Walter Robert's Story.
Born in 1893 at Wilmslow, Walter was the only son of jewellery buyer, Walter Lloyd and Mary Dodge, of Hawthorn Lane, Cedar Bank, Dean Row, Wilmslow. When Walter enlisted, he gave his occupation as salesman.
He attested at Manchester 16th November 1914. His army records show him to have been five feet eight inches tall, weighing 124lbs. On the 17th July 1915, Walter married Mabel Spall, at Holy Trinity Church, Bolton le Sands, Lancaster, and they set up home at Park Terrace, Lingard, Morecambe. Soon after marriage Walter was drafted to France arriving there 9th November. On the 25th February 1916, their son William was born. Mabel moved home to 16 Oaker Avenue, Didsbury. Walter was appointed to the rank of Lance Corporal 5th October 1916.
He was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery in the field. On the 26th February 1917 he was granted a commission becoming 2nd Lieutenant. Walter is listed as being killed in action Tuesday 2nd October 1917.
The battalion war diary names Walter as killed on 1st October it states:
1st October 1917. Battalion holding the line east of Polygon Wood, at 05.45am the enemy launched a heavy counter attack which was completely repulsed as far as the battalion was concerned. The Commanding Officer (Lt. Col D. R Turnbill D.S.O.) was killed by a sniper at 7.15am. During the day 2nd Lt. W R Dodge M.M. was killed and 2nd Lt. R.P Broadhurst and 2nd Lt. Bowden were wounded.
The Cheshire Roll of Honour would like to thank Simon Dodge, grandson of Walter for the pictures and Paul Reed for the picture of Walter's headstone.