Name
Walter James Ellis
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
01/06/1918
30
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
20084
The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TANNAY BRITISH CEMETERY, THIENNES
Plot 4. Row A. Grave 9.
France
Headstone Inscription
Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Baldock Town Memorial, St Mary the Virgin Church Memorial, Baldock
Pre War
Walter was born in Baldock where he took a great interest in local sports etc . He enlisted in Hitchin.
Wartime Service
He had originally enlisted in the 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment but was later transferred to the Royal West Kents. He died as the result of an accident behind the line on 1st June 1918. His Officer wrote to his parents:
"Your son was killed in an accident behind the line, and we were all very distressed at losing an old comrade in such a way. He can have suffered no pain, as his death was practically instantaneous. He had been with the Battalion for a long period, and had proved himself a good soldier. I hope the knowledge of the high impression we had of him out here will be some comfort to you in your bereavement."
In fact, he was shot in the head by 21096 Private Isaac Dorfman during a Lewis Gun training exercise at a location known as Arcade Camp. A Court of Enquiry blamed Walter Ellis for standing in front of the gun when he had been ordered no to. It appears that a live round was included with some dummy rounds during a practice for stoppages.
Additional Information
Walter was his parents’ second son. He lived at 14 Park Street, Baldock. Mr and Mrs Alfred Ellis had four other sons serving with the Colours. At the time of Walter's death Arthur was in a convalescence home in Felixstowe, Edward was in hospital in Glasgow, and Herbert and William were in France.
Acknowledgments
Derry Warners
Adrian Pitts, Paul Johnson
