Walter Geoffrey Hill

Story:
Walter Geoffrey Hill was born in January, 1896 in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, and baptised at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Bishops Knoyle (West Knoyle), Wiltshire. He was the son of John Henry Hill, a Gardener, and Elizabeth Ann Hill (née Bryant). His siblings included Percival Henry, born in 1894, who also died in the war. About 1903 the family moved to Pains Hill, Donhead St. Andrew, Wiltshire when Walter registered at the Donhead St. Andrew C of E School. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as an Under Gardener and living in the family home at 78 Parkstone Avenue, Parkstone, Dorset. He enlisted in Salisbury as a Private in the 3rd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards (Service No. 10920). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory, British War and 1915 Star medals. He died on 15th September 1916 and his name appears on the Theipval Memorial (Pier & Face 7 D & 8 D). He is remembered on the Donhead St. Andrew War Memorial.