John Harold Walters
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Harold was the second son of Richard Job Walters and Charlotte Walters nee Welbourn. Richard Job Walters was born in Shropshire and was a gardener, Charlotte was born in Grantham and they were married in Grantham in 1890 (J/F/M). At the time of the 1911 Census they had been married for 21 years and had had six children of whom only four were still living at the time of the census: Herbert Edward (b. 12 December 1890), Ada Ann (b. 13 June 1892), John Harold (b. 1894) and Arthur Cyril (b. 1897). In 1891 they were living at 14 Charlton Street, Lenton, with their son Herbert Edward (3 months). Also in the household was Charlotte's sister, Ada Anne Welbourn (13). By 1901 Richard (41) and Charlotte (38) were living at 43 Grove Road, Lenton, with their four children, Herbert (10), Ada (8), John (7) and Arthur (4). In 1911 the family was living at 25 Albert Road, Lenton; Herbert (20) was an estate agent's clerk, Ada (18) a dressmaker's assistant, John (17) a telephone mechanic, and Arthur (14) was 'at home' and probably still at school. John's brother Private Arthur Cyril Walters, Sherwood Foresters, also died in the war; he was killed in action on 24 April 1918. Their older brother, Herbert, probably served in the RAMC (52085 Corporal). At the time of John's death his parents were living at Cemetery Lodge, Wilford Hill. At the time of Richard and Charlotte's own deaths in the 1930s they were living at 30 Abingdon Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham. John's father died on 10 June 1937 and his mother on 2 January 1939. His surviving brother, Herbert, died in 1969 aged 79 and his sister Ada died unmarried in 1973 aged 81.
He died of wounds in Lincoln County Hospital, Lincolnshire. After a service at Lenton Wesleyan Chapel he was interred in Lenton (Holy Trinity) Churchyard, Nottingham (south side of church).
Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 9 November 1916: 'WALTERS died of wounds November 7th at Lincoln County Hospital, Rifleman JH Walters, son of Mr and Mrs Walters, Cemetery Lodge, Wilford Hill, late of Lenton. Service at Lenton Wesleyan Chapel, internment Lenton.' Nottingham Post report, 14 November 1916: 'A military funeral at Lenton. Rifleman JH Walters who died at Lincoln County Hospital was buried with military honours in Lenton Churchyard.' The report includes a photograph of the gun carriage on the way to the church. Inscription on headstone: In loving memory of Rifleman John Harold Walters, Post Office Rifles, who died of wounds received on the Somme, November 7th 1916, aged 22 years. Second son of RJ and C Walters. ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ Also of our youngest son, Private Arthur Cyril (Robin Hoods) aged 21 years, killed in action 24th April 1918, and buried in the Military Cemetery Fonquieres, les Bethune, France. ‘In God’s own keeping.’ His mother, Charlotte, was his legatee. Probate: Walters. Richard Job of 30 Abingdon-road West Bridgford Nottinghamshire died 10 June 1937 Probate Nottingham 21 June to Herbert Edward Walters estate agent. Effects £682 16s. 8d. Probate: Walters Charlotte of 30 Abingdon-road West Bridgford Nottinghamshire died 2 January 1939 Probate Nottingham 16 January to Herbert Edward Walters estate agent. Effects £571 7s. 1d.
