My Grandfather William Wainwright was in the 11th batallion and was killed on 26 April 1916 at Souchez. He was a Serjeant. As far as I can make out the battallion was founded in September 1914 and appears to have been in training until the beginning of 1916. I believe he had served in the Boer War. Was he likely to have attained his rank in part as a result of previous experience?
I have very little direct knowledge of him - my grandmother has a framed photo of him but this disappeared sometime after her death in 1951. As far as I can tell he was one of a number of men who died following a mine attack and a machine gun attack. There is a reference in abook on Arras to the event.
Does anyone know how I can find out more? Would the PRO have any records?