BAKEWELL, Walter

Walter Bakewell was the son of William and Clara Bakewell of 49 Grove Street, Kates Hill, Dudley. He enlisted in the Warwicks and joined the 16th (Service) Battalion (3rd Birmingham Pals), who fought on the Somme in 1916. In 1917 they fought at Vimy Ridge and in the Third Battle of Ypres and in November they were sent to Italy to support the Italian armies. The Warwicks returned from Italy just in time to meet the second German Spring offensive which opened on the Lys on the 9th April. They helped to save the key town of Hazebrouck and eventually the German forces were halted. In August the attacks which turned into the great Advance to Victory started and the Warwicks were in the leading Division for the first attack on the 21st. It was a struggle to take Achiet-le-Petit but the German defences were well organized. The Warwicks, nevertheless, attained their objectives on the 23rd, but at some cost. Among those killed was Private Walter Bakewell. He was 23 years of age and is buried in Adanac (Canada) Military Cemetery (IV B 34) near Miraumont and is commemorated on the Dudley and St. John's, Kates Hill, Memorials. He is also commemorated on his parents' grave in Kates Hill cemetery, together with his brother, Charles.