Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Walter was born at Greatham in 1890 the son of Richard and Hannah (nee Bradshaw). The couple had 15 children together but 7 unfortunately died.
At the age of only 8 months Walter is listed on the 1891 census alongside his siblings Charles, Sarah, Mary, Lily, Flora and a boarder His father works as a salt maker at the salt works.
By 1901 Father Richard has been joined at the salt works by his eldest son, Charles. The family has grown in size with the additions of Edith, Marie and Richard to the family.
Walter has moved on by 1911 and is now boarding and working as a cowman with the Clark family at Picton House, Yarm.
Walter married his sweetheart, Ada Walker, on December 26th 1914. They do not appear to have had a family together but Ada's son John Walker born 19th November 1912 was part of the family.
Walter's mother died in 1916.
On May 27th 1918 Walter was reported missing presumed dead (killed in action) during the Battle of Aisne and the Marne. He served in several battalions within the Yorkshire Regiment. His actual death was recorded as being at Soissons, Cote d’Or, Bourgogne. His body was not found.
Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Ada married Joseph Robert Gowling in 1920 and they had children together.
Walter Fleet is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25
