No.54469, Private, Walter John CROSBY
Aged 20
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Walter John Crosby was born in Stanningfield (3rd qtr 1898 Thingoe 4a:825), son of William and Mary Ann Rebecca CROSBY (née COOPER).
1901 census...Aged 2, he was at The Green, Stanningfield with his father William CROSBY [41] farm labourer; his mother Mary A R [39]; brothers William E [17] stockman and Bertie [19]; sisters Frances M [12] and Gertrude [8]. All were born in Stanningfield. 1911 census...Aged 13, he was at Long Yard, Stanningfield with his parents; brother Bertie (under horsekeeper) and sisters Gertie and Matilda Maria [7] On the pension card his parents were at Red House Cottages, Stanningfield. |
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds
The battalion was in the Neuville Vitasse area on 21st March when the Germans launched their Spring Offensive (The Kaiserschlacht). They quickly broke through the Allied lines and then began a desperate campaign of withdrawal, stop and attempted counter attacks. No-one knows for sure when Walter died, officially between 21st and 31st March. The battalion suffered badly and was reduced to a cadre in April and it and the 2nd/5th Battalion were disbanded in July 1918
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