From the ‘Whitehaven News’ 25 April 1918

ST. BEES SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION Quite a gloom was cast over the village on Friday last with the announcement of the news received by Mr. and Mrs. McNeal, Fleswick House, St. Bees, that their second son Private William McNeal of the Border Regiment, was killed in action. A letter from the sister on the Red Cross train stated that deceased after being severely wounded in the abdomen, had remained unconscious and died on the way down to hospital on the train. He was to be buried in the little English cemetery at Calais. Deceased will be greatly missed.

He joined the Colours in March, 1916, and after a course of training at Ramsey, Isle of Man, went out to France after ten months as a signaller. He was home on leave about two months ago. Another brother, Private J. McNeal, is also serving in the army in France. He was up to the time of joining the army employed by Mrs. T.H. Brockbank, Khandalla, St. Bees, and reached the age of 21 years only February last.