Name
Walter Howlett
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
01/07/1916
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
25551
Bedfordshire Regiment
7th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Pier and Face 2 C.
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Northchurch Village Memorial. St Mary’s Church Window, Northchurch
Pre War
Walter was born in Northchurch Herts in 1897 to William Howlett and Lucy (nee Lay).Walter had two older brothers and 4 sisters. They lived at 8, Alma Row, Northchurch, Berkhamsted, Herts.
Wartime Service
Walter enlisted in the 7th (Service) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 25551.
The 7th (Service) Battalion was formed in Sep 1914 as part of Kitchener’s New Armies and went to France in July 1915 where they served throughout WW1.
In late Jun 1916 The Battalion was positioned on the Somme and on the night of 30 Jun/1 Jul moved into Front Line Trenches to take part in the first assault on Pommiers Redoubt after the barrage lifted. The objective was taken but Walter, as part of C Company, was reported killed in this action. His remains were not recovered and He is remembered on the Thiepval memorial to the Missing.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild, www.dacorumheritage.org.uk/first-world-war-database
