Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Corbridge a rural postman, born 1862 in Somerby, Leicestershire and his wife Sarah Elizabeth Corbridge (nee Morrison, married in the 4th quarter of 1886 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district)), born 1863 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Walter was born in the 1st quarter of 1891 in Melton Mowbray, he had one sibling, a brother Albert Edward, born 1888 in Melton Mowbray, in April 1891 the family home was at 46, King Street, Melton Mowbray. In March 1901 Walter was residing in the family home at 46, King Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a town postman, his mother and siblings, Albert. In April 1911 Walter was employed as a gents outfitter and was residing in the family home at 4, Snow Hill, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a town postman, his mother and brother, Albert a rural postman. Walter was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
On Friday September 15th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MELTONIAN’S WOUNDED. Mr. W. Corbridge, of 4, Snow Hill, has received a notification that his son Private Walter Corbridge, of the W. Yorkshires, has been admitted to the Firvale Hospital, Sheffield, suffering from a wound in his right forearm, received in action on September 5th. Pte. Corbridge was slightly wounded on July 15th, and exactly a month later was buried in a tunnel, and on that occasion lost the whole of his kit. We are glad to hear that he is making a good recovery from his latest injury.
The War Diary records: 1 Aug-17 – YPRES District. Action of the 31st July continued – Battalion relieved 2nd SCOTTISH RIFLES on WESTHOEK RIDGE, “A,” “C” and “D” Companies in the front line, “B” Company in support.
11.00 am. 100 of enemy seen advancing across open, they were dispersed by Rifle and Lewis Gun fire.
4.00 pm. About 20 of enemy, under cover of a rifle grenade fire, tried to advance against the right Company, this attack was easily beaten off, enemy retiring to a position about 200 yards away. The enemy kept up a steady barrage of 5.9 inch and 4.2 inch throughout the day, both in the WESTHOEK RIDGE and in the valley behind. This barrage increased in intensity between 2 and 8.00 pm. Major R. J. McLAREN, Commanding Officer was mortally wounded and Captain PALMES, M.C. acting 2nd in Command killed during this barrage about 3.15 pm. The Battalion was relieved by the 11th CHESHIRE REGIMENT, the last Company leaving the line at 3.45 pm. Total casualties for 31st July and 1st August. Officers, killed 3, died of wounds 3, wounded 5. Other Ranks, killed 21, wounded 152, missing 36.
The War Diary records: 2 Aug-17 – YPRES Area. On relief by 11th CHESHIRE REGIMENT Battalion moved back to HALIFAX CAMP.
On Friday August 17th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – MISSING MELTONIAN. Mr W. Corbridge, postman, Snow Hill, has received a letter from a non commissioned officer, returning some letters which had been addressed to his son, Lance Corpl. Walter Corbridge, of the West Yorks. He stated that the previous Tuesday they went over the top together, and he saw him some time later, then lost sight of him and had heard nothing of him since. His brother Pte. Albert Corbridge, of the Leicester’s who was wounded some months ago, is still in hospital, and has to undergo another operation.