3588/241139 Pte Walter Gratton

A 1914 recruit from Bonsall and arrived in France August 1916

Walter was born in 1883 and was limestone quarryman. He enlisted into the Sherwood Foresters in December 1914 and was serving with the 3/6th Battalion in February 1916.

Walter Gratton

Around August 1916 Walter was posted to the 1/6th Battalion and sent to France (information taken from XI CCS Admission and Discharge book). In March 1917 he suffered from a septic knee and was sent to the XI Casualty Clearing Station in Varennes. Seven other men from the 1/6th Battalion were also sent by sick convoy to the XI CCS.

XI CCS Admission record

Walter was still serving with the 1/6th Battalion when they attacked Hunter and Scotts Post between 30th August and 3rd September – see here. Walter was one of four men killed that day and they are buried in  FOUQUIERES CHURCHYARD EXTENSION, Plot IV, Graves F1-3 & 8.

Fouquieres Churchyard Extension, France

His parents (Benjamin and Mary) lived at 3 Rose Cottage, Upper Town in Bonsall, Derbyshire and after the War received a pension.