Gunner Walter Henry Williams
| Date of Birth | c. 1894 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 21 |
| Date of Death | 9 June 1915 |
| Service Number | 30535 |
| Military Service | Royal Garrison Artillery 25th Trench Bty |
| Merton Address | 87 Stuart Road |
| Local Memorial | St. Luke's Church, Wimbledon |
Additional Information
Walter was born in Chatham in January 1894.
His father, David Henry Williams, was a military man and they moved around a lot. His mother's name was Dorcas and he had two older sisters, Dorcas and Ethel, and a younger one, Ellen.
In 1909 the family were living at 87 Stuart Road, Wimbledon Park, having just moved from Earlsfield.
Just a few days after his 15th birthday, Walter, who was working as an errand boy, applied to join the Army. He was only 4ft 11½ins tall but it is noted on his record that it was expected that he would continue to grow and would reach standard height. He weighed just 84lb and had a 29in chest with an expansion of 2½ins. His eyes were grey, his hair brown and his complexion fresh.
His service records show copies of correspondence with his parents who gave their consent for him to enlist.
Walter served in the UK for several years but in 1912 he was sent to Malta.
His conduct record shows that he was confined to barracks for four days in January 1913 for being insolent to his commanding officer and he was absent for 7½hours in September 1914, which resulted in a loss of benefits, but apart from that his service appears uneventful.
Walter was killed in action on 9 June 1915. His parents had moved to 40 Capri Road, Addiscombe by then and his effects were sent to his mother.
Walter’s body could not be identified and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate and in St Luke’s Church, Wimbledon Park.