Private Anthony Walter Tubb

Anthony Walter Tubb was born in High Wycombe Jan-Mar 1868 to parents Joseph Tubb and Ellen (nee Britnell). His parents both came from the Buckinghamshire area and had married c.1862. By the time Anthony Walter was born in 1868 his parents already had three children. A further child was born in 1870.

By 1871 Anthony’s parents and their five children: Edward aged 8, Ann 7, Thurza 5, Anthony aged 3 and Ruth aged one year were living in High Wycombe, Bucks where Joseph worked as a Miller. A further five children followed for the couple who remained living in the High Wycombe area.

By 1891 Anthony now aged 23 is in this census listed as a chair maker, whilst his father Joseph still worked as a Miller. The following year Anthony Married Esther (nee Harris), the marriage certificate listed his name as Walter Anthony Tubb. His mother Ellen died in 1894 followed by the death of his father Joseph in 1895.

By 1901 Anthony and his wife Esther are living at Golf Link Villas, in Downley High Wycombe, with four young children: Walter (jnr), George, Maud and Mabel. Anthony worked as a Master Baker.

By 1911 Anthony and Esther don’t appear to be living together. Esther aged 42 is listed living at Sunny Bank Cottages in Downley, near High Wycombe with seven children, whilst Anthony (transcribed in this census as Anthony Walter Sabb), is lodging at 9 Crendon Street, High Wycombe he was still working as a Master Baker.

When war broke out in 1914 Anthony was aged 46. He enlisted on 1st July 1915 as a Private, and joined the Army Service Corps “A” Company service number 13393. Officers and men of this regiment were known as the unsung heroes of the British Army. They performed prodigious feats of logistics suppling a vast army on many fronts with food, equipment and ammunition.

Anthony served in France from 19th July 1915 – 4th September 1916 then returned to England where he was classed as medically unfit for active service due to Rheumatism. He was discharged from Military service on 16th October1916 at Catterick. At this time, he was described as having a sallow complexion, hazel eyes and back hair and stood 5ft 11 inches tall.

He died 19th August 1917 aged 49. W A Tubb is listed on a memorial at St. Mary in Wimbledon and it is believed to be a memorial to this Anthony Walter Tubb.

Also at St. Mary in Wimbledon is another person called Tubb – a Walter Harold Tubb buried in the churchyard, who died aged 18. As both men had a Christian name of Walter it was felt they were related perhaps uncle and nephew. However, after researching both men I could not trace a family connection.

Further information relating to Walter Harold Tubb can also be found on the Carved in stone Merton website.