Name
Walter James Saunders
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
23/04/1918
18
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Rifleman
45337
Rifle Brigade
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
LOOS MEMORIAL
Panel 129
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Harpenden Town Memorial, Church of St Nicholas Memorial, Harpenden, St Michael's Church Memorial, St Albans, Not on the Potters Bar memorials, We are not aware of any memorial in Childwickbury to the villagers or the Estate
Pre War
Son of Alfred and Rose Saunders, of 6, Beeson End Cottages, Childwickbury, St Albans.Walter James was born in 1900 in Potters Bar to Alfred Saunders, a horse keeper on a farm and Rose (nee Medlock).
On the 1901 Census they were living at Cooper’s Lane Enfield Middx. On the 1911 Census the family were living at Sandridge, St. Albans and Walter was at school. His family later lived at Beeson End, Childwickbury, Harpenden. Walter was the younger brother of Horace Edward Saunders.
Wartime Service
Walter was enlisted in the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own) as Rifleman 46337 sometime in 1917 and following his training went to join the 1st battalion who had been in France & Flanders since Aug 1914. In 1918 the Battalion (part of 11 Brigade 4th Division) were in the Arras Sector and took part in the 1st Battle of Arras (28 Mar 1918) defending against the German Spring Offensive. The Division was transferred to the Ypres Sector and took part in the Battles of the Lys (9-29 Apr 1918) , including Hazebrouck at Hinges Ridge (12-15 Apr) and Bethune (18 Apr). Walter was killed in action on 23 Apr 1918, probably during the continuation of warfare following major engaements. Walter’s remains were not recovered and he is remembered on the Loos Memorial.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £3 and arrears of £4 6s 7d was paid to his father. Brother Horace Edward served in !st Garrison Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment and died of illness in Palestine 19 Sep 1918.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Christine Aitken, Mary Skinner, Harpenden & District Local History Society (www.harpenden-history.org.uk)
