Private William Henry Walker
| Date of Birth | c. 1891 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 27 |
| Date of Death | 21 May 1918 |
| Service Number | 17608 |
| Military Service | 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment |
| Merton Address | 67 Courtney Road |
| Local Memorial | Christ Church, Colliers Wood |
Additional Information
William was born in Brixton, London in 1891. In 1911, his father William, a House Painter, and his mother Elizabeth lived at 157 South Lambeth Road.
William enlisted with the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment on 3 December 1915. He later transferred to the 1st Battalion. His profession at the time of enlistment was a Carman, while his personal details were recorded as: Height 5 feet 4.1/2 inches. Weight 135lbs. Chest 36.1/2inches, expansion 2.1/2inches. Distinguishing marks thick big toe joints.
During the Great War, the 1st Battalion were involved in several major battles on the Western Front, including The Second Battle of Ypres and the Capture of Hill 60 in 1915, The Battle of Transloy in 1916, and The 2nd Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. William was listed as Wounded and Missing on the Casualty list issued by the War Office in February 1917, and was entitled to wear a “Wound Stripe” on his uniform as a result.
William was eventually killed on 21 May 1918 and is buried at Tannay British Cemetery, Thiennes, France. The inscription on his grave, chosen by his father reads: A LOSS SO GREAT A SHOCK SEVERE TO PART WITH HIM WE LOVED SO DEAR. AT REST.
After the war, his father received William’s medals, £10.3.5 from his last pay plus the additional sum of £10.00 War Gratuity, while living at Courtney Road, Colliers Wood.