WILLIAM GORDON BRUMWELL WALKER (1882-1916)

36093 Private W.G.B. Walker, 3^rd Battalion, the Durham Light Infantry died 5 November 1915 and is buried at Cockfield Cemetery [1] and is commemorated on the Cockfield War Memorial. He was 34 years old and married to Pheobe Elizabeth and they had a daughter, Pheobe Lillian.

Private W.G.B. Walker’s brother-in-law, 22/929 Private N.W. Chambers, 22/DLI died 26 October 1916.[3]  He was married to William’s sister Maria.

Family Details

William was born 1882[4] at Cockfield, the son of Stevens[5] and Wilhelmina Annie Walker.  There were at least 8 children, all born at Cockfield:

• Mabel bc.1877
• Simpson bc.1879
• Stevens bc.1880
• William Gordon Brumwell born 1882
• Maria Mary bc.1885
• George Bertram born 1887
• Leonard bc.1890
• Annie Brumwell bc.1892 [6]

In 1891, the family lived at Cockfield village near the “Royal Inn”.  William’s father, 40 year old Stevens was recorded as a “Colliery Owner”.  By 1901, Stevens had died and the family lived at Main Street, Cockfield.  By 1911, they lived at Barnard House, Cockfield where William’s mother 60 year old Annie was recorded as a farmer, 31 year old Stevens was a “farmer’s son working on farm,” 29 year old William G.B. was recorded as an “Assistant School Master” and 23 year old George Bertram was a “Colliery Tally-man”.  Marie Mary and Annie Brumwell, 26 and 19 year old were single and living at home. [7]

In March 1913, William married Phoebe Elizabeth Brown at Cockfield and in August 1913 she gave birth to a daughter, Phoebe Lillian.  They lived at 7 Coronation Street, Cockfield. [8]  William was recorded as being employed as a school teacher. [9]

Service Details

William G.B. Walker enlisted 8 December 1915 at Darlington into the Durham Light Infantry.  He was given the regimental number 36093 and posted to the army Reserve.  He was 34 years old. [10]  He underwent a medical examination 15 June 1916 at Sunderland and considered fit for general service.  He was 5 ft. 3” tall and weighed 126 lbs. [11]  Private William G.B. Walker was mobilized 14 June 1916 being posted to 16/DLI then 28 August 1916 into 3/DLI. [12]

Private William G.B. Walker died at home 5 November 1916 of nephritis and dropsy. [13]  He had served 333 days.[14]

Burial

Private W.G.B. Walker is buried at grave reference G.17, Cockfield Cemetery.

References:

[1] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[2] CWGC

[3] CWGC

[4] England & Wales Birth Index Vol.10a p.239 Teesdale, 1882 Q1

[5] In all census details, he and his son are recorded as “Stevens” not Steven

[6] 1891, 1901 and 1911 census details

[7] 1911 census

[8] Army Form: Descriptive report on Enlistment

[9] Army Form.B.2512A

[10] Army Form B.2512A

[11] Army Form B.178

[12] Army Form: Statement of the Services

[13] Army Form memo dated 26.02.1917

[14] Army Form: Statement of the Services

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