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BQSM. William Henry Walker
British Army Royal Field Artillery
from:Sheffield
William Henry Walker was born in 1871 - he served in the RFA from 1892 to 1906, during which time he served in India from 10 Oct 1894 to 8 April 1900. He married in 1894 before he left and his bride waited at home for 6 years. Her father was also in the Army and they had met at the church in the Barracks in Woolwich. Their first four children were born in Ireland, two in Fermoy and two in Cork. In 1906 he left the army and returned back to Sheffield, where he and his wife raised another three children.
When WW1 broke out he was called up as a special reservist - the family say he said he would rejoin if he could get his old rank back and the authorities agreed if he passed fit. He was 48 years 169 days old when he reenlisted. He was in England with the 1st Division RFA until 29th of August 1914 and during that time he was made up from driver to corporal on the same day he enlisted. By the end of August 1914 he was promoted to sargent.
On the 24th of October 1914 he was then transferred to the 13th Division then attached to the 209 Bh(?) on the 26th. On the 9th of Feb 1915 he was promoted to BQMS with the 66th Bde. On the 14 June 1915 his record says he was serving in Mesopotamia but the statement of service says posted 9th Sept 1916 so I am a little confused here? He left Mesopotamia on the 26th Jan 1916 and was sent to Egypt where he stayed until 5 Nov 1916.
On the 5 Nov 1916 they were sent to Salonika where he stayed until 25 March 1919 and was serving back in England between 26 March 1919 and 24 April 1919 (But the military history sheet says he embarked for England on the 11 March 1919 - so once more I am confused?) It would also seem that he was transferred to the Labour Corps on the 12 Jan 1918 and there is a note before this saying classified PB 25th Oct 1917 - (I have no idea what this means?)
He had served with the Royal Artillary a total of 14 years 12 days which of course qualified him for a pension. I find it amazing that he survied the complete WW1 and returned to his family, obviously well and fit as he went on to father two more children.
He died on the 13 Sept 1944 - I am currently trying to put together a family history book for him and am investigating what battles were fought and gathering illustrations when and where I can.
John alfred henry, William Henry, Jane Alice, Jane Alice Elizabeth. Taken in Ireland possibly Fermoy prior to leaving in 1906
This was taken between 1915 (when he was promoted to Sargent) and 1917 when the girl to the far right died.
