Person:Walter Western (2)

1881 Census Devon, Exeter, St Thomas (RG11/2144, Folio 98, p11) [LDS # 1341517]

1. 74 75 Cowick St

Walter Western, Head, Marr, 40, Butcher & Gardener, Thorverton

Ann Western, Wife, Marr, 44, Tedburn St. Mary

Emma Western, Dau, Unm, 11, Scholar, Exeter

Walter D Western, Son, 9, Scholar, St Thomas, Exeter

Richard D Western, Son, 7, Scholar, St Thomas, Exeter

Louisa Western, Dau, 6, Scholar, St Thomas, Exeter

Allice Western, Dau, 4, St Thomas, Exeter

Charles Western, Son, 2, St Thomas, Exeter

1899: On his 21 Oct, 1899, marriage certificate, he is listed as a 28 year old Corporal, R.E., residing at the Brompton Barracks. His father, Walter Western, is listed as a butcher. The marriage certificate is witnessed by William and Mary Parsons (Walter's sister). William Parsons was a Seargant in the R.E. also stationed at Brompton Barracks in 1899.

1901: Walter was a Corporal (# 24030) in the 1st Co. of the Royal Engineers at the time of Ernest Walter Davie's birth in February 1901.

1936: Walter died on 13 September, 1936, of Hypostatic Pneumonia, Cerebral Thrombosis, and Senile Decay, at 112 Peckham Rd, Camberwell, aged 65. The death was reported by his son E.J.Western of 16 Bishop's Avenue, Bromley, Kent. Walter was listed as a Stores Officer, Experimental Station, Air Ministry.

In a January 1st, 1993, letter, Edward James Western writes of his father:

"At 17 [1888] joined the Royal Engineers. [He was following his older brother, William Davie Western's, footsteps, who also joined the R.E. at aged 17.] After 21 years service and reaching the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant was selected by Lord Kitchener to become steward of his estate at Broome Park, Barham, nr. Canterbury. On death of Kitchener in 1916 re-enlisted with commissioned rank into Royal Engineers. 1923 demobilised with rank of Captain. Joined Air Ministry as Works and Buildings superviser responsible for the reestablishment and maintenance of aerodromes (R.A.F.) in the Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire areas. In 1930 was posted to R.A.F. Biggin Hill in the same capacity. All these aerodromes were operationally used in the second World War. During his 21 years service in the REs he was stationed in Singapore, Hong Kong and Gibraltar."

This may be his medal card in the National Archives: Description Medal card of Western, Walter
Corps Regiment No Rank
Army Service Corps S4/140220 Private

Date 1914-1920
Catalogue reference WO 372/21
Dept Records created or inherited by the War Office, Armed Forces, Judge Advocate General, and related bodies
Series War Office: Service Medal and Award Rolls Index, First World War
Piece Ward H - Wilson F
Image contains 1 medal card of many for this collection

A2A Devon Records: Exeter Deeds:

Devon Record Office: UNNUMBERED BUNDLE - ref. 5200C-3/79

FILE - Devon Record Office - ref. 5200C-3/79/5 - date: 24 June 1915

[from Scope and Content] 3) Walter Western of Steward's House, Broom Park, near Canterbury, estate steward

FILE - Devon Record Office - ref. 5200C-3/79/6 - date: 15 Sept 1919

[from Scope and Content] 1) Walter Western formerly of Stewards House, Broom Park, near Canterbury, now of 122 Greenvale Road, Eltham, Captain in his Majesty's Royal Engineers

FILE - Devon Record Office - ref. 5200C-3/79/7 - date: 1919

[from Scope and Content] 2) Walter Western of 122 Greenvale Road, Eltham, captain in HM Royal Engineers

1. ↑ Birth certificate : ONS St Thomas 1871 Sep 5b 74.
2. ↑ Death Certificate ONS Camberwell 1936 Sep 1d 629.