Name
Walter Purton
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
24/10/1916
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
19159
Bedfordshire Regiment
7th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT
IV. C. 1.
France
Headstone Inscription
REST IN PEACE
UK & Other Memorials
Northchurch Village Memorial, St Mary’s Church Window, Northchurch
Pre War
.Walter was born, the youngest son, in 1890 in Northchurch, Herts (1891 census) to George Purton and Elizabeth (nee Rolph). There were 2 older brothers and 6 sisters in the family at High St Northchurch.
On the 1911 Census Walter’s occupation is Chemical Worker.
Wartime Service
Walter had enlisted in Bedford for the Bedfordshire Regiment.
The 7th Battalion arrived in France July 1915 and were heavily engaged in Battles on the Somme in 1916. Between 23 – 26 Oct 1916 7th Beds were in Front Line at Regina Trench waiting to attack. This was delayed by weather and during this period Walter was killed in action on 24 Oct 1916
Additional Information
War gratuity of £8 10s. and arrears of £3 12s. 1d. paid to his parents.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild, www.dacorumheritage.org.uk/first-world-war-database