Presentation to Chester-le-Street man of Distinguished Flying Cross
Chester-le-Street Chronicle article
First Local Recipient
Distinguished Flying Cross
A short time ago we gave a brief account of the high honour gained by Lieut. W. B. Walker, of Chester-le-Street, in winning the Distinguished Flying Cross, and on Saturday, a large audience assembled in the Gymnasium Hall at the Secondary School at the presentation of a clock, subscribed by the Chester-le-Street Welcome Home and Recognition Fund. The Dowager Marchioness of Londonderry presided.
The clock was inscribed as follows: “Presented to Lieut. W. Beresford Walker, D. F. C., Highland Light Infantry attached to R. A. F., by the people of Chester-le-Street, in recognition of his being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 31st July, 1918.”
The Marchioness, in the course of her remarks, said the subject of the presentation that day had had a most splendid career, and he came from a family who had lived in Chester-le-Street four generations. He enlisted in June, 1915 in the Welsh Border Mounted Brigade where he remained till gazetted 2nd Lieut. to the Highland Light Infantry Special Reserve on 29th June, 1917. He was selected for duty as an observer with the R. F.C. in December, 1917, being keen on photography, and afterwards passed through the various schools in aerial gunnery and bomb dropping, went out to France with a bombing squadron and had been over the German line 21 times before he received his decoration. (App.) This gallant young officer had been over 12 times since.
Proceeding, her ladyship said men had fought on sea over since the world began, but fighting in the air was a new science, though the idea that it could be possible had been in men’s minds for a very long time. They congratulated Lieut. Walker on being the first in their district to win the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Major A. N. L. Wood then made the presentation. He said he had great pleasure in making the presentation. He had known Lieut. Walker’s family all his life, and he felt sure that all present would join in the hearty appreciation of the valuable services he had rendered carrying out such daring deeds that had won him such conspicuous honour. Very few of them had any idea of the exploits which these officers had to go through in these bombing raids, and which took them many thousands of feet in the air. (Applause).
Lieut. Walker, who met with a most cordial reception, said in gaining the Distinguished Flying Cross he felt proud to be associated with the heroes of Chester-le-Street, but he thought they should bear in mind that all their gallant lads were heroes. (Loud applause)….
Date: 8-Nov-1918
Author: Chester-le-Street Chronicle
Where to find this: With thanks to the Chester-le-Street Heritage Group
Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham
