Herbert William Walker
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- Military History
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Herbert was the son of William Henry Walker, a head teacher, and Sarah Ellen Walker (née Sims). Both Herbert’s parents were born at Nottingham, his father in 1854 and his mother in 1856. They were married in 1881 (Nottingham Registration district) and had five children two of whom died in infancy or childhood before 1911. Herbert’s surviving siblings, who were also born in Sneinton, were Leonard Simon b.1884 and Mabel b.1890. In 1911 the family was living at 55 Loughborough Road West Bridgford. His mother Sarah Ellen died on 11 December 1928 aged 73 years and his father William Henry on 16 June 1931 aged 77 years.
Herbert served as a private soldier before gaining a commission in the Sherwood Foresters.He died of pneumonia on 12 March 1919 and was buried in Nottingham Church Cemetery (Beech 4040) following a funeral service at St Phillip's church, Pennyfoot Street.
Probate, Nottingham 12 August 1919. Herbert's father was awarded administration of his will (Effects £330 6s 11d).Inscription on family headstone, Nottingham Church (Rock) Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of Elizabeth Walker who departed this life March 26th 1897 aged 31 years. Also Captain Herbert William Walker 7th Sherwoods, died March 12th 1919 aged 33 years. Also Harriette Fletcher Walker died December 9th 1919 aged 66 years. Also Sarah Ellen beloved wife of William Henry Walker who died December 11th 1928 aged 73 years. Also of the above William Henry Walker who died June 16th 1931 aged 77 years’West Bridgford Advertiser. Saturday 22 March 1919: ‘Firing Party of 100 at Nottingham Funeral. Full military honours were accorded at the funeral in Nottingham Church Cemetery on Monday of Capt. Herbert William Walker of the Robin Hoods, son of Mr and Mrs WH Walker of (-) George-road, West Bridgford. The deceased officer enlisted as a private in the early days of the war, and after being in the ranks for some months gained his commission. He joined the Robin Hoods at the front in June, 1915. His death, which took place on 12 March, was due to pneumonia. The first part of the service was conducted at St Philip’s Church, Pennyfoot-street (with which church the deceased was closely connected), and was conducted by the vicar (the Rev J Goulton). The funeral cortege was preceded by a firing party furnished by the East Surrey Regiment, and the gun-carriage was followed by an open barouche filled with wreaths. A bodyguard of fellow-officers walked on either side of the coffin. After the final rites at the grave-side the firing party – 100 strong, as is customary when a captain is buried – discharged the usual three volleys, and the Last Post was sounded. In addition to numerous beautiful floral tributes from the family and friends, there were wreaths from Lieutenant-Colonel Picot and comrades of the PW Staff at Oswestry and from St Philip's Boys’ School’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
