Walter's Story.
Walter was born in 1898 to Henry and Martha Astbury. In 1911 he was living at 12 Bentick Street Runcorn with his siblings, Henry Frederick (23), Charles Ernest (21), Margaret (18), Alfred (12), Lucy (9), Martha (7) and Edward (2). Also living in the house was Ernest Piggott a worker at the Salt Union who joined the 9th Cheshire's and was killed in 1918.
His father was a dock weighman
Friday 13 October 1916 Runcorn weekly news
COMMANDING OFFICER'S PRAISE. News has been received of the death, on active service, of Private Walter Astbury, aged 19, of 15 Taylor's row, Halton road, Runcorn. He joined the forces a year lust Whitsuntide, and was drafted out on his 18th birthday in October of last year. Prior to the war he was employed at Highfield Tannery, and was associated with Brunswick Sunday School. His commanding officer writes to his father: " It is with the deepest regret that I find it my duty to inform you of the death of your son. Private W. Astbury, who was killed in action last night about midnight. We suffered heavily in proportion, and I am very sorry to lose such a good man, for he performed whatever work was given him quietly and efficiently. He was on very happy terms with his comrades. I am thankful to say he did not suffer much. He died five minutes after being hit in the breast. Please accept my utmost sympathy in your bereavement. Your son died doing his duty." Two of the deceased comrades write; " We all send our deepest sympathy to you in your hour of need, and hope you will try to bare up for his sake. He was one of the best of comrades, and will be deeply mourned by all in the battalion. He was buried by the boys of the battalion. He was the best mate we had."
Walters two brothers, Henry and Charles also joined up.
Henry joined the Cheshire's as Reg No 14960, 10th Bttn and died on 20th May 1916 at Loos.
Charles survived the war.
Compiled by Graeme Ainsworth