Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Arthur Walters was born in the 2nd quarter of 1897 in Byfleet, Surrey, the only son of gardener Levi and Mary Jane nee Crane.
Arthur’s mother Mary Jane Crane was born in the first quarter of 1864 in Wantage, Berkshire. Mary’s surname is stated to be Calladine. At the time of the 1871 census, Mary Jane was a scholar at Wyndham Street and Hayston Place, St Andrews in Plymouth, Devon: an institution run by Sister Superior Frances of the Sisters of Mercy. At the time of the 1881 census, Mary Jane was a kitchen maid of Captain Gurney Hanbury at Holmwood Lodge, Sunninghill, Windsor, Berkshire. Mary Jane married Levi in the 3rd quarter of 1894 in Abingdon, Berkshire. Arthur’s father Levi was born in the 4th quarter of 1859 in Frilford, Berkshire to agricultural labourer Henry Walters, born about 1814 in Frilford and Elizabeth Walters, born about 1815 in Steventon, Berkshire. At the time of the 1891 Census, Levi was working as a farmer’s carter and lived with his widowed mother and a sister at Village Street, Frilford.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 2 Westcott Street, Clarendon Terrace, Westcott, Surrey. Levi was working as a gardener and Mary Jane was looking after Arthur. The house was also occupied by a tenant, district nurse, Louisa M. Taylor.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at 1 Shermanbury Cottages, Harrow Road, Dorking. The household was occupied by gardener Levi, Mary Jane and Arthur. The accommodation had five rooms.
Arthur’s mother Mary Jane died in 1912 and was buried on 10th December 1912 at St Martin’s in Dorking. At the time of her death she lived in Tower Hill, Dorking.
Arthur attested on 7th December 1915 into the Queen’s Regiment. He was a Private with regimental number 3253. At the time of his attestation he was working as a gardener and lived at 1 Shermanbury Cottages, Harrow Road, Dorking. He was 18 years old.
On 8th December 1915 he was made a reservist and mobilised on 9th October 1916. On the same date he was posted to the 2nd / 6th (Cyclist) Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. His new regimental number was 266139 and he was still a Private. He served at home.
Arthur Walters died suddenly of pneumonia on 21st September 1918 at The Manor War Hospital in Epsom. Between 12th August 1916 to 1st April 1919; the Manor was used to treat military casualties.
WALTERS – In Loving Memory of Pte. Arthur Walters, Cyclist Batt., Norfolk Regiment., who passed away suddenly at Epsom Hospital Sept. 21st, age 21, only child of S. Walters Harrow Road East, Dorking
Arthur Walters Death Notice 5th October 1918 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Arthur was buried at the Dorking Cemetery on 25th September 1918. His grave reference number is 19.99.69. His gravestone bears the inscription ‘Peace Perfect Peace’.
Arthur’s father Levi received £8 and 7d on 29th January 1919 and a further £6 on 17th December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects. Levi remarried widow Alice Louisa Sawyers on 18th October 1919 at St Paul’s in Dorking. The couple lived at 1 Shermanbury Cottages. At the time of his marriage Levi was working as a gardener. Levi Walters died in 1935 and was buried on 14th September 1935 at St Martin’s in Dorking. At the time of his death he lived at 2 The Almhouses in Dorking.
Photograph courtesy of Lois Leyland
| Born | Byfleet, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Levi and Mary Ann Walters of 1, Shermanbury Cottages, Harrow Road East, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 2nd/6th Battalion. Norfolk Regiment | |
| Number | 266139 | |
| Date of Death | 22nd September 1918 | |
| Place of Death | Epsom, Surrey | |
| Cause of Death | Died of Pneumonia | |
| Age | 21 | |
| Cemetery | Dorking Cemetery |
