Player #216 for Aston Villa, William Webber Walter Gerrish, known as Billy Gerrish played as a forward for the club.

Billy played for Villa between 1909-10 and 1911-12 making 59 appearances.

Billy was born in Bristol in December 1884 and made his debut appearance for Villa at the age of 24 on the 1st September 1909.

Villa had signed Billy from Bristol Rovers for £200 and during his time with Villa was instrumental in the 1909-10 League title win making 36 appearances.

Billy’s career was never to his the same heights however he followed up the league success with 2nd place and in his time with Villa never finished below 7th in the table.

Billy’s final game for Villa came at the age of 27 on 24th February 1912 after which he moved on to Preston North End.

Billy played under the George Ramsay led Management Committee.

In February 1915, six months into the First World War, Billy enlisted in the 17th (Service) Battalion of the Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment).

During the attack on Guillemont at the battle of the Somme he was severely wounded in both legs by a shell blast at Delville Wood on 8 August 1916 and died later that day. He has no known grave and his name is listed on the Thiepval Memorial

Billy was just 32.