Walter was born on 15th May 1878 in Bawburgh, Norfolk. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (née Cole) and he was one of twelve children. In 1901, Walter was living at home in Bawburgh and working as a bricklayer’s labourer. By 1911, he had left the family home and was a lodger with the Moore family in Holt, Norfolk, where he met his future wife, Rosetta – daughter to the Moore family. At this time Walter’s occupation was recorded as being a general dealer.

When war was declared in August 1914, Walter did not enlist immediately. He did, however, apply to St Audry’s Hospital for an attendant position. His application was successful and he started work there on 8th January 1915. In February the following year, Walter enlisted and was immediately put into the Army Reserve. On 16th June 1916, he married Rosetta Moore in Holt, Norfolk, and on 10th January 1917, Walter was mobilised and proceeded to Woolwich, where he was posted to the 20th Reserve Battery of the Royal Field Artillery (RFA) and later to the “A” Instructional Battery.

While serving with the RFA, Walter was assessed by the medical team and placed in Category C1 which meant that he was only suitable for service on the Home Front. On 20th April 1918, he was transferred to the Inland Waterways and Docks section of the Royal Engineers, having passed a trade test as a scaffolder. Walter was immediately posted to Bristol where he remained for the rest of the war.

Walter was demobilised on 25th January 1919 and, two days later, he resumed working at St Audry’s Hospital. Rosetta joined Walter in Melton and they set up home on The Street, where their two sons, Wilfred and Derrick, were born. On 27th April 1920, Walter decided that he had had enough of St Audry’s and resigned his position to work as a bricklayer. Rosetta died in September 1954 and Walter on 26th March 1971. Both Walter and Rosetta are buried at Melton Old Church.