Private Walter S Bickerton 6276 was my Grand Great Uncle. Born early 1877 and christened 11 July 1877 at St Peter's Church Worcester.

During his childhood he lived in Wellington Square. At the age of 21 he joined the 3rd Battalion Worcester Regiment on 16 March 1900. He was 5'3 3/4 " weighed 9 st 3 lbs Chest measured 34 1/2" Grey eyes and brown hair. His total service was 13 years & 227 days.

Walter's home address was his parents at 75 Lower Chestnut Street Worcester. Walter did not marry until he was 37 and then he married Annie Hughes on 14th April 1914 at St Pauls Worcester ( Annie was his sisters husband's sister).

They lived at 14 Spring Hill Cottages, Shrub Hill. Walter died that same year 7th November 1914 in Ploegsteert Wood between the River Lys and Yres. They had been married 6 months.

Annie writes on July 15th 1915: 

"Dear Sir I have now found the letters which I had returned to me which I had mislaid when returning the others. Could you put me in communication with the officer who signed the envelope then I may hear something. It is a terrible strain to be knowing neither one thing or another. I am not in receipt of a pension yet. I have no official news of my husbands death. I think it is now close on 9 months it is time I heard more. I have been notified he is not a prisoner of war. So do let me know how I can learn anything of him. Yours respectfully Mrs A Bickerton."

Annie finally received a pension of 10/- a week with effect from 5th July 1915

Written by Geraldine Lees, July 2014.