Walter's Story.
EARLY LIFE
Walter Millett was born in Saddleworth, Yorkshire in 1872, the son of Ann (nee Hoey) and Joseph Millett, a pointsman of Macclesfield. By 1875 the family had returned to Macclesfield, where Joseph died that year.
In 1881 nine-year-old Walter was living at 11 Lowe St, Macclesfield with his widowed mother and siblings Albert (14), Frederick (12) and Amelia (6). By 1891 the family had moved to 12 West Street and Walter was employed as a silk dyer.
Walter married Ellen Ann Fox at St George's Street Baptist Chapel, Macclesfield, on 3 April 1899, and in 1901 the couple were living at 76 Paradise St, Macclesfield; Walter was then working as a postal letter carrier. By 1911 the couple had moved to 16 Barton Street, Macclesfield and had three children: Frederick (9), Dennis (7) and Norah (2). Walter was again working as a silk dyer.
WW1 SERVICE
Walter either volunteered or was conscripted into the Army on 11 July 1918, joining the Army Service Corps.
Driver Millett was demobilised at Abbeville, France on 10 May 1919, was back in England by 15 May, and returned home to Macclesfield. However, he fell ill with pneumonia and was attended by Dr Marsh on 21 May, admitted to Macclesfield Infirmary on 31 May and died of 'acute pneumonia and cardiac disease' the next day, 1 June 1919.
The interment of Driver Millett was reported in the Macclesfield Times on 13 June 1919:
INTERMENTS AT THE CEMETERY: MILLETT – June 7th, at the General Infirmary, Walter Millett, aged 47 years.
COMMEMORATION
Driver Walter Millett is buried in Grave Ref. P. 13363. in Macclesfield Cemetery; the grave is marked by a family memorial.
In Macclesfield, Driver Walter Millett is commemorated on the the Park Green, Town Hall, St Michael’s Church and St George's Street Baptist Church war memorials, and on St John's Church roll of honour.
SOURCES
GRO (England & Wales) Index: Births, Deaths
Census (England & Wales): 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911
WW1 British Army Service Records 1914-1920
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Lives of the First World War website
Macclesfield Times: 13 June 1919
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.