Hi,
Having trying to research my family tree I have come across a William Wallace Maxfield. William was born in 1916 in ecclesall bierlow, his dad was also of the same name. William went to the Sydney Great British Empire games in 1938 and won a gold medal for the 10 mile scratch race in cycling. William died in 1943 in the Second World War and according to my uncle, William Wallace senior had all his medals from his cycling career. It would be fantastic if someone knew more about William or any of his family.
Any details would be much appreciated.


Thanks Vanessa

Hi Vanessa,

There is a newspaper article in the Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 3 March 1939.
"Big Bill" leaves Sheffield.....City needs cycling track.
It says he is leaving Sheffield to take up a post in London and that he was an
ex Central Schoolboy now 22. It appears all his friends called him 'Big Bill',
so presumably he was tall. It mentions all his championship races.

In 1939, William W., wife Ethel and son Harold Maxfield are living at
24 Hunter House Road. Perhaps the medals were passed on to Harold.

Moira.

Flight lieutenant William Wallace Maxfield of the RAF volunteer force died 27.12.1943 and is commemorated on the Runneymead memorial.

Could this be the same man? :
A William W Maxfield married Betty I Smith in NE Surrey, June quarter 1941. There are two Maxfield births with mother maiden name Smith. One is Heather Maxfield born September quarter 1943 in Rotherham and the other is William W born in September quarter 1939 in Sevenoaks, Kent.
Dave

Thanks for this info Moira,

Yes, looking at the photo’s he looks very big for the bike.
I’ll keep delving to see what I can find.
Ideally would love to see and find out more about the medals he won for his cycling.


Regards,

Vanessa

Hi Dave,

Yes, this is the same man!
I was wondering whether he had any children before he died, so will have to look into the details you have given me.

Thank you for your time,

Vanessa