William Keatinge served in the Second Boer War, and then in the First World War as a senior Catholic chaplain.
17 Facts About William Keatinge
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William Keatinge was chaplain to the forces 1st class from 1910, served on the Western Front and the Macedonian front.
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William Keatinge then attended seminary at the English College, Rome.
4.
On 27 May 1893, William Keatinge was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Southwark during a service at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome.
5.
William Keatinge spent four years as a parish priest at St Thomas a Becket Catholic Church, Wandsworth.
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William Keatinge was commissioned in the Army Chaplains' Department, British Army, as a chaplain to the forces 4th class on 1 May 1897.
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William Keatinge was first posted to Aldershot Garrison in England.
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William Keatinge was present during the Battle of Colenso, Battle of Spion Kop, and the Relief of Ladysmith.
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William Keatinge was promoted to chaplain to the forces 1st class on 9 November 1910.
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William Keatinge arrived in France in 18 August 1914, to serve with the 3rd Division of the British Army.
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William Keatinge narrowly avoided capture during the Great Retreat from Mons, and was at the First Battle of Ypres.
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William Keatinge was mentioned in despatches on 8 October 1914, on 15 October 1915, and for a third time.
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William Keatinge was awarded the Military Cross in the 1915 Birthday Honours: however this award was later cancelled, likely because the MC was meant for officers ranking captain or below, and he held a rank equivalent to colonel.
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William Keatinge was twice mentioned in despatches for service during this time.
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William Keatinge retired from the British Army on 1 January 1925, and granted retired pay.
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William Keatinge had hoped to die in Rome, but died in England after an extended illness.
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William Keatinge is buried in St Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Kensal Green, London.