Walter Edwin Stockdale

He served as Squadron Sergeant Major in ‘D’ Squadron. On 10th August 1914 the Regiment formed at Retford. As the Regiment went onto its war establishment, 'D' Squadron was broken up with the troops dispersed between the remaining squadrons. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant 2nd March 1915 (London Gazette 1st March 1915).10th / 11th April 1915 Regiment sailed from Avonmouth for service in Egypt. Fifteen officers travelled aboard the SS Minneapolis, with the remaining officers and men travelling on the SS Nessian. Five hundred and thirty one horses and mules together with the transport personnel travelled on the SS Wayfarer. The SS Minneapolis and SS Wayfarer left on the 10th and the SS Nessian left on the 11th. The SS Wayfarer was torpedoed on the journey and docked at Queenstown for repairs. They arrived at Egypt 27th April 1915and on 18th August 1915 landed at Suvla Bay (Gallipoli) aboard HMS Partridge performing an infantry role. On landing, Walter was left in charge of the Brigade packs and great coats at the Brigade dump on the beach at Suvla Bay.He rejoined the regiment from Suvla on 4th September and was posted to ‘A’ Squadron in the front line trenches. The Regiment was in the line until 10th September when they were relieved and returned to Azmac Dere.On 10th September Second Lieutenant Stockdale, 1766 Sergeant George Alex Basker and an enlisted man were sent to Chocolate Hill for bombing instruction. On the way back, the Turks bombed the track killing Lieutenant Stockdale and wounding Sergeant Basker.He is known to be buried in Green Hill Cemetery but the exact grave location is unknown. He is commemorated in Green Hill Cemetery, Gallipoli in special memorial H 22.

Lieut W E Stockdale Retford Times 17th September 1915 : 'The sad news was received on Wednesday of the Death of Lieut W E Stockdale of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, son of Mr R H Stockdale, Babworth Road, Retford who has been killed in action in the Dardanelles. The young officer, who was educated at the Retford Grammar School, was cashier at Messrs Beckett’s Bank at Retford. He was an ideal yeoman and during his connection with the Retford Squadron of the Sherwood Rangers, he rose to the rank of squadron sergeant-major. He was one of the best shots in the regiment and won the Duke of Portland’s prize for best turnout, man and horse, also the --- given by the Duke for the finest swordsman in the regiment. He also won many prizes in various competitions, including wrestling on horseback, tent pegging, the Balaclava charge and the regimental challenge cup on two occasions for the greatest number of successes at the annual sports. Upon the regiment going to the front he was given a commission and was one of the most popular officers amongst the men. He was the captain of the Retford Wednesday cricket team for several years and a permanent member of the Retford Hockey Club. His brother came over from America to join the forces and at present he is in the trenches and his sister, Miss Stockdale, who has had seven years hospital training is the sister in charge of the Sherwood Rangers Headquarters Hospital at Retford. The news of the death of the gallant young officer was conveyed to Mr Stockdale by Colonel Whitaker who is in Egypt. Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Stockdale and family in their sad bereavement.'His brothers Joseph Hugh Stockdale and Harold Cecil Stockdale both went to live in the USA. Harold had a WW1 US Draft Card, so stayed in the USA.Joseph was believed to be 55 Private Joseph Hugh Stockdale, RAVC, who, on 1st May 1916, was commissioned Second Lieutenant into 1st/6th Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders. Also served as Lieutenant. Entered theatre 17th April 1915. This is based on correspondence address on MIC showing as Water Town and Boston, Massachusetts. He survived the war.