The following is an extract from the official dispatches and a fitting tribute to the 55th (West Lancs) Division:
“Throughout the remainder of the day the 55th Division maintained its position against all assaults and, by successful counter-attacks, captured over 750 prisoners. The success of this most gallant defence, the importance of which it would be hard to over-estimate, was due in great measure to the courage and determination displayed by our advanced posts. These held out with the utmost resolution, though surrounded, pinning to the ground those from developing their attack. Among the many gallant deeds recorded of them, one instance is known of a machine-gun which kept in action although the German infantry had entered the rear compartment of the “pill-box” from which it was firing, the gun team holding up the enemy by revolver fire from the inner compartment.”

It was afterwards stated by an officer of the German General Staff that the stand made by the 55th (West Lancs) Division on April 9th and the days which followed marked the final ruination of the supreme German effort of 1918.

Men of the 55th (West Lancs) Division suffering the effects of a German gas attack on the 9/10th April during the Battle of Estaires
They are awaiting treatment at an Advanced Dressing Station near Bethune

William was employed at the Diamond Match Works, Linacre Road, Litherland and is commemorated on the Bryant & May (match works) war memorial in the care of the Litherland branch of the Royal British Legion. His name is also inscribed on the Litherland War Memorial situated in front of the old town hall building on Sefton Road and the war memorial of St Andrew's Church, Stanley Road, Bootle.

The rank shown on the Bryany & May memorial for William Wagner MM is that of 'Sergeant', which is incorrect. His cousin, Henry William Wagner served in the 7th King's also, with the rank of sergeant - service number 266651. William Wagner MM service number was 266710, which would suggest that they may have enlisted together or within days at the 7th King's depot, 99 Park Street, Bootle commanded by Lt Col. W. H. Stott. Henry William Wagner may have worked at the Diamond Match Works and this may be the anomaly in the incorrect rank for William Wagner MM - Henry William Wagner survived the war, though wounded and transferred to the Labour Corps.