My Family History: William Eames Wilson

William Eames Wilson 26.1.1900-30.3.1980

William was the second son of Walter Noel Wilson (1858-1924) and Edith Eames (1865-1910)

He was born and educated at Rugby. His mother, Edith died when he was ten years old. He was then brought up by his father, his cousin, the housekeeper (Miss Monty), and two aunts (NB Aunt Mary). This was to be a major influence on his life.

He entered into the Royal Navy as a Special entry cadet in 1917.

He married Alice Elizabeth Mercer Davies 16.12.1924. in Mottingham. She was the daughter of Colonel Arthur Mercer Davies and Evelyn Crosbie Aird.

In 1925 he was received into the Catholic Church. He did not do this in his father's lifetime because of the trauma it would have caused.

The family home was at 78, Whitwell Road, Southsea. During this time he served as Lt. Commander on the gunboat H.M.S. Cricket on the Yangste River in China for two and a half years. He later served on H.M.S. Electra and then H.M.S. Esk. He was then promoted to Commander in 1937 and was posted to Devonport.

The family home at this time was 1, Whiteford Road, Manadon, Plymouth.

The family left Plymouth in 1939 and moved to Lowlands, South Wallington, Fareham. In 1947 the family moved to Springdale Cottage, Runcton, Nr Chichester.

In his retirement he restored paintings.

After the death of his wife in 1969, he retired to Huntly, Bishopsteignton, Teignmouth, Devon. Sadly his health began to fail and he moved to a series of nursing homes, before dying at the Whitehanger Nursing Home, Haslemere. He was buried with his wife in Chichester Cemetary. There are numerous heirlooms of his in my possession, including his uniform, his signet ring and medals.

Their family were:

1.David Eames Wilson. (1925-2015 )

2.Anthony Noel Wilson. (1926-1993)

3/4.Simon Mercer Wilson (1930-2019) and Susan Elizabeth Wilson (1930- Twins).

5.Michael Aird Wilson (1935- ).

6.Anne Evelyn Wilson (1947-)