The 1901 census lists two men by the name of William Walder who have Chailey connections.  The first is the William Walder born around 1893 who was the son of Lewis and Emily Walder (latterly of Lane End Farm, Chailey) and brother of Lewis Walder (junior) who also served during the First World War.

 

The second possibility is the William Walder born in 1882 who appears for the first time on the 1891 census.  He is recorded as an eight year old,  living at South Street, Chailey with his parents George Walder, (a 46 year old bricklayer from Fletching), Harriet Walder (nee Heasman, aged 48, born in Chailey) and his brothers and sisters:  George Walder (a 22 year old labourer), Ellen Walder (a twelve year old scholar) and John Walder (aged six). There was also another sister – Anne Walder – born in 1872.

 

I tend to think that the William Walder mentioned in Chailey Parish Magazine is the William Walder born in 1882.  A photograph of him taken in Singapore shows him as a lance-corporal, standing against a table upon which rests his cap complete with Royal Artillery badge. The chevrons on his left forearm are good conduct badges, the first awarded for two years' good conduct and the second for three years' good conduct.  It is therfeore safe to assume that by the time this photo had been taken, William had already served at least five years in the army. 

 

As early as July 1915, Chailey Parish Magazine notes that Wiliam Walder is serving his King and Country and in October 1915 notes that he is a sergeant with the Royal Garrison Artillery.  In February 1917 it notes that he is a brigade [sic] quarter master sergeant and this information is then repeated up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919.  I think it more likely that a man who had pre-war experience with the Royal Artillery could be promoted to quarter master sergeant and there is clear evidence that this William Walder was a pre-war NCO.

 

The National Archives in London notes William Walder’s rank as battery (rather than brigade) quarter master sergeant and his number as 17855.

 

 

Sources & Acknowledgements 

 

• 1901 census of England & Wales
• Chailey Parish Magazine
• The National Archives’ on-line medal information card index
• www.keymer.recording.btinternet.co.uk/tree5/lgeorge1845.htm The photo of William Walder comes from this website and is courtesy of Fay Bates whose husband is a descendant of this particular branch of the Walder/Heasman family