| Date of birth: | Early 1893 |
| Place of birth: | Southampton |
| Service No.: | 2572 |
| Rank: | Private |
| Regiment / Division: | Hampshire |
| Battalion: | 2nd (Army Cyclist Corps) |
| Died: | 4th July 1915 aged 22 years |
| Death location: | Egypt |
Life before the War
Walter Charles Downer was born in Southampton in 1893, the son of Walter and Jessie Downer. In 1901 the family were living in Pound Street, Shirley, Southampton. Walter was one of 3 children, his siblings were Ada (aged 3) and William (aged 2). Walter Downer Senior was a Painter and Decorator.
Military Service
At the outbreak of World War One Walter had already served 6 years as a soldier. The 1911 census records Walter (aged 19) registered at Badajos Barracks, Wellington Lines, Aldershot. After war was declared Walter’s unit was drafted from India to the Dardanelles. After taking part in heavy fighting he was then transferred to Egypt and unfortunately was accidentally killed on the 4th July 1915 whilst carrying out his duties. He was awarded the 14/15 Star, General Service & Victory Medals.
Walter is buried in the Alexandria (Chatby) Military War Cemetery (Grave reference M.47). The cemetery, which contains 2259 graves from World War One, was used until April 1916. After that date casualties were interred in the new cemetery at Hadra.
Walter is remembered on the 1920 Roll of Honour. His family address at this time is given at 51 North Road, St Deny’s , Southampton.
| Researcher: | Jan Thorn |
| Published.: | 18th May 2014 |
| Updated: | Insert dates here |
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