Name
William Walker
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
21/03/1918
28
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Gunner
111733
Royal Garrison Artillery
294th Siege Bty.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
FINS NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, SOREL-LE-GRAND
IV. D. 13.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
London Colney Village Memorial, Not on the Gustard Wood memorial
Pre War
Son of William and Ellen (Eleanor) Walker, of London Colney; husband of Harriet Marianne Walker, of "Salterton," Seaton Rd., London Colney, Herts. William (son) was born in Gustard Wood.
In 1891 the family were living in Gustard Wood, parents William and Ellen and her mother Eliza Bigg, and their only child William (2), In 1901 they were living in Bromley at 94 Hildavale Road, and the family now included Alice (10), Ellen (7), Elizabeth (5), Gladys (4) and Elsie (2) and then, later, Olive Irene. By 1911 William had moved out and boarding at 3 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Orpington Kent and working at a nurseryman.
When he enlisted on 8th December 1915, he was living London Colney, nr St. Albans (Salterton, Seaton Road) when he enlisted in St. Albans, and working as a market gardener. He was 26 years and 7 months, 5' 11" tall and 10 stones. He was also recorded as marrying Harriet on 31st August 1912 and having one child William Gilbert born 2nd September 1913. He needed dental treatment.
Having attested he was recorded on 'Home' service (Army Reserve) and was mobilized until 5th August 1916.
Wartime Service
From 5th August 1916 he was posted to the Royal Garrison Artillery and started his training and still recorded on 'Home' service until 29th March 1917 and the day after went to France. He was then at Base until he was posted to the 294th Siege Bty. on 1st August 1917. He may have remained at the Base longer than usual because of the following events: "To hospital Sick" (19/6/17), "To Base" at Le Havre (24/7/17), then back to his Battery in the field (1/8/17). This did not last long as he was then recorded sick with 'Impetigo' (2/8/17). back with his unit (14/8/17), with admitted to 90 Field Ambulance with 'Impetigo' (27/9/17), back with his unit (17/11/17). He was then lucky to receive leave to the UK.
He was killed in action on 21st March 1918 in the German Spring Offensive and his personal possessions were sent to his wife on 13th June 1918.
Additional Information
His Death Plaque was sent to his wife on 14th May 1919 and his medals on 26th April 1922.
Acknowledgments
Stuart Osborne
Jonty Wild
