Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the Bridgnorth area who died during the two World Wars.
Walter Horton was baptized at St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth, on 26th December, 1884. He was the son of Solomon Horton, a general labourer, and his wife, Elizabeth. The family lived on River Side in 1891, moving to Railway Street (1901) and St Mary’s Street (1911). When he left school, Walter worked as a general labourer ‘on his own account’.
Walter appears to have volunteered at the outbreak of war. He served with the 5th Battalion of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, landing in France on the 22nd May, 1915. The battalion was involved in fighting on the Somme and Ypres battlefields until early 1918, when it was disbanded. Walter appears to have been transferred to the 6th Battalion. He was posted missing shortly afterwards, on the 31st March, 1918 during the German Spring Offensive. Walter is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial to the 14,000 who died on the Somme battlefields during 1918 who have no known grave.
Private Horton, 11522, was awarded the Victory and British medals and the 15 Star.
RECENT CASUALTY LIST [Bridgnorth Journal, 9th June, 1917] Wounded – Horton, 11522, W.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg. For news of updates follow @BridgnorthHeros on Twitter.