MUMFORD Walter Lambert

Walter Mumford was born in Paxford in 1891, his father John was an agricultural labourer.  He was the first son and fourth child of eight surviving children.  The family had moved to Blockley within a couple of years and were resident there in 1901.  He has not yet been found in 1911; later records indicate that he was a Territorial with the 5th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment for three years around this time.

Walter had four younger brothers.  Two (Wilfred Cyril and Joseph Charles) joined the Royal Navy as boy sailors.  Joseph served throughout the war, Wilfred was invalided out in December 1914 and could be the driver of that name who later served in the Royal Engineers. Percy John may be the soldier of that name who served with the Worcestershire and Warwickshire Regiments, Ernest Daniel was born in 1901 and was thus probably too young to serve.  They all eventually died in the UK.

In 1914 a Walter L. Mumford sailed for Australia with a large number of young farmers, intending permanent residence in Victoria.  In July the following year he was living at Bendigo, near Melbourne, working as a farm labourer and still a British subject, when he enlisted in the Australian army as part of the Imperial Force raised to fight in World War 1.  He was part of the 12th Reinforcements of the 5th Infantry Battalion.  The 5th Battalion had been part of the Australian Force in Gallipoli but when Walter was taken on strength in February 1916 it had withdrawn to Egypt, guarding the Suez Canal.  The Battalion deployed to France in March 1916 and took part in the battle of Pozieres in the Somme campaign. Walter lost his life in action there in July.  He was reported as missing for some time before his body was located.

There is correspondence between his parents in Blockley and the Australian authorities during the period Walter was a missing person. They were registered as his next-of-kin as he was still unmarried and they received a pension for a limited period.  Letters from Walter’s parents to the authorities include the following:
a. from mother Jane Mumford in Blockley to the Red Cross at Carlton House Terrace, London, on 22 October 1916 and 12 February 1917, asking for news of her son Walter Lambert Mumford, reported missing since Pozieres battle, 25 July 1916.  Described as of the Machine Gun Section, 5th Battalion, 2 Infantry Brigade, 1st Australian Division, France.
b. Covering letters with parcels containing personal effects of the missing Pte Mumford, sent to parents at Blockley. Postcard from father to the AIF Kit Store, 110 Greyhound Road, Fulham, London.  “I would welcome news of my son rather than effects”.

There is also correspondence between authorities in Australia and a Miss Ellen McCrath East Shelbourne, via Bendigo, Victoria, Walter’s home town, in circumstances which suggests a close association:
a. Letter from Miss McCrath dated 12/9/16 asking for details of the M [sic] Mumford of England reported missing “as I am interested in a soldier of that name”.  Reply confirmed that the missing soldier is 3918 Walter Mumford, 5th Battalion, enlisted Bendigo 2/8/16, stated age 24, farm labourer.
b. A note dated 5/3/18 signed by OIC Base Records states that a certificate of the report of the death was sent to Miss McCrath in accordance with her request.
c. A note dated 22/5/18 signed by OC Base Records states that the letter received from Miss Ellen McCrath regarding the pay of the late Pte Mumford has been referred to DPM 3rd MD.

From Australian military sources:
Attested on 16/7/1915, service number 3918, born Blockley, Worcester, age 24years 4months, occupation: farm labourer, British subject, unmarried, next-of-kin: father, J. Mumford, Mount Pleasant, Blockley, Worcester, England, previous military experience 3 years with the 5th Battalion Gloucester Territorials, time expired, signed oath on 2/8/1915 at Bendigo, Victoria, appointed to 12/5th Rifles 29/10/15 at Broadmeadows [suburb of Melbourne].

Medical examination at Broadmeadows, 20/10/15, height: 5ft 6¾ inches, weight: 10st 2lb, chest: 35-38in, dark complexion, brown eyes, brown hair, Church of England, fit for service with 12/5th Rifles

16 July 1915 – 10 October: depot,
10 October joined 12/5th rifles
22nd February 1916 taken on strength from reinforcements at Serapaum (Egypt)
22nd March embarked Alexandria to join British Expeditionary Force 30 March, disembarked Marseilles
25th July missing Killed in Action
23rd November 1916 court of enquiry held

Report on death:
Walter Mumford, 5th Battalion Infantry, Private, 3918, died 25/7/16, France, killed in action, determined by Court of Enquiry 26/11/17.  No will received.  [signed, signature unreadable] 3rd Echelon GHQ British Expeditionary Force, 4/1/18

Memo:
unknown date in November 1917, from Director of Graves states Mumford buried 4 and a quarter miles NE of Albert, France

Documents (undated) relating to payments as result of claims from father and mother. 20 shillings p.f. [?per fortnight?] payable to both father and mother from 3/11/16 to 1/8/17, then again from 25/10/17 “on dependence”. A document dated 6/11/17 states that father now has adequate means of support and would be paid up to 7/11/17.