Medal Index Card for Private Walters

Coldstream Guards at Transvaal

Robert Walters name on the Ypres Menin Gate

Battle of Langemarck Map 21st -24th October

Robert Walters was born at 37, Rutland Street, Middlesbrough, in 1882, the son of John H. Walters [born Scotland 1846], a Shipwright, and Catherine F. [nee Gunn], Walters, born 1848.

In 1881 they were residing at 37, Rutland Street, Middlesbrough, He was the youngest of 4 children, Margaret J. born 1872 at Hartlepool, John James Walter born 1876, and Mary Walter born 1879 Scotland. His mother died after Robert was born after 1882. John H. Walter married Catherine F. Gunn on the 10th May 1869 in Edinburgh.

Robert enlisted on the 23rd January 1900, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne into the Coldstream Guards for 3 years and 9 years in the Reserve. His B217 Short Service attestation papers confirmed this. He was 18 years and 8 months old, 5 foot 10 1/4 inches high and weighed 142lbs [64.41kg]. He stated his religion as Presbyterian. Described as Dark complexion, Grey Eyes and light brown hair.

By the 25th January 1900 he is at the Chelsea Guards Barracks in the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards.

In 1901, he is based at London at the Chelsea Guards Barracks, and was posted to the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards.

Robert was then posted to the 2nd Battalion on the 16th January 1902.

On the 23rd January 1902 Robert is awarded Good Conduct Pay.

After 2 years being based in the UK, he was posted to South Africa on the 16th January 1902, where he was stationed until the 6th October 1902. He was based at Cape Colony.

The 1st and 2nd battalions of the Coldstream Guards both served in South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). The 2nd Battalion embarked at Southampton on 20 October 1899 and the 1st Battalion followed them to South Africa a week later. After moving up country from Cape Town in November they joined Lord Methuen's 1st Division. Both battalions paraded in khaki, with a white helmet and puggaree in place of their bearskins.

After the Guards Brigade returned from Koomati Poort the 2nd Coldstreams were ordered to Potchefstroom. In the beginning of 1901 they were sent to Cape Colony. The headquarters were generally about Graaf Reinet down to the close of the campaign, but the battalion was much scattered; for example, two companies occupied Richmond and another was at Britstown. About 70 men of the 2nd Coldstreams along with some local troops formed the garrison of Aberdeen when it was attacked on the night of 18th May 1902, shortly before peace was declared. The attack was driven off, the enemy losing several killed.

He was awarded the Queens South Africa Medal with a clasp, Cape Colony. 1902.

After completing his 3 years with the colours, on the 4th February 1903, he was transferred to the Army Reserve. Robert then was employed as a plumber by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Shipyard at Wallsend.

Robert would have joined Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Shipyard as a ships plumber, in the Dry Dock department, at about the same time they were building the 'Mauretania'. Hull No. 735.

Financed by a government whose international status was threatened on the one hand by German dominance of the Atlantic, on the other by American purchasing of British shipping lines, the Mauretania provided work for over 8000 Tynesiders. Launched in 1906 she held the Blue Riband - an international symbol of sea power - for a record 25 years. With her sister ship the 'Lusitania', she became the largest ship in the world.

He was residing at this time at 23 Wooley Street, Wallsend, his father had also moved to 8 Leslie Gardens, Wallsend, Northumberland.

Robert married on the 13th April 1907 Mary [nee Dixon], born 10th October 1880?, daughter of James and Ada Dixon. They had 4 Children Robert Walter, born 14th June 1908, John born 24th August 1909, Elizabeth 26th January 1911 and Kathleen born 26th February 1915.

On the outbreak of war, Robert re-enlisted into the Reserve Battalion of the Coldstream Guards on the 7th August 1914. And was posted to the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, then embarked on the 11th September 1914 to France and Flanders with the British Expeditionary Force.

Robert was killed in action near St Julien on Wednesday 21st October 1914.

This was part of the Battle of Langemarck 21st October to 24th October.

De Ruvigny Roll of Honour

Robert Walters is remembered at Wallsend on W7.03 in W7.09 page 2, and on W7.21

Photographs of the construction of the Mauretania
British Pathe Film of the liner Mauritania
Anglo Boer War Web Site
The CWGC enty for Private Walters