Walter Vernon Stainer

Story:
Walter Vernon Stainer was born in Bradford Abbas, Dorset in 1892 and was baptised there on 16th October, 1892. He was the son of Walter George Stainer, a Foreman Platelayer, and Mary Emma Stainer (nee Pavitt). At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a Domestic Gardener and living at Church Green, Semley, Wiltshire. He enlisted at Grove Park, Greenwich, on 7th December, 1915 but was not mobilized until 23rd August, 1916 as a Private in the Royal Army Service Corps (Service No. M2/203030). He served in many differing Units in both the UK and France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. At the time of his death he had just returned to France from leave and was admitted to the 43rd Field Ambulance on 2nd February, 1919 with influenza. This condition worsened over the next few days and he died on 11th February 1919 and was buried at Tourcoing (Pont-Neuville) Communal Cemetery, Tourcoing, Pas de Calais, France (grave id. L.8). He is remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name was recorded as "Vincent Stainer" on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church.  His older brother, Percy George Stainer, also enlisted but was discharged after 76 days as he was unlikely to make an efficient soldier whereas Theodore Bridge Stainer served and survived.