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 was also killed in action during the war. About 1903 the family moved to Pains Hill, Donhead St. Andrew, Wiltshire when Walter was 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 from 22 Dec 1914 and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He was killed in action at the Somme on 15th September 1916 and his name appears on the Theipval Memorial, Somme, France, (Pier & Face 7 D & 8 D). He is also remembered on the Donhead St. Andrew War Memorial. His mother was in receipt of a dependent's pension covering both of her sons.