Name
Sidney Walby (MM)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
21/09/1918
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Serjeant
15023
Bedfordshire Regiment
2nd Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Military Medal
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
UNICORN CEMETERY, VENDHUILE
III. A. 6.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield War Memorial, Lemsford Village Memorial, We are not aware of any Cromer Hyde memorial
Pre War
Sidney was the son of George and Harriet Ann Walby and was born in Cromer Hyde (near Lemsford) circa 1897.
The 1901 census records Sidney as 4, born and living at Cromer Hyde, Lemsford, with his parents George, an agricultural Labourer, mother and siblings. In 1911 the family were still living in Cromer Hyde.
Officially recorded living in Lemsford when he enlisted in Hertford.
Wartime Service
Sidney joined the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, with the service number 15023. He was awarded the Military Medal and was promoted to Sergeant.
The Bishops Hatfield Magazine of October 1914, recorded: “Lemsford News. The names of parishioners and their relatives serving in the colours have been posted up in the Church porch. Mr Ladbury has kindly written out the names, and Mr John Sear has provided the frame. Of those in the district whose names appear on the list........ The following young men have enlisted....... Sidney Walby .....”, and in November 1918: “Lemsford News. War Notes, The war has again brought sorrow to a Lemsford home Mr and Mrs Walby of Cromer Hyde, have received news of the death in action of their son Sergeant Sidney Walby of the 2nd Batt. Bedfordshire Regiment on September 21st. He joined the army in Sept. 1914 and went to France in the following July, where he distinguished himself, earning his promotion to the rank of sergeant, and on June 10th of this year he was awarded the Military Medal. “
Awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal.
Additional Information
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir Committee Ledger: Mrs Walby (Mother) of Cromer Hyde received a Silver Matchbox.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
