No.102659, Private, Walter Robert COLLAR
Aged 19
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Walter Robert Collar was born in Ridgewell (Halstead Q4-1898 4A:723), son of Walter and Mary COLLAR (née SMITH).
1901 census...Aged 2, he was at Chapel Green, Ridgewell with his father Walter COLLAR [27] farm labourer born Ridgewell; his mother Mary [25] born Tilbury Juxta Clare; sister Emily [1] born Ridgewell 1911 census...Aged 12, he was at Tilbury Green, Tilbury Juxta Clare with his parents (father now a shepherd) , sister Emily Mary and brothers John [8] and Charles [4]. His brothers were born in Ridgewell |
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Walter enlisted in Warley, Essex on 30th January 1917 and was mobilised on 2nd April, a farm labourer, he gave his age as 18 years and 7
months, weighed 137 lbs (62.3 kg), 5 feet 8 inches tall (172.7 cm) , chest 34.5" to 36.5" (87.6 to 92.7 cm). His next of kin, his father Walter. Placed in the 23rd Training
Reserve Battalion and then posted to the 3rd Suffolks on 18th June .
He embarked for the B.E.F. on 6th September, posted to Base depot and then to the 13th Royal Sussex on 19th September. He suffered a bomb wound to the scalp and was sent back top UK to Sheffield No 3 Northern General Hospital where he was from 24th October to 14th November. Next posting was to the 2nd Royal Sussex on 28th March 1918 but just two days later transferred to the 2nd/5th Sherwood Foresters. He was wounded in the buttocks on 18th April and admitted to No.62 Casualty Clearing Station where he died the following day. His father received his personal belongings, which were 2 religious books, purse, knife, belt, wallet, photos, letters and cards. |
The battalion took a trench here on 18th April photo:Rodney Gibson
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