Military History

Walter is listed as being killed in action on 27 May 1918, which was the first day of the Third Battle of the Aisne. His remains were never recovered and his is remembered on the Soissons Memorial. He was originally reported as missing in action and his death was not accepted for some time as the Red Cross received letters enquiring about his whereabouts on the 2 Aug 1918 and the 20 Nov 1918.

The 4th Battalion war diary entry for the 27 May 1918 is transcribed below.

26th May 1918 - Craonne: Battalion took up a support position round Craonelle and La Hutte.

27th May 1918 - Craonne & La Hutte: Enemy bombardment started about 1am 27th May. Heavy gas shelling as far back as Maizy. The enemy broke through on our left & pushed on towards Beaurieux arriving there about 10am. The enemy also came through on our right using tanks over the flat country to the east of Craonne, this party also pushed on towards Beaurieux and surrounded the Brigade in the line. The enemy then pushed on towards Maizy. All troops in Maizy and the few who had got out of Beaurieux then made a stand on the hills to the south of the village.

At about 11.15am these troops were withdrawn from this position. The next position was held at Glennes and later a line on the hill at Fismes.

28th May 1918 - Fismes: About 4am the enemy broke through the left and the party withdrew with the French on to Fismes. This party, after using all ammunition were then told to report to Div Hqrs near Arcis-le-Ponsary. They rested for the night at Div HQ.

Other Ranks casualties between 26th May and 31st May were:  Killed 3. Wounded 52 and Missing 566 (five hundred & sixtysix).

Officer Casualties: 27 killed, missing and wounded