Walter Meakin
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Walter was born in 1888 the son of the late Isaac a coal miner and Hannah Meakin née Cook of Bentinck Street, Sutton in Ashfield. Isaac was born in 1851 at Ilkeston, he died in 1893 aged 42 yrs, Hannah Cook was born in 1854 at North Wingfield, Derbyshire, married in 1876 at Mansfield they went on to have 7 children. In 1911 they lived at 12, Bentinck Street, Sutton in Ashfield, Hannah 57 yrs is a widow she is living with three of her children, John 33 yrs a coal miner hewer, Walter 23 yrs a colliery banksman and Hedley 19 yrs a coal miner hewer. Walter married Ellen Brailsford (born 2nd February 1892) on 25th October 1913, they lived on Hamilton Road, Sutton in Ashfield. Ellen Meakin was awarded a weekly pension of 10/- which commenced on 15th January 1917.
Corporal Walter Meakin enlisted on 2nd June 1915 at Buxton, he stood 5'9" and weighed 154lbs and was 27 yrs and 21 days and lived at Buxton, he was a police constable and had seen previous military service with the 8th battalion Sherwood Foresters. Posted to the 16th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment he embarked from Southampton on 6th March 1916. He was killed in action during a trench raid on 4th June 1916, having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Loos Memorial.
Notts Free Press 30/6/1916: Sutton Soldier Reported Missing. News has been received that Corporal W. Meakin, 16th Battalion Chatsworth Rifles, Sherwood Foresters, is reported missing. Corporal Meakin, whose home is at Sutton, has been at the front about four months. The following letter has been received from one of his comrades :- "It is with deepest regret that I have to convey to you the sad news that your brother, 26738, Corporal W. Meakin, has been missing from his company since the night of -----. He, together with a party of bombers, went 'over the top' to visit the German trenches about 10.30pm on the 3rd, and up to the present nothing has been heard of him. It is feared he has been killed. Walter was very popular with the Company, and much liked by all the ranks. He has also been a great friend of mine since being in the Army, especially since being in France. Deepest sympathy is extended to you, his mother and wife and all his friends by his comrades of D Company in your sorrow. If the worst has happened, which I fear is the case, may he receive the place in heaven he so well deserved. - With sympathy, I remain yours sincerely, Corporal George W. Adams, 26727, D Company. Article courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
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