Kingswinford Library names meeting room in honour of First World War soldier
A new plaque commemorating local serviceman Private William Deeley has been unveiled at Kingswinford Library ahead of Remembrance Sunday
A meeting room at Kingswinford Library has been named in honour of a local soldier who served in the Boer War and the First World War.
The Deeley Room recognises Private William Deeley, who was born in 1873 and lived in Kingswinford.
He served with the Worcestershire Regiment, with postings including the West Indies, South Africa and Malta. He re-enlisted at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 before later transferring to the Agricultural Company of the Labour Corps.
William died from pneumonia at Bristol Hospital in March 1918. He is buried at Dudley Cemetery and is commemorated on Kingswinford War Memorial.
To mark the occasion, Guy Marshall, representing Kingswinford and Wall Heath War Memorial Group, gave a talk about William's life and military service.
The group donated the plaque naming the room, working with Councillor Phil Atkins.
Library manager Joanne Tipler said: “Following Remembrance Sunday, we see it as a tribute to one of our own who served as a soldier in a terrible conflict.”
Councillors Mark Webb and Graham Howes also attended the event, along with members of the library's Friends group, who regularly use the room.