Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Joseph Hoult, a farm horseman, born 1861 in Ravenstone, Leicestershire and his wife Eliza Hoult (nee Marriott, married in the 4th quarter of 1884 in the Leicester district), a dressmaker, born 1861 in Rearsby, Leicestershire. Walter Joseph was born in the 4th quarter of 1891 in Leicester, his siblings were, Henrietta Sarah, a boot trade stockroom worker, born 1886, Lizzie Marriott, a cigar trade worker, born 1888, George Herbert, born 1890, Shirley, born 1897 and Constance Annie, born 1900, all his siblings were born in Leicester, in March 1901 the family home was at 23, Bonsall Street, Leicester. In April 1911 Walter was employed as a boot and shoe trade clicker and was residing in the family home at 55, Bonsall Street, Leicester together with his father a jobbing gardener, his mother and siblings, Henrietta, George, a drapery worker, Shirley, a machine fitter, Constance a schoolgirl and Ida Helena, a schoolgirl, born 1902 in Leicester. Walter first entered the theatre of war on the 1st April 1915, he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British and Victory medals.
On Friday March 17th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – YEOMANS FUNERAL. Impressive scenes were witnessed in Leicester on Tuesday, at the funeral of Trooper J. W. Hoult, of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, whose death occurred at his home, 55, Bonsall-street. He contracted rheumatic fever whilst serving with the Expeditionary Force, and under treatment in hospital had reached the convalescent stage, but death occurred suddenly. A Union Jack was placed round the coffin and on this were laid the deceased soldier’s khaki cap and several of the numerous floral tributes to his memory. A detachment of the Yeomanry headed the cortage to St. Peter’s Church, and soldiers acted as bearers. The Leicester R.H.A. also sent a detachment. The service at the church was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. A. Lethbridge, and the Rev. A. E. W. Manvell, of St. Barnabas, with which choir Trooper Hoult was associated prior to enlistment. At the cemetery there were many old friends of the deceased Trooper where the Rev. A. E. W. Manvell conducted the committal portion of the service, after which three volleys were fired by a detachment of the deceased’s comrades and the Last Post was sounded by the Pioneer Bugle Band. The floral emblems gave expression to the esteem in which the deceased soldier was held by relatives, fellow soldiers and friends.
On Saturday March 10th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM. HOULT.- In loving memory of Pte. Walter J. Hoult, No. 2491, 1st Leicestershire Yeomanry, died suddenly at his home, 55, Bonsall Street, March 10th 1916, aged 24 years. At rest. From Mother, Dad, Sisters, and Brothers George and Shirley (in France).