Fusilier William Slaine (7042852) served in 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers during the Second World War. Born on 5th November 1904, he was the eldest son of William Slaine and Elizabeth Slaine of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, and the husband of Annie Slaine (née Nixon) of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.
On 11th July 1936, William Slaine married Annie Nixon at Derryloran Church of Ireland, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. The couple had 2 children; William Slaine and Elizabeth Slaine.
He died on 23rd May 1940 aged 35 years old. At the time, 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers made up part of the BEF rear-guard during the retreat to Dunkirk. The Battalion had come under heavy fire as they fell back from the River Dendre to the La Bassée Canal. Records suggest that Slaine was part of a demolition guard defending the La Bassée Canal.
William Slaine has no known grave. His name is on Column 129 of the Dunkirk Memorial, Dunkirk, France. His name is also on the Cookstown War Memorial, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.