William was born in Mold, Flintshire, one of five children of George Humphrey (a solicitor) and Jane Simon.
After George's death Jane married Mr. Roberts and lived in Mold.
He was educated at home and at Mold County School.
He was employed as an insurance clerk in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and he enlisted there in the 16th Battalion of the Fusiliers at the end of August 1914. William went to France in October 1915.
Lance Corporal William George Simon, 16/941, 16th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers died on 1st July 1916, aged 25, during an attack on Thiepval...
'...Moved forward via Martinsart and Aveluy Wood for assault on Thiepval. According to the Official History of the Great War a football was followed into battle at Zero. Within moments leading waves hit by machine-gun fire - survivors forced to lay down and await any chance of returning to their lines. Battalion historian - Captain C.H. Cooke records that the enemy stood on their parapet inviting the men to come forward - then 'picking them off with accurate rifle fire'. One report noted that Battalion had advanced in perfect formation - the dead later being found in straight lines as if 'dressed' for parade...Just 8 officers and 279 other ranks marched to North Bluff [the following day]..' Westlake R. 'British Battalions on the Somme'.
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