Private Walter Harold Tubb
| Date of Birth | c Sept 1900 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 18 |
| Date of Death | 11 October 1918 |
| Service Number | TR10/183818 |
| Military Service | 53rd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment |
| Merton Address | 36, Station Road, Merton Abbey |
| Local Memorial | St. Mary's Church, Merton Park |
Additional Information
Born on Woking in 1900, Walter was the son of Lambeth carpenter, Walter Herbert Tubb and his wife Martha (nee Brockwell). The couple had married at Holy Trinity and St. Peter’s Church, South Wimbledon, in December 1895. They initially set up home at 20 Ridley Road, Wimbledon and their first child, William was born in 1896 but sadly died in infancy. By 1898, the couple had moved to 106 Nelson Road, South Wimbledon and had a daughter, Florence, followed by Walter Harold who was born in September 1900.
In the Census of 1901 it appears that the family, living at 97 Hardy Road were listed with the surname LEWIS. Not only Harold and his parents but his grandparents George and Ellen were also listed with the surname Lewis. Following the birth of Walter jnr, a second daughter , Ellen, was born in Croydon in 1904. The family then moved to 69, Aston Road, Raynes Park, where Walter’s third sister, Bessie, was born in 1907.
In the census of 1911 the family were again listed as LEWIS living at 69 Aston Road, a house with five rooms. Walter Snr was working as a Carpenter and joiner.
When war broke out Walter Harold was just 14 years of age. He enlisted as soon as possible following the outbreak of war. Conscription was in force from March 1916, for men aged 18 to 41, so he may have lied about his aged in order to join up. He enlisted at Mill Hill Barracks now back with his original surname of Tubb and became a Private in the 53rd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. Also known as the 97th Young Soldier battalion, this was a basic recruit training unit based in Aldershot.
It seems unlikely that Walter saw active service during the conflict. He is thought to have been completing his basic training, when he developed bronchitis and sadly died at Connaught Hospital, North Camp, Farnborough, aged just 18.
At the time of Walter’s death, his family was living at 36 Station Road, Merton Abbey – an area not far from Merton High Street. On 18 October 1918 he was buried in the parish churchyard at St. Mary’s Church, Merton, where his older sister, Florence, had been married the previous year.
The Tubb family retained their links to Merton following Walter’s death. His younger sisters, Ellen and Bessie were also married at St. Mary’s during the interwar period.