Huthwaite War Memorial Project

SLATER W. 15346

Huthwaite War Memorial

Walter Slater

Lance Corporal 15346 - Grenadier Guards
Kings Company 1st Battalion

Killed in Action Flanders 29th October 1914 : Aged 21

Ypres Menin Gate Memorial - Panel 9 and 11.

Walter was born on 29 Jan 1893 at Ilkeston. A son amongst several children parented by James and Polly Slater whom, by 1911 Huthwaite census are found addressed at 26 Sutton Road. Walter began work as a coal miner, but with an imposing stature measuring 6' 1" and 135lb similar to all his brothers, he joined the Notts County force recognising a first class police constable. Furthermore, he'd begin Territorial Army training serving 8th Sherwood Foresters until nearing the age of 18½years. His Derby enlistment for the Grenadier Guards dated 8 July 1911 was initially a short service engagement. Posting afterwards into the Reservists could realise military ambition was being shared between close colleges, finding another local policeman named Joseph Cuckson followed same regimentally dated path into active service.

They heard the call for duty on 8 July 1914, both Guards being swiftly mobilized on 5 August 1914. A week later and Private Slater was appointed Lance Corporal 15346 promoting earlier held unpaid rank. Heading for France by 4th October 1914, their time on the Ypres battlefield did prove however, very short lived.

Notts Free Press 4th February 1916
Mr. And Mrs J Slater of Sutton Road have been informed from the Record Office (London) that their son, Corporal Walter Slater, 15346, Grenadier Guards, who has been reported as “wounded and Missing” since October, 1914, must be regarded as having been killed between October 26th and November 2nd , 1914 (probably October 29th) Corporal Slater was one of five brothers with the forces on land or sea. He was 22 years old, and had only been home six weeks after serving three years in the Grenadiers when he was called up. His photo will appear next week.
Mansfield Advertiser
4th February 1916

HUTHWAITE GUARDSMAN KILLED IN ACTION

Corporal Walter Slater, of the Grenadier Guards, whose home was at Huthwaite, has been among the “wounded and missing” for over a year; but his parents have now been officially notified that he was killed in October, 1914. The deceased soldier was 22 years old, and was one of five brothers with the Colours; one of whom gained the D.C.M. all the five averaged over six feet in height.

Notts Free Press – 11th February, 1916.
HUTHWAITE SOLDIER’S DEATH - ONE OF FIVE SOLDIER BROTHERS
The photograph is that of Corporal Slater, 15346, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, of Huthwaite whose death was reported in our last issue. Deceased, who is one of the five soldier sons of Mr and Mrs James Slater, Sutton Road, Huthwaite, was reported as both wounded and missing since November, 1914, and has now been reported as killed. He was 22 years of age.
The other brothers are King’s Corporal J.W. Slater, D.C.M., 8313, R.A.M.C., aged 33, married with five children, who has been in France over a year. Private H. Slater, R.M.L.I., who spent eight months in the Dandanelles until invalided home with dysentery. He is 28 years of age and married, with one child. He is now on the “Dominion” Sergeant J.T. Slater, who is 25 years of age and married, with one child, is with 1-8 Sherwood Foresters(T.F.) in France. He gained his stripes at the front. Private G Slater, 2289, is with the 1-8 Sherwood Foresters, and is 20 years of age. He was wounded in France in August last. The average height of the brothers is over six feet.

Additional Referencing and Links


Written 24 Jul 06 Revised 09 Feb 09 © by Gary Elliott