South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | British War & Victory Medals | Bienvillers Military Cemetery |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 9 Aug 1917 in France | ~ | Stratford on Avon WW1 Memorial |
| Stratford Holy Trinity Church | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | Stratford Cemetery Memorial |
| German Spring Offensive | 19 May 1916 in Birmingham | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| near Ayette | ~ | ~ |
Circumstances of Death
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Gerald is listed as being killed in action on 15th May 1918. The 1st Battalion war diary entries for the period 14th to 16th May 1918 are transcribed below along with an obituary published in the Stratford Herald and are self-explanatory. Front Line near Ayette - 14.5.1918: At midnight, 14th/15th our code name was changed from Robert to Howe. A patrol sent out by No 2 Coy confirmed position of an enemy post on Ayette-Moyenville Road in (F.6.a). During the afternoon E.A [enemy aircraft] were very active over our lines. In the evening our artillery were busy, and sent over a good deal of gas, the fumes of which drifted back over our lines to some extent. Unfortunately we lost 2 killed (Sgt and Cpl) and 1 Corporal wounded from shell fire. There was no patrolling. German attack again becoming very imminent. About 10pm the Transport was heavily shelled coming through Adinfer; fortunately there were no casualties. Front Line near Ayette - 15.5.1918: A patrol sent out by No 4 Coy., found a post, previously located, to be occupied. Hostile aircraft were active during the evening, otherwise the day was quiet, the weather becoming warmer. Front Line near Ayette - 16.5.1918: A fighting patrol sent out by No 4 Coy to try to capture a German in an advanced post found no Germans, nor could they recover the body of Pte Rodden, missing from two nights previously. A really hot day. Lieut. Little rejoined from Echelon B. Various officers from details went to reconnoitring during this period, so as to be able to act as Divisional orderly in case of the now imminent German attack. Stratford Herald - Friday 24th May 1918 Mr. and Mrs. Walker of 12, Showell Green Lane, Sparkhill, Birmingham, late of 17 Church Street, Stratford upon Avon have received a notification that their sixth son, Corporal Gerald Walker 1st Coldstream Guards was instantaneously killed by a shell in the front line trench on 15th May. He was 20 years of age and had been in the army two years. Mr. and Mrs. Walker had five sons serving, two of whom are now discharged with wounds. Their seventh and youngest son joins the colours next month. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| Apr Qtr 1898 in Stratford on Avon | 26 Jul 1898 in Stratford on Avon |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| John and Ada M Walker | 12 Showell Green Lane, Sparkhill |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1898 - Stratford on Avon | 1911 - School |
| 1901 - 17 Church Street, Stratford on Avon | 1916 - Clerk |
| 1911 - 12 Showell Green Lane, Sparkhill Birmingham | |
| 1916 - 12 Showell Green Lane Sparkhill Birmingham | |
- Gerald was one of 7 brothers who served in the Great War
