Walter Herbert Roach

A Private with 1st Battalion. Walter died on 11th of May 1917 at the age of 37.

Walter was born at Lowestoft on 11 June 1880, a son of William and Susan Roach. In 1881 his family lived at 27 North Raglan Street. From 19 March 1888 Walter attended Saint Margaret's Boys' School. In 1901 his family lived at 128 Raglan Street, and Walter worked as a baker. 

Walter married Elizabeth Cooper at Beccles parish church on 22 May 1904. By 1911 they were living at 64 Stanley Street and Walter had a bakery business at Acorn Stores, Stanley Street. Later they lived at 61 Stanley Street, Lowestoft.

Walter enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment, at Bury St. Edmunds, on 21 July 1916. He served with the 1st Battalion in France from 22 November 1916. During March 1917 he was attached to 251 Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers, but returned to the 1st Battalion. 

On 11 May 1917 the 1st Battalion were in the vicinity of Farbus Wood. The battalion war diary records that during that day the enemy shelled the battalion's lines with 8" and 5.9" guns. There were very few duds and good spreading bursts. The artillery fire meant that very little movement was possible, but during the night they were able to provide working parties for forward areas. Two men were killed and another four wounded.   

Walter was killed in action on 11 May 1917. He was buried at Farbus Wood, around five miles north-north-east of Arras. Walter's personal effects, including a pipe and tobacco pouch, a copper horse shoe, three rings, and a lucky chain, were sent to Elizabeth. 

In 1919 Walter's body was exhumed from his isolated grave and he was reburied at Bois-Carre British Cemetery.