Trafford

Born at the family home at 5 Buck Lane, Ashton upon Mersey on the 26th May
1912, the birth being registered during the September quarter 1912 in the
Bucklow R.D. - ref: 8a/320, the son of James & Elizabeth Ann Palin (nee
Davies).

His father was originally from Rostherne, Cheshire and worked as a
Waggonerand a Labourer on local farms.   The family moved first to Dodd's
Cottages on Green Lane, then to Yew Tree Cottage on Ashton Lane.

1921 Census - No Trace.

A Native of Sale, he attended St. Martin's School, Ashton upon Mersey,
where he excelled at football & cricket.    The family eventually moved to
27 Firs Road, Irlam, where he met and married Lena May Hamilton at St.
John's Baptist Church, Irlam on the 24th December 1936.  They set up home
at 233 Liverpool Road, Irlam.

1939 National Registration - 233 Liverpool Road, Irlam.   William Palin -
Born on the 26th May 1912 - Married - occ: Builder's Labourer.   Lena M.
Palin - Born on the 17th September 1913 - Married - occ: Unpaid Domestic
Duties.

Joined the Army in 1940 and was serving with the No.4 Bomb Disposal Squad
at Cambridge.  His base was at Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, where he served
throughout WW2.  

Part of Britain's coastal defences was the laying of mines in the sands
around our coasts.   Originally the mines were mapped for later
identification and removal after the War.   By 1944 these maps had been
lost and the R.E. Bomb Disposal Sappers were drafted in to find and remove
them all.  Bill and his buddy, Lance Corporal Vince Goddard were part of a
team clearing these mines at Happisburgh, Norfolk, when one exploded
killing both of them.   

His death was reported in the 22/12/1944 edition of the Sale & Stretford
Guardian.  Photo in MEN dated: 27th December 1944.

Members of a Royal Artillery Rocket Battery acted as Pall Bearers.    M.I.
- "He gave his life that we may live.  Sadly missed by his loving wife,
May".

In 2004 a memorial to the men who died clearing land mines between Yarmouth
& Holkam was erected on a cliff-top at Mundesley, Norfolk    Bill's name is
inscribed on that memorial.

Also commemorated on the Irlam WW2 Roll of Honour situated inside the St.
Mary the Virgin Church, Penry Avenue, Cadishead.

His widow married Archibald Hunter in 1949.