Military History

Walter is listed as being killed in action on 27 September 1915 during the Battle of Loos. The Battalion war diary entry for both the 26th & 27th is transcribed below as a letter to his parents following his death states that he was killed on the 26th, which makes sense when reading the below.

The Sergeant Major of his Company wrote that Sgt Clingo was killed in heavy fighting at Hulloch, Loos on the 26th September. The whole of the officers of the Company had been lost and the Sergeant was leading his platoon in a bayonet charge when he was shot down, the platoon being practically swept away by fire from the front and flank. The Sergt-Maj expressed his great admiration for Clingo.

September 26th Hulluck Firing Line: The Bttn was ordered to attack the Hulluch Trenches at 11am and was postponed to midday. The bombardment did not happen as arranged as the artillery received no orders. The order of attack was SWB on the left, the R.H in the centre and Welch Regt on the right.

The instant the leading platoons left the forward line trenches they were badly held up by Machine Guns in the houses and the Brigadier gave orders to "stand fast". The R.H were also held up, while the Welch reached the enemy's line but was driven off. We lost 8 officers and 105 men (including list of officers names).

The Battn remains in same position in Keep 35 until evening when and keep same position during night. Bttn's HQ moves back to same position in communication trenches. Bombing is very quiet during the night and enemy makes no movement.

September 27th Hulluch Firing Line: The Battalion remain in same place, expected relief having not arrived. The day is quiet, though the enemy, having brought up more guns, being to register our positions.

On our right the Guards Division attacks Hill 70, the Chalk Pit wood being taken from 4.5pm. Battn HQ's badly shelled though only LCpl Lewis, DCM, medical dresser was killed.

In the evening the Munsters start to relieve Bttn in front line and we go to second line. A Coy in line of Keep 3.5- Keep 8.9, C & D Coys in line 7.6 to Hulluck Road which was an old German support trench. Bttn HQ moves to a dug out in rear. Weather very wet.