Private G2228 William Henry Banks of the Royal Sussex Regiment was born 1885 at Brighton, the son of John and the late Elizabeth Hunt and step son of Sarah Banks. He was married to Eleanor Banks of 30 Brunswick Place Hove.

In 1901 William was working as a florist's labourer before becoming a coachman.

The 1911 census records that his father, a widower, aged 60, was born at Waltham Abbey in Essex, and was working as a coachman. Also recorded is Williams sister, Nancy, aged 20 and born at Barcombe. John Banks and Sarah had produced eight children, one of which had died in childhood. Johns First wife, Elizabeth Hunt was born at Yarmouth and died at Barcombe on the 30th of October 1908 aged 59. Other children recorded in the 1891 and 1901 census returns were David, Helen and Gertrude, all born at Brighton. John was born at Barcombe as were Sarah and Nancy.

William enlisted at Lewes on the 24th of July 1915 and as killed in action on the 7th of February 1916 aged 31.

He is buried in Albert Communal Cemetery Extension, and is remembered in Barcombe churchyard, Sussex on the grave of his mother, Elizabeth, and also in the roll of honour of the Central Council for Church Bell Ringers.