Gerald Walter's Story.
Birkenhead News 29 September 1917ONLY SON FALLS.
Mr. and Mrs. James Roche, whose home is at 97, St. Anne Street, have received the sad news of the death from wounds of their only son Pte Gerald Walter Roche. Pte. Roche was struck by a shell and very badly wounded in the leg. His officer writing to Mrs. Roche says that when the young soldier was carried away he was fully expected to live; but, however, he died four hours later at a casualty clearing station. Pte. Roche joined the Liverpool Pals as a drummer boy when he was only 16 years of age, and he had only been in France five weeks before receiving the fatal wounds. He was educated at Our Lady’s School, Price Street, and before joining the Army was employed at the grain warehouses at Seacombe. The deceased soldier has three uncles serving with the forces. Much sympathy will be extended to the bereaved parents.