Walter Emmott 1883-1916 age 32

Barnsley Chronicle 18th March 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born:1883 in Ford Hill, Ambler Thorn, Queensbury near Halifax Q1 

Son of: David Emmott (1854-1941, died age 87), and Hannah Emmott (1861-1933, died age 72). David was a stone quarry worker born in Rawden, near Leeds and Hannah was born in Halifax. Walter was their only child.

At the age of 18 years, Walter was an apprentice stone scrappler with his father in Ambler Thorn near Halifax. Ten years later he was a steam loco crane driver near Halifax, and in 1913 he listed his occupation as being Engineer on his marriage certificate. 

Husband of: Beatrice Emmott, nee Wyatt, born in Barnsley in 1890. The couple were married at St Edward's Church, Barnsley on 12th May 1913, both listing 34 Longcar Street as their address. Walter and Beatrice had one child, Lily, born in 1914 Q3.
After Walters' death, Beatrice married Henry Dryden at St Peter's Church in Barnsley on 27th April 1918. 

Military Service: At the time of his death Walter was a Private in the 1st battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own) Service number 6223. He enlisted in Preston on 19th September 1914. 

Death: 3rd March 1916 in Belgium. Walter died from a bullet wound.  
Buried: Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery in Belgium in grave G.1.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Note 1: Articles about Walter appear in the Barnsley Independent and the Barnsley Chronicle. The Barnsley Independent on 18th March 1916 reported: 

The Toll of War

Longcar Soldiers Fall in Action

One a Reservist and Served in the Boer War

Pathetic Details

To the list of Barnsley heroes who have fallen on the field of battle have to be added the names of Private Walter Emmott of 34 Longcar street, Barnsley and Private Vernon Sanderson, whose parents reside at 119 Racecommon Road, Barnsley. The former fell 
in action on the 3rd inst. and the latter the following day.  

Private Emmott who was 32 years of age, married and one child, belonged to the 1st West Yorkshires. Prior to answering the call of his King and country, he worked on the pit top at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, Platts Common. He was a Reservist, and served through the Boer war. Rejoining his regiment on the outbreak of the present war, Private Emmott has seen stern service at the Front, having taken part in most of the important engagements. He was amongst the early batches of troops sent to the Front and it was only about five months ago that he was granted a pass and came home on a short furlough. On that occasion Emmott had a most enthusiastic welcome home, and he was carried shoulder high by his friends. He died in action from a bullet wound. The deceased soldier was a son-in-law of Mr John Wyatt of 34 Longcar Street. 

Note 2: The Barnsley Chronicle on 18th March 1916 states that his home was at 42 Longcar Street where his wife and children reside. This is at odds with the Barnsley Independent article. Walter worked as an engine-man at the Platts Common Colliery and he was a member of the Fireman's Union and was also an enthusiastic member of the Rechabites Order. 

Note 3: The Rechabites Order was a Friendly Society that practiced abstinence from alcoholic beverages.

Note 4: The CWGC gives his age as 34, but family death notices state he was 32 years.   

Research by KingstoneHistory