William Alexander Christiansen enlisted in the King's Liverpool Regiment on the 15th of January 1940. He served with the King's Liverpool Regiment until August 15th, 1944, when he transferred to the Durham Light Infantry, subsequently leaving the DLI on June 2nd, 1946.
With the DLI he served in northern Europe, gathering intelligence about the German forces.
William kept a war diary from January 1945 onwards, noting his movements. He appears to have been involved in further intelligence work following the war, signing the Official Secrets Act in February 1952.
William survived the war and transitioned to civilian life after his military service, taking a job at an engineering works in Wolverhampton, where he lived for many years.
Item list and details
1. William's enlistment document 1940, with address in Birkenhead.
2. Inside of enlistment document.
3. William's soldiers service book.
4. Soldier's service and pay book front cover.
5. Photobook with Durham Light Infantry cover.
6. German military book from William's intelligence work.
7. Soldier's release book 'Class A'.
8. Photographs of William's youth and military service.
9. Photographs taken by William during his service in northern Europe.
10. Additional photographs of William's military service and youth.
11. Additional photographs of military service in northern Europe.
12. William in Durham Light Infantry uniform.
13. William's service medals.
14. Wooden storage case for medals.Person the story/items relate to
William Alexander Christiansen (1918-1992)Person who shared the story/items
Margaret and Martin DraycottRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
William was Margaret's uncle, her father's brotherType of submission
Shared at Liverpool Central Library, Merseyside on 2 March 2024.Record ID
119745 | LIV026
