Killed in action aged 27
Buried at Savy British Cemetery Plot I. E. 1.

William Ronald was born in Brant Broughton, Lincolnshire, the only son of William Henry Morton, farmer, and his wife Elizabeth. His father inherited Harmston Hall near Lincoln.

William Ronald was educated at Rugby and came up to Christ Church in 1909.

On 24 February 1914, he married Blanche Ellen Wilson Wilson-Charge at St Peter’s Church, Cranley Gardens, London. His bride was six years older than he was. His widowed mother, and the bride’s father, were witnesses.

He joined up on 2 September 1914 and, initially, served in the ranks of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was, later, commissioned and served as a Captain. Having served in France and Belgium, he was killed in action near St Quentin and is buried at Savy British Cemetery

In St John’s Church, Washingborough his name is on the War Memorial, and there is a wall plaque:

Captain. 2/5th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Died 4th May 1917, aged 27 years. Son of William Henry and Elizabeth Morton of Harmston Hall and Washingborough Manor, Lincs. Husband of Blanche Ellen Wilson Morton of Empress Club, 35 Dover Street, Piccadilly, London. Educated Rugby and Christ Church, Oxford.

See also individual memorial below.

Commemorated SAVY BRITISH CEMETERY. I.E.1.
In proud and dear memory of my husband Captain William Ronald Morton, 
Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Only son of W.H Morton Esq JP and C. E Morton of Harmston and Washingborough. Killed in action at Savy, near St Quentin on the night of 4th May 1917, aged 27.
He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has left the world better than he found it; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had; whose life is an inspiration, whose memory a benediction.

Probate was granted to his widow, Blanche Ellen Wilson Morton and a solicitor on 11 September 1917. His address given at Ilchester, Kew Road, Richmond. He left £15,487-5s-11d.