Walter Wilson, one of 15 children, was the 6th born of 8sons, he had 5 elder and 2 younger sisters. His father Thomas Wilson born 1855 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland married Mary Ann born at Whickham, County Durham, in 1854. In 1891 they were living at 1, Ormsby Hill Terrace, Lanchester, County Durham, Thomas is listed as a hairdresser, assisted by his sons Selby (17) and John (16), his wife had the assistance of a domestic servant, 16-year-old Margaret Martin, they now had 10 children, the youngest being 3 month old Walter. All the Wilson boys joined their father in the family business until they moved to Front Street, Annfield Plain. Thomas ran his hairdressing business from their home assisted by Walter (20) and Lord (17), their brothers James (33) a labourer and George (27) a fireman, were employed at the colliery.

When war was declared with Germany the Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce raised Pals Battalions including the 16th (Newcastle) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Walter Wilson, who was living at Front Street, Annfield Plain, enlisted September 16th 1914 at Newcastle and was assigned as Private 193 to the 16th Battalion part of the 96th Brigade, 32nd Division, training near home. The decision was taken December 12th 1914 that Private 16/193 Walter Wilson Northumberland Fusiliers should be discharged under King’s Regulations 392(iii), “not being likely to become an efficient soldier.”

Walter Wilson possibly born December 28th 1890 died in 1974, district of Durham Central, aged 84 years.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.