In the Royal Naval section of the Woodlands Cemetery in Gillingham, Kent, is a headstone dedicated to Private WG Venner of the Royal Marines.

William George Venner died on 16th October 1917, through causes unknown. His service papers no longer have been lost to time, although the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records show that he served in the Royal Marine Labour Corps out of the Deal Depot, Kent.

Private Venner’s entry on the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death records confirms that William was born in Gravesend, Kent, on 21st August 1864, and gives his next of kin as his niece, Emily Blackman, who lived in Northfleet, Kent.

There are no birth or census records for William, so it’s not possible to uncover any more of his family history. He died of disease at the age of 53 years old, and was buried in the Gillingham cemetery.

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