Rifleman William John Rice (7011646) served in ACompany, 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles during the Second World War. Born in 1898, he was the son of Thomas Rice and Elizabeth Rice (née Bingham) of Belfast.
William had an older brother Joseph born in 1897, and at least five younger brothers; Samuel born in 1899, Thomas born in 1902, Robert Timby born in 1910, and Alfred born in 1911. He had at least two younger sisters; Maria born in 1906, and Annie born in 1907. The Irish census taken on 2nd April 1911 lists the family living at 1 Beggs Street, Belfast.
William was the husband of Mrs. J Rice of Arkwright Street, Belfast. He had served for 13 years in the British Army at the time of his death while one of his brothers served in the Royal Navy.
Rifleman Rice died on 9th June 1944 aged 46 years old, just 3 days after 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles landed at Sword Beach on D-Day. He suffered fatal wounds from shrapnel during the battle to take the woods near the village of Cambes.
William John Rice’s grave is in Row G, Grave 6 of Cambes-en-Pleine Cemetery, Cambes, Normandy, France.