Charles Alfred Walter

Rank:

Corporal

Regimental number:

11410

Unit at enlistment:

4th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Berkshire

Birth city:

Winkfield

Address at enlistment:

64 Palace Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

64 Palace Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Armoury Caretaker

Employer:

Brantford Armoury

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

BX February 1, 1916

Brantford Boys in Mad Fourth Keeping Well – Corp. Chas. Walter finds “Rest” at Rear of Trenches is Hard Work – A Good Billet – Weather is Cold But the Loft of a French Farmer’s Barn is Snug – Life in the Front Line Trenches

Lieut.-Col. H.F. Leonard has received an interesting letter from Corp. Charles Walter of the 4th Battalion “Somewhere in France.” He writes:

January 14, 1916
Somewhere in France

Dear Sir,

I have at last made up my mind to send a few lines. It seems to me it is the one duty we are most backward at, for none of us are particularly partial to it. Well, I must inform you that I am fairly well. We are having what they call a three weeks’ rest. I doubt whether you’d call it the same. Physical drill before breakfast, 3 hour’s drill, 9-12 a.m., and route marching after dinner, etc., etc. “Well we’re soldiers.” We have been doing 5 days in and the same out of the trenches. We have been very lucky – little or no casualties, but it is very wet and not particularly warm. We are holding one of the most important positions on the British front, of course, I dare not say where, so we are still keeping up the good reputation of the brigade. No doubt you’ve heard about W. Dawson, your old S.M., being wounded. I was away at the time (to England on furlough) so cannot give you particulars, but there is one thing certain, with the Red Cross system he will have to be very bad if they don’t pull him through.

The old Brantford boys of the 4th have seen so many different sights, from time to time it has rendered us quite callous, for a man has to be wounded pretty bad before we’d speak anything but lightly of it. The rest of the boys are fine. Corp. Cara, Rhodes, Ex-Sgt. Brooks, MacDonald, etc., etc., and all send their obedience to you and the season’s compliments. Thanks very much for the Christmas cards and good wishes. We received them in advance trenches, also one from Mayor Spence. It was quite cheerful. On Christmas Day we had quite a talk with our opponents; but nothing further, they being only 50 yards distance in places.

The country round here is very pretty, but ‘tis cold today. We have good billets though; the loft of a French farmer’s barn, but it is warm and dry. There is no bell or knocker on the door, but we make out all right and now I will close, hoping the day is not far distant when I’ll have the pleasure of seeing you and all at home once more. Permit me to remain yours faithfully,

Chas. Walter

Corp. of the “Mad 4th” Canadians,
France

BX June 14, 1915

Two Local Casualties – Corp. C.A. Walter and Pte. H.B. Davis Reported to Have Been Wounded

The official casualty lists published at Ottawa over the weekend contained the name of Corp. Charles A. Walter, of Brantford, who was reported among the wounded. No particulars were given, and an official telegram, confirming this announcement was received by Mrs. Walter at 64 Palace Street.

Corporal Walters resided at the time of his enlistment at 33 Palace Street, and by trade is an engineer. He has had five years service with the South African Mounted Police prior to his coming to Brantford.

BX March 7, 1917

Returning Home

In all probability Corporal C.A. Walter, No. 11410, of 64 Palace Street, will leave Toronto for Brantford on Thursday next, March 8 by the 6 o'clock Grand Trunk train.