William Henry Campton (1892-1957)

William Henry Campton was the fifth child and second son of John and Eliza, and lived all his life in Woodville.

Unlike his father, he didn’t have a trade as he never undertook an apprenticeship. He therefore became a journeyman who could turn his hand to most things. As a scaffolder and labourer with the builders Solomon & Whittaker’s of Woodville, William erected scaffolding of wooden poles and ties. Around the late 1930’s or late 1940’s William began employment with the pottery company TG Green. The Church Gresley firm had contracted Solomon & Whittaker’s to complete a job and William was part of the team sent to it. Upon completion of the work TG Green offered William a job in maintenance taking care of the kilns and such like. He remained at TG Green’s for the rest of his working life.

During the Great War he fought in France with the Notts. & Derby Regiment (Sherwood Foresters), private 45497. His army record has been lost, however the medal rolls suggest that he fought in France between 1916-1918. At some stage during the conflict he became injured and was therefore forced to return home.