Harper, Walter Henry

Private Walter Henry Harper 24451 13th East Yorkshire Regiment, was a ‘Hull Pal’, killed in action, on 13 November 1916, aged 31. He is buried in Euston Road Cemetery Colincamps France. “Till the day dawns” is inscribed on his headstone. Walter was born in Pickering in 1885. His mother was Mary Ann Harper – she married David Lacey in 1897 and was living in Kilham in 1911. In 1901 Walter was a plough lad at Rotsea Carr. He married Phoebe Waslin at Harpham on 19 December 1908. Walter worked at Hornby’s farm in Kilham at one time before moving to live in Watton where he worked as a hand on a farm. He later became a smallholder in Kilnwick and according to probate his assets were worth £152 13s 5d. Walter and Phoebe had five sons, the youngest was born 12 March 1916. Walter enlisted 30 November 1915 and joined his unit in the field 15 October 1916. Phoebe was given a pension of 28s 9d a week. Walter was awarded the British and Victory medals. (Source: Christine Snowden)