William Watson Mossop (1934-2004)

William Watson was born on the 6th February 1934 at 8 Williamsons Lane, Hensingham, Cumberland. He was the son of John & Rebecca (nee Watson).

William attended his medical board for his National Service at 1245hrs Wednesday 5th March 1952 at The Castle, Carlisle, Cumberland.

His pass out parade was held at 1100hrs Saturday 24th May 1952 at Hadrians Camp, Carlisle, Cumberland.
He was then sent to the Lancastrian Brigade Depot, Harington Barracks, Formby, Lancashire for further training prior to joining the 1st Battalion The Border Regiment in the Canal Zone, Egypt.

Whilst flying out to join his Battalion on the 24th July 1952 the Hermes aircraft that he was in caught fire and crash landed near Pithiviers, France.
The plane exploded as it hit the ground and caught fire, but all 64 people on board escaped without any serious injuries. The troops were put up for the night in the local Convent and were returned to London, flying from Paris, to be rekitted. They flew out for Egypt on the 26th July 1952.
A report in the Daily Dispatch, Saturday, 26th July 1952 stated "The "Faroukies", as they call themselves - they are mostly National Service men - came through their first big test of courage with flying colours."

He was awarded the General Service medal with the "canal zone" clasp for his service in Egypt.

William Watson died on the 13th December 2004 at West Cumberland Hospital, Hensingham, Cumbria.

He was cremated on the 16th December 2004 at Distington Hall Crematorium.

Death Announcement: The News & Star, Tuesday, December 14, 2004 & The Whitehaven News, Thursday, December 16, 2004;
MOSSOP - At the West Cumberland Hospital on Monday, December 13th 2004, William Watson Mossop, aged 70 years, of 9 Tomlin Avenue, Mirehouse, Whitehaven, beloved husband of Mary, dearly loved father of Alan, Janice, Lynn and Steven, dear father-in-law of Lynda and Dave and a much loved grandfather and great-grandfather. Funeral service and cremation to be held at Distington Hall Crematorium on Thursday, December 16th at 1030am. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to be made payable to the I.T.U., West Cumberland Hospital, c/o W. Eaves Funeral Director, 175 High Road, Kells, Whitehaven, Tel. 01946 694213.

Thanks for Sympathy note: The Whitehaven News, Thursday, December 23, 2004;
MOSSOP - The wife and family of the late William (Butts) Mossop would like to thank the Ambulance Crew, the doctors and staff of A&E and I.T.U. West Cumberland Hospital, the Reverend Barber, Mr Eaves (Funeral Director) and also all relatives, friends and neighbours for flowers, cards, donations and messages of sympathy received during their sudden and sad bereavement.

First Anniversary of Death: The Whitehaven News, Thursday, December 8, 2005;
BILL MOSSOP - In loving memory of a much loved husband, dad, grandad and great grandad, Bill, who died 13th December, 2004.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God took you home.
Time will not heal the heartache
Or stop a silent tear,
Or take away the memories
Of the one we loved so dear.
Loved and missed so much each day by Mary and all the family.