Walter Oliver MM

Private

Leicestershire Regiment 31094 10th Battalion
York and Lancaster Regiment 31804 6th Battalion; 15 platoon; D Coy

Photo Lea Mills postcard

Walter Oliver in WW1

Notes
Walter joined the forces on 5 June 1916 aged twenty-three; he lived at Holme Road, Matlock Bath.
In Charles Beresford's book "The Bath at War" he recorded that Walter's twin, Fred, also served and lost a leg during the conflict.
[The Bath at War: Country Books/Asridge Press ISBN 987 1 901214 918: © 2007 ]

Charles Beresford "The Bath at War"
Hazel Greatorex

Walter Oliver Fred Oliver in WW1

Walter (left) with his twin Fred

Medal Card Index
He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. Military Medal

Army Service Record
He attested 15/11/15 at Matlock aged 19 years 7 mo, an unmarried machine hosiery worker of 5 Holme Road, Matlock Bath. Born 1896; height 5ft 7½, weighing 142lb. The next of kin was his father Joseph Oliver of Holme Road, Matlock Bath. Awarded the Military Medal (Supplement to London Gazette 23/07/19). Served in France
15/11/15 to 04/06/16 To Reseve
05/06/16 to 21/09/16 Home
03/07/16 to 12/07/16 Hospital
21/09/16 Embarked Folkestone
22/09/16 to 27/09/18 France
14/10/16 Transferred to 6th Bn York & Lanc Regt
02/03/18 Hospital
28/09/18 to 12/10/18 Leave to UK
24/04/19 to 08/05/19 Leave to UK
09/05/19 to 13/06/19 France
10/06/19 Dispersed (L.S.M.)
14/06/19 to 17/07/17 Home
15/09/19 Acknowledged receipt of his Military Medal for bravery in the field serving with 6th Btn York & Lancaster Regiment

Citation
No. 31804 Pte. Oliver W.
East of Bohain on 8.11.18, this Batallion Runner succeeded in carrying messages under close and intense machine-gun fire showing an absolute disregard of all personal danger

Newspaper Reports

Belper News 1 August 1919
MILITARY MEDALISTS
York and Lancaster Regiment
31804 W Oliver 6th Bn

Letters to JB Marsden-Smedley

5 Holme Road , Matlock Bath
Nov 7th 1916
Dear Sir
I thought I would send you Walter’s fresh address, that he as sent us last week.
31804  Pte Walter Oliver, J Coy, 15th Platoon, 6th Yorks & Lancs, BEF, France
Thanking you for his money.
I remain, Yours truly
Joseph Oliver

[Pre-Printed Postcard]
Pte W Oliver
29/12/16
I am quite well.
Letter follows at first opportunity.

31804 Pte Walter Oliver
D Coy 15 Platoon, 6th Batt. Y & L’s, B.E.F., France
Sirs,
I now have the pleasure of writing & thanking you for the parcels which arrived safe to me.  I am sure that the contents could not have been better for a soldier serving with the B. E. F., the Vests are of great value to me @ the present time in the trenches.  I must say that I am quite well, & hoping to have a safe return.  Thanking you again for your kindness.
I Remain
Yours Faithfully
Pte Walter Oliver

Headquarters, Y & L, B.E.F. France
Dear Sir,
I received parcel forwarded by you & and your brother, dated Dec 12th. I can only express my thanks, & appreciation of the kindly thoughts that prompted the gift.
Wishing you the compliments of the Season.
I Remain
Yours Sincerely
31804 Pte. Walter Oliver

CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Holme Road Matlock Bath

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Joseph Oliver Head 41 Journeyman plasterer Matlock Bath
Elizabeth Hannah Oliver wife 39   Disley
Joseph Oliver son 16 Clerk Matlock Bath
Ellen Oliver daughter 14   Matlock Bath
Herbert Oliver son 12   Matlock Bath
William Oliver son 8   Matlock Bath
Walter Oliver son 4   Matlock Bath
Frederick Oliver son 4   Matlock Bath
Albert Taylor boarder 23 Grocers assistant Osmanston

RG13 piece 3267 folio 95 page 1

1911: Holme Road Matlock Bath

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Joseph Oliver Head 52 Plasterer Matlock Bath
Elizabeth Hannah Oliver wife 50 Lodging house keeper Disley
William Oliver son 19 Poultry dealer Matlock Bath
Walter Oliver son 15 Newspaper seller Matlock Bath
Fred Oliver son 15 Cotton Mill machinist Matlock Bath

RG14PN21213 RG78PN1262 RD439 SD2 ED15 SN113