Herbert Walter Sawyer was killed in action on this day in 1917
Herbert Walter Sawyer was born on 9 January 1896 in Peckham.
The issue of Herbert’s father is a little confusing. The Army records (CWGC, his Service Records and De Ruvigny) all refer to Herbert’s father as being “the late Alfred James Sawyer”. But, in some documents, he is referred to as the son of a Walter Sawyer.
In 1886, Herbert’s mother, Ada Alice Bayliss, married Alfred James Sawyer, a South African commercial traveller, and, in 1891, they were living at 122 Albert Road, Peckham with their 2 year old son, Edward E.J. Sawyer.
In 1901, Ada was living at 78 Barmeston Road, Lewisham. In the 1901 Electoral Roll, this address was registered to Alfred James Sawyer. However, in the 1901 Census, Alfred isn’t there.
Ada is head of the house, living with her 4 children, Ernest (12), Dorothy (7), Herbert (5) and Victor (2). Also living with them is her sister-in-law, Ada Beatrice Sawyer (a spinster). Is Ernest the same boy as “Edward E.J.” in 1891? Probably.
Ada Beatrice Sawyer had a brother, Walter Sawyer, a house painter. In the 1911 Census, Walter and Ada Alice are recorded as man and wife, living at 30 Glenwood Rd, Catford, with their “sons and daughter” – Ernest (22), Dorothy (17), Herbert (15), Victor (13) and Leslie (7). Walter’s sister, Ada Beatrice Sawyer, is still living with them.
The probability is that Alfred and Ada had 4 children together. Alfred died and Walter, a relative, maybe a brother or cousin, married Ada and, together, they had a further son.
Herbert was educated at Rathfern Road in Catford
On 1 October 1916, he joined the Army Service Corps. His Service Records say that he was a Clerk, working for A.G. Scott & Co, Grove St, Deptford - manufacturers of plain and decorated tin boxes.
At the medical when he enlisted, he was just over 6 feet tall. He put his mother down as next of kin, and confirmed that his father was dead.
On 1 February 1917, he transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and, on 14 April 1917, he embarked at Folkestone. On 12 May 1917, he joined 213 Company, Machine Gun Corps.
On 28 October 1917, Herbert was appointed unpaid Lance Corporal.
On 26 November 1917, he was killed in action while advancing in the Cambrai push.. The company had advanced from Bertincourt to Hermies then stopped at Graincourt. The War Diary records:
"At stand to, Company HQ shelled, 1 gun put out of action, 1 man killed, 2 cases shell shock"
He was buried in Bourlon Wood and is, today, commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.
His Commanding Officer wrote:
"By his cheerfulness and willingness to do any work that came his way, he endeared himself to all, officers, comrades and men. He died a gallant and cheerful death. I considered him the best promising N.C.O. in the section and I may add, had your son lived, I should have recommended him for distinction."
He was a keen athlete, and a member of the Sports Club belonging to A.G. Scott & Co.
87026 Lance Corporal Herbert Walter Sawyer, 213 Company, Machine Gun Corps