Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son Charles Barrett, born in the April quarter of 1873 in Manton, Rutland and baptised on the 29th June 1873 in St. Mary’s Church, Manton (son of Charles Barrett, 1847 and Elizabeth Newbon, 1846) and his wife Sarah Barrett (nee Watson, married on the 25th February 1893 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough, Leicestershire) born on the 23rd November 1874 in Loughborough (daughter of Thomas Watson, 1849 and Esther Brassington, 1856-1938). Walter was born in the July quarter of 1894 in Loughborough and baptised on the 19th July 1899 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough.
Walter’s father died at Cross Street, Loughborough, aged 26 years in March 1900, and was interred on the 26th March in All Saints Churchyard, Loughborough.
In March 1901 Walter was residing in the family home at 121, Meadow Lane, All Saint’s, Loughborough, together with his widowed mother, a home work seamstress and his siblings, Florence, born on the 29th April 1893 and baptised on the 19th July 1899 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough, Charles Ernest, born in the October quarter of 1896 and baptised on the 19th July 1899 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough and George, born on the 8th December 1898 and baptised on the 19th July 1899 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough, all his siblings were born in Loughborough, also residing with the family was Walter’s maternal aunt, Elizabeth Watson, a hosiery trade worker, born on the 2nd June 1878 in Belper, Derbyshire.
In April 1911 Walter was employed as a woodworker and was residing in the family home at 2, Freehold Street, Loughborough, together with his mother (married in the July quarter of 1906 in Loughborough) and step father, George Richard Russell, a machine painter, born in the July quarter of 1867 in Marehay, Derbyshire (son of George Russell, 1841-1920 and Elizabeth Hutley, 1841-1895), and his siblings, Florence a hosiery trade worker, Charles, a grocer’s boy and George, a schoolboy and a half blood sibling, Nelly (Nellie) Barrett, a schoolgirl, born on the 12th August 1901 in Loughborough, also residing with the family was Walter’s maternal grandfather, Thomas Watson, a boiler shop worker, born 1849 in Belper, Derbyshire.
Walter’s younger brother Charles Ernest, fell in action on the 9th March 1917
Walter enlisted/attested into the Army Reserve (Special Reservists) on the 18th August 1914 in Loughborough, and was allotted the regimental service number 10252. He gave his place of birth as All Saint’s, Loughborough, Leicestershire and age as 20 years 1 month. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as boiler maker.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Loughborough on the 17th August 1914 and recorded his birthplace as All Saint’s, Loughborough, Leicestershire, declared age as 20 years 1 month, trade or occupation as boiler maker, that he was 5-feet 8½ inches in height, weighed 148 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 32 and 34 inches, his physical development was described as [not recorded], his vision was described as R.E.-V=[not recorded]. L.E.-V=[not recorded]. Enlisted at Loughborough on the 18th August 1914. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt. Regimental No. 10252.
His description on enlistment recorded his height 5-feet 8½ inches weight 148 lbs, chest measurement of between 32 and 34 inches, he had grey eyes and his hair colour was dark brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, [unreadable]. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army Reserve. Date 19th August 1914. Place Loughborough.
He gave his next of kin as his, mother Sarah Russell, brother Charles Ernest, sister Florence, 42, Freehold Street, Loughborough.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester. 20/8/14.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 20/8/14.
Posted. To 6th (Service) Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 23/8/14.
Embarked. 29/7/15.
Admitted. To 15C M.D.S., gunshot wound right and left shoulders. In the Field.
Died of wounds. In the Field. 23/9/16.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 18/8/14 – 28/7/15. 345 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 29/7/15 – 23/9/16. 1 year 57 days.
Total Service. 2 years 37 days.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
On Tuesday May 1st, 1917, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page 6, under the heading. – ROLL OF HONOUR. – Pvt. W. Barnett, Leicester’s, died of wounds. Home was at 42, Freehold-st., Loughborough.
On the 5th June 1917, Walter’s mother, Sarah Russell of 42, Freehold Street, Loughborough, Leicester, was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of seven shillings, commensurate on the 5th June 1917.
[recognitum XXI-III-MMXXIV]