Name
Walter Lashford
29 August 1887
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
26/10/1917
30
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Gunner
353313
Royal Garrison Artillery
"R" Anti-Aircraft Battery
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY
XII. F. 13.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
None
UK & Other Memorials
Little Berkhamsted War Memorial
Pre War
Walter Lashford was was born on 29 August 1887 in Stourport, Worcestershire, the son of John and Ann Lashford, and was baptised at Lower Mitton, Worcestershire on 29 September 1887. He was one of thirteen children although three died in infancy. Their address was given as New Street, Lower Mitton (now Stourport) and his father's occupation was given as boat builder. They remained living there on the 1891 Census.
In early 1911 Walter was in domestic service as a footman at Friday Hill, Chingford the seat of Frederick Granville Sinclair (who being born F G Heathcote had been left the Castle of Mey by his friend the 15th Earl of Caithness on condition that he changed his surname). Walter’s connection with Little Berkhamsted remains unclear but maybe he came as a servant to one of the larger houses.
His parents' address on pension records was given as Court 1, House 2, High Street, Stourport, Worcs.
Wartime Service
Walter enlisted at Winchester and initially served with the Hampshire Yeomanry under reg. no. 1842, later transferring to the Royal Garrison Artillery as a gunner.
He died of wounds on 26th October 1917 at the 8th Canadian Field Ambulance, France which was stationed at Vlamertinghe Mill at the time. His wounds were probably sustained earlier the same day during the Second Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres).
Additional Information
His father received a war gratuity of 9 10s and pay owing of £4 3s 5d.
Pension cards exist but give no indication of the amount of any pension received.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
Martin Cope, Jim Maynard
