Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Mr A. and Mrs S. Fowkes of Ibstock, Leics.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday October 12th, 1917

LOCAL CASUALTIES

We regret to state that news has come to Mr Samuel Fowkes, 22, Leicester Road, Ibstock that his son, Private Walter Fowkes, North Staffordshire Regiment, was killed in action on the Western Front. Prior to enlistment he worked at a Measham boot and shoe factory and had only recently been home on leave.

Coalville Times article - Friday October 26th, 1917

THANKS

Mr S. Fowkes and Mrs Smith, of 22, Leicester Road, Ibstock desire to thank all kind friends for expressions of sympathy shown to them in their sad bereavement in the loss of Private W. Fowkes, who was killed in action on 30th September, 1917.

Coalville Times article - Friday November 2nd, 1917

The parents of Private W. Fowkes, residing at 22, Leicester Road, Ibstock have received a letter from an officer of the North Staffs Regiment, who writes: “It is with great regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, who was killed in action at 5 am on September 30th. He died most gallantly while defending his post, and he was largely instrumental in our gaining a striking little success. I have only been with the platoon a short time, but in that time have learnt to admire the excellent qualities of your son. He was a good soldier and a good man, and died at his post. No one could have a greater honour than that. All of his platoon and company loved him, and join with me in offering our sincerest sympathy in your bereavement. God be with you in your time of trouble. I enclose two letters addressed to your son. He is buried in a beautiful place with a cross over him. His things are collected, and you will get them later on.”

Coalville Times article - Friday October 11th, 1918

IN MEMORIAM

In ever loving memory of Private Walter Fowkes, who fell in action somewhere in France on September 30th, 1917, aged 25 years.

“One year has passed since that sad day
When one we loved was called away
God took him Home, it was his will,
But in our hearts we love him still.”

“When alone in my homestead and bitter tears flow
There comes a sweet dream of a dear long ago
And unknown to the world he stands by my side
And whispers, “Dear Sister, Death cannot divide.”

From his loving Father and Sister and Brother (in France).

Coalville Times article - Friday October 1st, 1920

IN MEMORIAM

FOWKES – In ever loving memory of Private Walter Fowkes, who was killed in action, September 30th, 1917.

“I miss him and mourn him in silence unseen,
And dwell on the happiness of what might have been.”

“I had hoped for his safe returning,
Once more to clasp his hand;
But God has postponed our meeting,
Till we meet in the Better Land.”

From his loving Sister and Brother, Ibstock

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 24/12/2017