Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-

Alfred known as Alf was born at Corbridge in 1892 the son of George and Louisa (nee Beckwith). The couple married at Teesdale in 1889 and went on to have 6 children together but sadly 2 died. His siblings included older brother Fred and sisters, Gertrude and Mary.

In 1901 the census shows that father George worked on his own account from home as a jobbing gardener

In 1911 George was in Durham prison charged with neglecting his family. The family were still living at Barnard Castle, Fred was a general labourer, Alf was a baker, Gertrude and Mary had jobs as shoe thread makers - Gertrude as a polisher mill hand whilst Mary was a doffer mill hand.

In 1915 when Alf was 24 years old he married Lilian Wright of Thompson's Cottage, Baliol Street, Barnard Castle. She was living at 3 Hall Street when he died. Lilian lived until 1935 and was buried in Barnard Castle Cemetery.

Alfred had been a baker before enlisting when he worked at George Burt’s business and also Mr W Hodgson, confectioner. In his spare time Alf enjoyed being a member of Barnard Castle Band.

The couple had two sons Alfred born 14th October 1916 and Trevor born 3rd May 1918.

In May 1917, Alfred joined the 3rd Durham Light Infantry, service number 40344. In September, he went to France. At some point he transferred to the 1/7th Battalion King's (Liverpool) Regiment but it is not clear why. Lilian speculated that it might have been on account of his shooting skills.

Alfred was killed in action at Festubert near Givenchy on 9 April 1918. He was reported missing on this date. An account from the men who were alongside Alfred said "Between Festubert and Givenchy our platoon was holding an advanced trench. After a tremendous bombardment the Germans came over at 9.15 am and only a few of us got away." By July 1918, Alfred was presumed dead and his official date of death is recorded as the date he was reported missing.

In the 25/02/1998 reports that some of Alf’s letters home to his wife, Lilian, had been found by a lady who was clearing out her deceased cousin’s home. There are several letters describing his experiences as well as photographs and the Memorial Scroll.

Alfred Ernest Walton is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25

The CWGC entry for Private Walton