Forename: William Spencer
Surname: Drake
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Institution: St Paul’s Practising School
William Spencer Drake was born on 1 October 1886 in Thame, Oxfordshire and attended the Practising School from 1 February 1892 to 9 September 1895. He was the son of William and Emily Drake of 165 High Street, Cheltenham.
He became a Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, who fought at the first day of the Battle of Loos. William was one of many soliders who died after the British released 150 tons of poisoned gas that came back over Allied trenches when the wind changed direction. Eight fellow Practising School pupils lost their lives on the same day. William is buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy.