George Walker (-1917)
Wakefield man served in 10th DLI commemorated on the Arras Memorial
Little is known about George Walker, He was born in Wakefield and was married. He enlisted in the 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI) at Durham and on 9 June 1915 he landed in France. On 13 November was mentioned in despatches. He was killed on 10 April 1917 at the Battle of Arras and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial and in the Durham Cathedral DLI Book of Remembrance.
Durham County Record Office holds a letter of condolence from George’s commanding officer, HHS Morant, to George’s wife (D/DLI 7/739/2):
10 DLI
15 April 1917
Dear Mrs Walker
I must write to tell you how terribly sorry I am that your husband Sergt. Walker was killed in action on the 10th. He was a splendid man – he was first through the wire – which was not cut – in front of the the German Trench and had done exceptionally gallant and good work. He was going over with a few men to take some Germans prisoners – who had held up their hands – when one of them treacherously picked up his rifle and shot him dead. Needless to say our men finished off the lot killing them all. But it does seem hard that such a brave man should have been killed in this mean and treacherous way. He had done splendid work and the officers with him were full of praise for him. As we hold the trench where he was killed you can rely on his having been decently buried by our men and at any rate he did not have a lingering death. He was always very popular in the Regiment and a fine boxer and we feel his loss very much – he was one of the Sergeants I knew best. I can only offer you my deepest sympathy in your great loss.
Yours faithfully
HHS Morant, Lt. Col.
Death date: 10-Apr-1917
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: Wakefield (UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919)
Military service:
10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Regimental no.: 4/10498
Sergeant
Medal(s): 1914-1915 Star
British War Medal (Mentioned in Dispatches)
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): Arras Memorial, Bay 8
Durham Cathedral DLI Book of Remembrance (listed as private)
Gender: Male
Contributed by John Edwards