaumont Hamel was first attacked on 1st July 1916, without success. On the 3rd September 1916, a further attack was delivered between Hamel and Beaumont Hamel. It was not until 13th and 14th November 1916, that Beaumont Hamel was successfully captured.

The majority of those buried in the cemetery died on 1st July, 3rd September or 13th November 1916.

There are now 2,540 casualities of WW1 at this cemetery, of which 1,335 are unidentified.

Also on the Jacksdale Memorial (served) is a Pte. Arthur Rawson, 30546 17th Btn. Sherwood Foresters, thought to be William's brother. The Absent Voters Roll of 1918 gives Arthur's address as Old Westwood (Palmerston Street).

Last Updated 3rd May 2009