Mexborough and Swinton Times June 29, 1918
Gunner Walter R. Booker, of Clydesdale, Barnsley road, Wombwell, has died of wounds received in action on the Italian Front.
He was aged 20, and had been on active service fifteen months, in France and latterly in Italy and up to June 15 had come through all operations unharmed.
On the date named, writes a colleague:
“We had been having a pretty rough time, and he got his right hand slightly wounded, but stuck to his post. Later he got severely wounded in the lower part of his `body. It was only a very small wound, but, I am sorry to say, fatal.”
This comrade then tells how he was carried to a place of safety, but despite all that could be clone for him he passed peacefully away twenty-five minutes later.
“We are all deeply grieved,” adds the letter, “to have lost so dear a chum, and one whom we all loved, and on behalf of the battery I tender all his relatives our deepest sympathy.
“We are all deeply grieved,” adds the letter, “to have lost so dear a chum, and one whom we all loved, and on behalf of the battery I tender all his relatives our deepest sympathy.” Another letter was received -by the same post from the battery Major, confirming the sad news and also expressed svmpathv with the parents and relatives.
Whilst a further communication from the Lieut. of the battery pays the follbwing tribute.
“You can indeed be proud of the work he has done in this battery. Yesterday he was serving his gun for nine hours before he was wounded”
Gnr. Booker was the younger of the two soldier sons of Mr. and Mrs Fred Booker of Wombwell, and formerly of Barnsley. An old Barnsley Grammar School boy, he was, with his parents, in the confectionery business when he joined the Forces, and was a well-built and highly respected youth. Keen regret was felt at the news that he had fallen, and much sympathy will be extended to the relatives in their bereavement, following, as it does, the death in action of their-son-in-law Fitter Staff-Sergt. B. Kilner, whilst- the other son. Pte. A. Booker (H.L.I.), is still in hospital badly wounded.
From C.W.G.C.
Gunner
BOOKER, WALTER REGINALD
Service Number 123309
Died 15/06/1918
Aged 20
293rd Siege Bty.
Royal Garrison Artillery
Son of Fred and Margaret Booker, of Wombwell, nr. Barnsley.
MAGNABOSCHI BRITISH CEMETERY Plot 1. Row B. Grave 5.