Bombardier 39997, 24th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died 11/08/1917.

 

Born in, and resident of, Walton, the third of six surviving children of Frederick Rivett & Alice nee Nice. In 1911 the family were living at 190 High Street, Walton. Walter is listed as being a sailor, on board for Felixstowe Dock. His family were still at this address at the time of his death.

 

The 24th Heavy Battery were mobilised from Cork 04/08/14, they embarked for England between the 15th & 21st August to the Newmarket / Cambridge area. After training they moved to Southampton 07/09/14 and Walter was among the first troops to disembark at St Nazaire 09/09/14, he earned the 1914 Star at this time. They first saw action at the Battle of Aisne 19/09/14. From April 1915 to 1918 the 24th moved around different Heavy Artillery Groups making it difficult to know where individuals were. The 24th appear to have been with the 15th Heavy Artillery Group at the Battle of Hill 70 where Ernest appears to have been killed in action. He is buried at Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay

 

Maternal cousin of Durrant brothers