Walter Cockayne
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
In the 1911 census Walter is living at 24 Pine Street, Nottingham with his widowed grandmother Mary Simpson 58 yrs , he is shown as being 18 years single and a brewer's labourer. Also living at the address are 3 female boarders, one of whom is a Laura Clarke 16 yrs single and a lace finisher. Walter Cockayne married his wife Laura Clarke on 5th June 1911 at Radford, Nottingham they had two children, Walter born 26th December 1912 and Edwin born 3rd May 1914, both were born at Nottingham. They lived at 37 Church Street, Basford. Following his death his widow Laura was awarded a pension of 22 shillings and 11 pence a week with effect from 11th June 1917. His widow Laura married John Thornton in 1920.
Private Walter Cockayne enlisted on 8th December 1914 at Nottingham, he gave hs age as 23 yrs and 7 months, his address as 37 Church Street, Basford and his occupation as that of a factory hand. His next of kin was his wife Laura of the same address. He was posted to the Sherwood Foresters Regiment and posted to the 9th battalion on 18th September 1915. The battalion went first to Gallipoli and then to France in July 1916. On 26th September 1916, the battalion attacked a strongly fortified position defended by a determined enemy during the battle for Thiepval. The German's fired their machine guns until the last moment, and in the first objective were killed to a man. The 9th battalion successfully took all of their objectives but at a high cost. Having no known grave Walter's name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. John Morse
