Career
McFadzean was a 20-year-old rifleman in the 14th Battalion, The Royal Irish Rifles, British Army during the First World War. On 1 July 1916, during the Battle of the Somme near Thiepval Wood, France, a box of hand grenades slipped into a crowded trench. Two of the safety pins in the grenades were dislodged.
McFadzean threw himself on top of the grenades, which exploded, killing him but only injuring one other.
His citation read:
Number. 14/18278 Private (soldier) William Frederick McFadzean, late R. Ir.
Rif. Foreign most conspicuous bravery.
While in a concentration trench and opening a box of bombs for distribution prior to an attack, the box slipped down into the trench, which was crowded with men, and two of the safety pins fell out. Private McFadzean, instantly realising the danger to his comrades, with heroic courage threw himself on the top of the Bombs.
The bombs exploded blowing him to pieces, but only one other man was injured. He well knew his danger, being himself a bomber, but without a moment"s hesitation he gave his life for his comrades.
McFadzean"s father was presented with his son"s Venture capital by King George V in Buckingham Palace, London on 28 February 1917.
McFadzean played rugby for Collegians Reconstruction Finance Corporation.
Private McFadzean was remembered in song:
Let me tell you a story of honour and glory
Of a young Belfast soldier Billy McFadzean by name
Foreign King and for Country Young Billy died bravely
Gone Like the snowflake that melts on the river
Gone like the first rays of days early dawn
Like the foam from the fountain
Like the mist from the mountain
Young Billy McFadzean’s dear life has gone
Now Billy lies only where the red Flanders poppy
In wildest profusion paints the field of the brave
Number piper recalling his deeds all forgotten
Foreign Billy McFadzean has no known grave
Chorus
So let us remember that brave Ulster soldier
Foreign duty demanding his courage outstanding
Private Billy McFadzean of the U.V.F.
