Son of George Langford, goldsmith, and Elizabeth Langford, of 30 College Green. Younger brother of Mary, Francis James, Thomas Player, and George Robert Pointing. Also older brother Elizabeth Beatrice.

 

Langford was born on 12/01/1892, and attended the School from 1906-1911. He served as a Lieutenant in the Army, with the Gloucestershire Regiment 2nd/6th Bn.. Langford sadly lost his life on 19/07/1916, as a result of the War.

 

Langford is remembered on Loos Memorial, France, Panels 60 to 64.

 

​

Lost in No Man's Land (BGS Chronicle December 1916)

​

"Lieut S.C. Booker, Worcester Regt., won the same distinction [Military Cross] for conspicuous gallantry. Assisted by another officer and two men, he brought in fourteen wounded men from 'No Man's Land' under heavy fire. Next day with two men, he brought in a wounded officer from within thirty yards of the enemy's parapet. He was searching for a brother Old Boy, Second-Lieut. W.J. Langford, whom alas! he did not find, and he has now fallen when engaged on a similar errand of mercy, betrayed by the moon when within close range of the German trenches."

​

​

Battle of Fromelles (Bristol Post July 15th 2016)

​

"William John Langford fell in the Battle of Fromelles in 1916, his body was never recovered. The Battle of Fromelles was supposed to divert the Germans away from the Battle of the Somme, 50 miles to the South. More than 7000 men were lost of 19th – 20th July 1916, compared with just 1500 German men lost in battle. It is believed that Adolf Hitler was one of the Germans defending the Sugar Loaf salient in the Battle of Fromelles."

 

(http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/battle-of-fromelles-when-bristolians-squared-up-to-a-young-hitler-in-the-trenches/story-29515891-detail/story.html)