King’s Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster), 1st Battalion, Service no. 1532763
Born: 1st July 1918. Killed in action: 29th March 1945, aged 27
Story
William was the son of William John Carter (1895-1973) and Emily Mary Cooke (1900-1995), and they lived at 18 Park Avenue, after marrying in 1917 in Wales. Private Carter was a coach builder before the war, as was his younger brother Ernest. He later lived on Butt Hill with his wife Rene Bickerdike, whom he married in 1941. Private Carter was formerly a member of the Parish Church choir, and was an enthusiastic cricketer. He had served in India and Ceylon, before he was killed in Italy.
Private Carter is buried at Bologna War Cemetery, II A 9. In August 1949, his parents visited his grave, which was picked up in the local press:
Private Carter still has relatives in Kippax, including his nephew, Sean Carter. Karen Taylor added “My mum looked after Mrs Carter (William’s mum) as a home help. I remember her while I grew up, a lovely lady who had an innate kindness about her, happiness yet a sadness always, over the loss of her son. She talked about him to mum and remained always proud.”
Kippax Roll of Honour 