Walter John Rouse

A Company Sergeant Major with 12th Field Company, Walter died on 21st of March 1918 at the age of 42. 

Walter was born at Pakefield in 1876, a son of Latha and Eliza Harriet Rouse. In 1881 his family lived at 2 Beanes Cottages, London Road, Pakefield. BY 1891 they were living at 79 Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 72 Osborne Street, Lowestoft.

Walter married Ellen Mooney at Kilworth, County Cork, on 12 August 1910. After Walter's death Ellen lived at Ballyderowne, Kilworth, County Cork.

Walter was working as a bricklayer when he enlisted in the Royal Engineers, at Lowestoft on 22 March 1900, for short service, three years with the Colours and nine with the Reserve. Walter went to South Africa on 15 February 1901 and saw active service in the Boer War, being awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal. He joined 38th Field Company on 1 August 1904 and 12th Field Company on 21 March 1905. Walter returned from South Africa on 16 April 1905.

On 31 July 1907 he extended his engagement to complete 12 years with the Colours. On 11 October 1907 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and 2nd Corporal on 1 August 1910. Walter extended his engagement, to complete 21 years with the Colours, on 29 December 1911. He was promoted Corporal on 1 December 1913.

Walter arrived in France, with 12 Field Company, on 8 September 1914. On 3 February 1915 he was appointed Acting Sergeant and on 3 May 1915 Acting Company Sergeant Major.

Walter was Mentioned in Despatches in 1915 (London Gazette 17 February 1915, page 1658), and again in 1918 (London Gazette 17 May 1918, page 5986). 

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette 30 June 1915, page 6399) with the following citation: 

For conspicuous courage and resource while leading his section. He particularly distinguished himself while employed by night in the construction of breastworks.  

On 1 September 1915 Walter was promoted to the substantive rank of Sergeant. 

The War Diary for 12th Field Company gives the following record of the events of 21 March 1918:

Company was ordered to stand to in the Corps Lines in front of Morchies at 5.30 a.m. At 5 a.m. while company was proceeding to Corps Line, enemy opened an intensive barrage all along the line. Major Williamson was killed almost immediately. Lieutenant Chatham attached infantry, also became a casualty. Section officers rallied their men and got them into position in the Corps Line.
About 12 noon Captain Langley arrived from transport lines and took over command of the Company. About 6 p.m. Corps Line had become the front line and therefore parties were sent out to close gaps in the wire and later parties of the enemy approaching were driven off with rifle fire.
2nd Lieutenant Newcombe was wounded about 3 p.m. and killed while being carried to Dressing Station.
About 11 p.m. Corps Line was reorganised and Company was withdrawn into Reserve in Vaux-Beugny Rd (sic) at I.6.a.0.7.
Casualties suffered: 2 officers killed, 12 other ranks killed, 30 wounded, 7 missing
Attached infantry: one officer missing, 6 other ranks wounded, 12 missing 

Walter was killed in action on 21 March. 

Walter's personal possessions, religious medallions, religious leaflet, pocket knife, comb, crucifix, and two brooches, were sent to Ellen.