Walter Sidney Farnsworth
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Walter Sidney Farnsworth was born on 2nd January 1899 at Derby, he was baptised on 26th February 1899 at St Lukes Church, Derby and was the son Isaac a house painter and Annie Farnsworth née Scott of 74 Mill Street, Ilkeston. His father Isaac was born in 1871 at Derby his mother Sarah Ann Scott (Annie) was born in 1872 at Colsterworth, Grantham they were married in 1892 at Derby and had the following children Isaac Henry b1896, Doris Ellen b1898, Walter Sydney b1899, all were born in Derby they had further children, Elsie May b1902 Alveston, Florence Lillian b1905 and George William Farnsworth b1909 who were born at Ilkeston. In the 1911 census the family lived at 74 Mill Street, Ilkeston and were shown as Isaac Farnsworth 40 yrs a house painter, he is living with his wife Annie 39 yrs and their children Isaac Henry 15 yrs a printer, Doris Ellen 13 yrs a scholar , Walter Sidney 12 yrs a scholar, Elsie May 9 yrs a scholar, Florence Lillian 5 yrs and George William 2 yrs of age. He and his family later lived at 12 Waterway Street Meadows Nottingham (cwgc)
Lance Corporal Walter Sydney Farnsworth enlisted at Ilkeston 25th May 1915, giving his age falsely as 19 yrs and 4 months (he was born 2nd January 1899 ) however being 6 foot tall helped him appear older. He gave his address as 74 Mill Street, Ilkeston and his occupation as that of a collier, his next of kin was his father Isaac of the same address. He was posted to the Sherwood Foresters Regiment and was promoted to Lance Corporal on 5th July 1915. He went to France 6th March 1916 and was wounded on 18th May 1916 with gunshot wounds to his face and was treated at 133rd Field Ambulance. He rejoined his battalion 26th May 1916 and suffered gunshot wounds to his right leg 3rd July 1916, he died of his wounds at No. 33 Casualty Clearing Station, Bethune, France, on the same day at 7 pm. He is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, France. Plot V. Row F. Grave 36.
His older brother Isaac Henry Farnsworth also served during the Great War , he served with the 1st battalion Grenadier Guards he died of wounds on 5th October 1916 and is buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen,
No Photos