Walter Elwis

Walter was born in 1887 in Old Basford and was the son of John, a gardener, and Elizabeth Elwis née Ford. His father John was born in 1855 in Upton, Lincolnshire, and his mother Elizabeth Ford was born in 1858 in Knaith, Lincolnshire. They were married in 1877 in Gainsborough and went on to have 12 children, sadly two were to die in infancy or early childhood prior to 1911. Their surviving children were all born in Old Basford and were: Frances Mary b1878, Thomas Henry b1878, John Ford b1885, Walter b1887, Mirian b1890, Edith Annie b1891, Cyril b1894, Richard b1897, Doris b1899 and Kathleen b1905. In the 1911 census the family are living at 28 Wilton Terrace, Wallis Street, Old Basford, and are shown as John 56 yrs a gardener (head of the family) who is living with his wife Elizabeth 53 yrs and their children Walter 23 yrs a platelayer, Marian 21 yrs a laundress, Cyril a bottler in a brewery, Richard 14 yrs a wheelright's apprentice, Doris 11 yrs a scholar and Kathleen 5 yrs a scholar. The family home was later at 811 Hucknall Road, Old Basford, Nottingham (CWGC). His father John died on 3 September 1938 aged 83 years and his mother Elizabeth on 14 April 1947 aged 86 years.

Walter Elwis enlisted in Nottingham and served with the 11th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment). He landed in France on 27th August 1915 and died of wounds the following year on 18th April 1916. He is buried in Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery (grave ref. B.5).

Three of his brothers also served during the Great War. Cyril served as Private 27516 in the 17th battalion Sherwood Foresters, Richard (Dick) in the Royal Garrison Artillery and Thomas Henry as a sapper in the Royal Engineers. All three survived the war. Personal inscription on CWGC headstone: 'He gave his dear life for those he loved. At rest' Nottingham Evening Post notice (abridged), 3 May 1916: 'Elwis. Died of wounds April 18th, Corporal (sic) W Elwis, son of John and Elizabeth Elwis, (-) Hucknall Road, Old Basford.' In memoriam published 18th April 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “ELWIS. – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Corporal Walter Elwis, who died of wounds April 18th, 1916. Dear one we mourn for you in silence, and how oft your name we call; but all that is left to answer, is your photo on the wall. For his country's sake. – From mother, dad, sisters, and brothers Cyril and Dick (in France).” In memoriam notices published in the Nottingham Evening Post dated 18th April 1918: - “ELWIS. – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Corpl. (Wally) Walter Elwis, who died of wounds received in action April 18th, 1916, in France. Though two sad years have passed love, thy dear face ne'er can fade, loving thoughts shall ever wander round the place where thou art laid. – From his loving mother, father, sisters, and three brothers out with the B.E.F. “ELWIS. – In loving memory of Corpl. W. Elwis, who fell in action April 18th, 1916. He gave his all. – Frances and George.” Above in memoriam courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918. Inscription on family headstone, Basford Cemetery: 'In loving memory of Walter the beloved son of John and Elizabeth Elwis killed in France April 18th 1916, aged 28 years. At Rest. Also the above John Elwis who died Sept. 3rd 1938, aged 83 years. And of Elizabeth Elwis who died April 14th 19(--) aged 86 years. Reunited.'