Walter William Reeves

Story:
Walter William Reeves was born in Blandford, Dorset, on 30 Jul 1858 and baptised at Bourton, Dorset, on 10th October 1858, the son of William Reeves and Hannah Reeves (nee Suter).  He married Emily Jane Bennett at Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 7th January 1885 and they went on to have thirteen children.   From 24 Jul 1877 Walter had served in the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 490) serving some of his time in the East Indies but had been released on 17 Feb 1889 with the rank of Corporal.  He rejoined the Reserve Service Battalion on 19 Feb 1893 and remained until discharged on 10 Jul 1901 with the rank of Sergeant.  He re-enlisted on 17th August 1916 at the age of 57 years and joined the 168th Protection Company of the Royal Defence Corps as a Private (Service No. 33820).   During his service he also served with the 163, 159, 157 and 165 Companies mainly as a Prisoner of War Camp Guard.  He was discharged on 6th March 1919 being no longer physically fit to serve.  There are no obvious medal records but he was awarded the Silver War Badge No. B228737.  By the time of the 1921 census he was living in 40 Church Street, Fontmell Magna, working as a Gardener on the Glyn Estate. He was still residing at 40 West Street, Fontmell Magna, but died on 27 Jul 1937 in the Red Lion Hotel, Blandford, Dorset. and was buried at Fontmell Magna on 30th July 1937.  Of his sons, Cecil John Reeves, died in service whilst Leo Bennett Reeves and Maurice Vernon Reeves served and survived the conflict.