Walter Gill Private 7369 Machine Gun Corps
Died on Friday 1st November 1918
Walter was a member of a well known local family – his father came from Llanfair Discoed to work for Harry Gales at The Innage farm. His brother’s son currently lives in Mathern and was named Walter after him.
Army records show him as born in Newport, which may well mean Llanfair, and enlisting in Chepstow, originally Private 26091 in the South Wales Borderers. The Machine Gun Corps was formed in 1916 to provide additional machine gunners in support of the infantry and his low service number may indicate that he transferred to it at about that time. He was in the 18th Battalion, serving in France towards the end of the War and was killed at the battle of the Selle during the final advance in Picardy.
Walter is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, only 2 miles from the famous cathedral, grave reference S.II.BB.4. He was entitled to war and victory medals.
The letter which accompanied Walter’s medals