Huthwaite WW One Memorial

Information has been received of the death of Quarter-Master Walter Buxton, of the South African Field Forces, late of Blackwell Road, Huthwaite, at the age of 47. The deceased soldier enlisted on August 4th., 1890 in the A.S.C. He was sent home in 1897, being placed as a first-class reservist, and as such was called up at the outbreak of the South African War, through which he passed without a scratch. For his services there, he received medals with several bars. After the cessation of hostilities he decided to stay in that country, so for a few years he joined the Scouts, which were then being formed. After being discharged he spent several years in the diamond mines at Kimberley and the gold mines in Germiston. He rejoined the colours some three years ago and had seen active service in German East and West Africa, fighting under the two commanders whom a few years before he fought against – Botha and Smuts. He had many thrilling experiences in the field of battle, and also suffered much as a prisoner of war. His travels in Africa had been very extensive. In actual fighting he seemed to have a charmed life, for he always came safely through.
  When he met his death the gallant soldier was at home on furlough, and addressed a recruiting meeting at Kimberley on the 2nd. of October, 1917, little thinking that death lurked near, and that it was to be his last appeal. Taking a walk next day with a friend he complained of having been bitten on the lip by an insect, and this set up blood poisoning. In twelve hours he was unconscious, and never regained consciousness again although everything possible was done for him. He passed away on October 9th. and was interred with military honours in Bloomfield Cemetery on October 11th. It was a singular coincidence that his son (Private Albert Buxton, M.M., late of Huthwaite) should be killed on the Western front about the same time. Quarter-Master W. Buxton had spent nearly eighteen years in Africa, and had given nineteen years service to the Empire.