Main CPGW Record
Surname: WALTON
Forename(s): Willie
Place of Birth: Kelbrook, Yorkshire
Service No: 205207
Rank: Gunner
Regiment / Corps / Service: Royal Field Artillery
Battalion / Unit: 'D' Battery 306th Brigade
Division: 61st (2/South Midland) Division
Age: 19
Date of Death: 1917-11-28
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: II. A. 16.
CWGC Cemetery: ORIVAL WOOD CEMETERY, FLESQUIERES
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: EARBY, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: KELBROOK, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Willie Walton was the son of John and Lucetta Walton, née Boocock. Both parents were born at Kelbrook, Yorkshire.
1901 Kelbrook, Yorkshire Census: Waterloo Road - Willie Walton, aged 2 years, born Kelbrook, son of John and Lucetta Walton.
1911 Kelbrook, Yorkshire Census: Main Street - Willie Walton, aged 12 years, born Kelbrook, son of Lucetta Walton, widow.
Willie was married to Jessie Susannah Adams in 1917. Jessie was the sister of Private Bertie James Adams (24370) (q.v.).
The British Army Pension Record for Willie exists but may be incomplete.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Gnr Willie Walton, 205207, R.F.A.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Gnr Willie Walton, 205207, R.F.A. Dead 28.11.17.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Gnr Willie Walton, 205207, B/306th [sic] Bde. Date and Place of Death: 28.11.17. In the Field. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Widow and Sole Legatee - Jessie S. £6 9s. 6d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Willie. Name(s) on card(s): Widow: Jessie Susannah, born 1.1.97. Address: 26, Waterloo Road, Kelbrook, Nr Colne, Lancs. Children: Mary Jessie, born 1.1.18.
See also:
‘Earby in the First World War’ by Stephanie Carter, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2014).
‘Our Finest Crop’ by Steven Marshall, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2020).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
WALTON, Willie, aged 19, R.F.A., Main Street, son of Mrs. Walton, died of wounds Nov. 28, 1918.
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Gunner Willie WALTON
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Royal Field Artillery
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 61st (2/South Midland) Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
21 December 1917
WALTON – November 28th 1917, from wounds received in action on the Western Front, Pte. Willie Walton, R.F.A., only son of Mrs. John Walton, Main Street, Kelbrook, aged 19 years.
21 December 1917
KELBROOK SOLDIER’S DEATH FROM WOUNDS
The death is officially announced of Private Willie Walton, a signaller in the R.F.A., as having taken place on November 28th from wounds received in action. He was 19 years of age, and the only son of Mrs. John Walton, Main Street, Kelbrook. Prior to enlisting in February last he was employed as a taper’s labourer at Dotcliffe Mill, Kelbrook (Messrs. J. J. Duckworth Ltd.). The news of his death came to hand on Monday, this being the first intimation received that he had been wounded, and caused universal regret in the village, Private Walton having only been married while on his last leave in September. His young wife also resides at the above address.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
21 December 1917
WALTON – Died from wounds, Nov. 28th, Pte. Willie Walton, of the R.F.A., son of Mrs. Walton, of Main Street, Kelbrook, aged 19.
21 December 1917
KELBROOK SOLDIER’S DEATH FROM WOUNDS
The death is officially announced of Pte. Willie Walton, a signaller in the R.F.A., as having taken place on November 28th, from wounds received in action. He was 19 years of age, and the only son of Mrs. John Walton, Main Street, Kelbrook. Prior to enlisting in February last he was employed as a taper’s labourer at Dotcliffe Mill, Kelbrook (Messrs. J.J. Duckworth Ltd). The news of his death came to hand on Monday, this being the first intimation received, that he had been wounded, and caused universal regret in the village, Pte. Walton having only been married while on his last leave in September. His young wife also resides at the above address.
29 November 1918
In loving memory of Sergt. Willie Walton, R.F.A., West Lancs. Regiment, who died in France from wounds received in action on Nov. 28th, 1917, in his 20th year, and was interred in Flesquieres.
With aching hearts we clasped his hand,
Tears glistened in our eyes;
We wished him luck, but never thought
It was our last good-bye.
– From his loving Uncle and Aunt and Cousins. Catgate Farm, Kelbrook.
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Willie Walton was my grandfather. My name is William Irwin and was born in 1940, my mother being Mary Jessie Walton. My mother was born 1st January 1918 after the death of her dad Willie Walton.