A FORMER bell ringer and blacksmith who lived in Chipping Sodbury High Street is to be remembered in a few weeks time, 100 years on from his death in WW1.

William John Crane was born on December 3, 1876 in Bedminster before moving to to Chipping Sodbury in 1901, to live with his aunt on the High Street whilst working as a blacksmith.

The following year he married Emily Watkins at Old Sodbury Church before moving into a house with his betrothed on Hatters Lane.

He had seven children with his wife, as they moved around the Sodbury to other homes on or around the High Street, even living next door to cricketing legend Dr W G Grace at one time.

However at the age of 40 he enlisted in the army, and was sent to the Remounts Depot at Shirehampton.

In November 1917 he moved to No 3 depot at Le Havre and later, in 1918, to Italy with No. 33 Remount Squadron. He was appointed acting Farrier Corporal in February 1918.

Unfortunately, whilst he was in Italy he was admitted to No.29 Stationary Hospital, Cremona on 2nd October 1918.

Just one week later, he died of bronchio-pneumonia aged 41 years. He is buried in the British Military Cemetery there which is within the Cremona Town Cemetery.

Before his enlisting in the war, Crane was a popular figure in the Chipping Sodbury community, playing for sports teams around the area. Including Chipping Sodbury Football Club, whilst he was also a bell ringer at St John's Church.

The church is now planning to hold a remembrance service on October 9, which will be the the 100th anniversary of his death.

The bells of St John's Church will then ring out as an act of respect and thanksgiving for his life, being preceded by a short service.

William's youngest son Herbert was also a bell ringer at St John's and his son Keith, who now lives in Devon, is intending to be present on October 9 with other members of his family.