Private Walter William Tedder
| Date of Birth | c.1876 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 40 |
| Date of Death | 16 April 1917 |
| Service Number | GS/52333 |
| Military Service | 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers |
| Merton Address | 5 Homewood Terrace, Mitcham |
| Local Memorial | Mitcham War Memorial |
Additional Information
Born in Munuden, Essex in December 1876, Walter was the son of labourer Walter Tedder and his wife Ann. The couple also had three younger sons, Frank, Frederick and Harry. In 1881 the Tedders were living at 9 Anerley Street, Wandsworth, however by 1891 they had moved to The Birches, Mitcham, possibly needing more space following the birth of a fifth son, Arthur.
On 21 May 1899, Walter married Florence Jackson at Mitcham Parish Church. The marriage was witnessed by Florence’s father, George, a gardener living at Laurel Cottages and Walter’s father who was also recorded as a gardener, living at Jasmine Cottages. It is possible that the men were neighbours, working for architect Robert Chart, who lived nearby at ‘The Limes’ and would later become the first Mayor of Mitcham.
In 1901 the Tedder family was living at Lime Tree Cottages, London Road, Mitcham. Walter’s brothers Frederick and Arthur were working as Tobacco Pressers/Packers and the boys now had a sister, Kate. Walter was working as a Sexton’s Assistant at the Church Office. He and his wife were living at 15 Homewood Terrace, off Church Road, Mitcham. By 1911 the couple had three daughters - Florence, Dorothy and Violet. A further two children had sadly died in infancy.
At the outbreak of war, Walter was employed as chief gravedigger for Mitcham Parish Church. He enlisted on his birthday in 1916 and initially joined the 24th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, later transferring to the 2nd Battalion on 20 March 1917. Walter’s unit was soon involved in the Battle of Arras (9 April – 16 May 1917). British and Commonwealth troops attacked German defences, making big gains on the first day, but this was followed by stalemate. The British suffered nearly 160,000 casualties, including Walter who was killed in action on 16 April. He is buried in Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, France and his name also appears on the Mitcham War Memorial.
Following Walter’s death, his widow received a War Gratuity of £3.00, money owed from his pay. Walter’s parents both died in 1919, leaving the sum of £182 to their daughter Kate. She had married Harry Strudwick in 1916 – her husband may have been a brother of cricketer Bert Strudwick, a successful Mitcham and Surrey wicketkeeper. Walter’s younger brother Arthur died at the age of 73 in 1959.