Walter Burridge

Story:
Walter Burridge, was born in Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 26 Dec 1885 and baptised at St. Rumbold's Church, Cann, on 31 Jan 1886 the son of Charles Burridge, a Blacksmith and Farrier, and Agnes Burridge (nee Flower).  He lived all his early life in Hawkesdene Hill, Cann, Shaftesbury, until he enlisted in the Royal Navy on the 9th Mar 1908 becoming a Sick Berth Attendant (Service No. M.223).  He served in various ships during his service eventually being promoted to Chief Petty Officer.  At the end of the war period he was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star.  He married Ethel Lily Hacker in Shaftesbury, Dorset, in 1926.    Walter had remained in the Navy and was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.  He was eventually discharged on 23 Sep 1938 and by the time of the 1939 Register was living at 578 Portswood Road, Southampton, Hampshire, described as a Pensioner CPO Sick Berth Attendant.   By the 1921 Census he was registered living at his parents home in Hawkesdene Hill, Cann, though still in the Royal Navy. The 1939 Register gives he address as 578 Portiswood Road, Southampton, Hampshire, described as a RN Pensioner (CPO) but as World War 2 loomed he quickly re-enlisted on 29 Aug 1939 and was basically based at the Haslar Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Hampshire. He was eventually discharged from this period of service on 13 Aug 1945.  His death was recorded at the Southampton General Hospital on 19 Aug 1964.  His brothers, George Burridge and Maurice Burridge, also served in the 1914/18 conflict as did their cousin, Percy Albert Burridge, who was registered at the Hawksdene Hill, Cann, address in the Absent Voters List for 1918 through to 1921.