Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 1916, Company Quartermaster Serjeant Walter Wilfred Banks, 6th (Service) Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs), died from wounds received the previous day during the fighting on the Western Front.

His battalion had been formed at Canterbury in August of 1914 as part of the First New Army. In June of 1915 they mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne. Company Quartermaster Serjeant Banks saw action during the Battles of Loos, Albert, Pozieres, and Le Transloy

His wife Ellen received this letter after his death: “It is with much regret that I write to tell you of the death of your husband . . . . . He was wounded very much yesterday afternoon in the back and abdomen, and passed away at 2.0 this morning. He was quite conscious to the last, and he wished me to write to tell you that he felt he had done what was his duty, and he sent his love to you and to your children. We prayed together, and I believe that he felt no fear at the prospect of death. May you have the comfort of God’s presence with you at this time of trouble, and the assurance that He will not leave you and yours desolate, and also may the passing of your dear one be but one more link between heaven and yourself. Such is the very real prayer for you of yours very sincerely, Alfred T Morgan, Chaplain to the Forces.” Company Quartermaster Serjeant Banks is buried in the Bethune Town Cemetery at Pas de Calais in France.

Walter, from Folkstone in Kent, was 29 years old and married with children.