Additions will be checked before being published on the website and where possible will be forwarded to the person who submitted the original entries. Your contact details will not be forwarded, but they can send a reply via this messaging system.
please scroll down to send a message
Pte. Walter Cecil Jenkins
British Army 2nd Btn Scots Fusiliers
from:Reigate Surrey
(d.30th June 1916)
Walter Jenkins was born in Reigate in 1896 and was baptised on 19 July 1896 at St Phillips Church, Nutley Lane, Reigate. He was the son of Walter and Fanny Jane (nee Bryant) Jenkins. In 1901 they were living at 6 Nutley Lane Reigate, and in 1911 they had moved to Clyde Cottages, New North Road, South Park, Reigate.
Walter enlisted at Guildford Surrey into the Scots Fusilier’s 2nd Battalion, Service No 16863. He first went to France on 30 July 1915. He was killed in action on 30 July 1916, probably at the Battle of the Somme, his body was never found. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and was awarded the 1915 star, British and Victory Medals
From Surrey Mirror dated 1 June 1917: "Pte. Walter Cecil Jenkins Royal Scots Fusiliers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins of South Park, reported missing on 30 July 1916, is now reported killed on that date. He started his career at Dale’s Nursery Reigate, from whence he went to Hethersett Gardens and upper Gatton Park and later to Cobham. He made rapid advance as a gardener, and before he was 18 years of age went to a good berth in Belgium in the early part of 1914. He escaped from Belgium at Christmas in that year, after some exciting experiences, and it was with great joy to all his friends when he suddenly turned up, as nothing but one post card had been received from him since the outbreak of war. He had a fortnight’s holiday, and joined up in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. After six months training in Scotland he went to France in July 1915. Having been wounded in the ankle by Shrapnel, he was three months in hospital, and went out again in March 1916. In the following July he was in the big push, and was then as stated above reported missing. Now the news has arrived that he was killed. He was only 20 years of age, and had given promise of considerable success in life."
