Lieutenant Walter Edward Worsdale Cottle killed On This Day 31 July 1917
Walter was the eldest child of an insurance broker, also named Walter Cottle, and his wife Agnes. Spent time working with his father at Lloyd’s of London. Lived "Bernina", Leigham Court Road
When war was declared he tried to sign up for military service straight away, but was at first refused on medical grounds, as a result taking up a position with the Royal Automobile Club, driving his own car in service of Lord Salisbury’s Division, Chelmsford.
Walter however regularly re-attempted to enter the Army and, in January 1916, was finally given medical clearance to do so, joining the Artists Rifles. He was held in high regard, and less than a month later was sent across to the Grenadier Guards, who had asked the Artists Rifles for two promising young men to be transferred in order to take up commissions.
He spent some time at Grantham, training as a Machine Gunner, before going across to France in the autumn of 1916, being promoted to Lieutenant at around the same time.
He was killed in action at Pilckem Ridge, near Ypres, on July 31st the following year, whilst manning a machine gun on the Guards’ right flank.
(Dulwich College)
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