THE SHORT life of Harlow resident Walter Wheeler, as read out by Potter Street resident, Pat Stallard.

This project has been supported by Harlow Council Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never Forget.

Walter’s parents were Henry, born in Harlow in 1861 and Elizabeth Ingram, born in High Wych in 1862.

They married in 1873 and Walter Wheeler was born in Harlow in the summer of 1894.

The 1901 census shows Walter living in Potter Street with his parents and siblings William, Nellie, Alfred and Elizabeth. Henry was working as an agricultural hay binder.

The 1911 census shows Walter living in Potter Street with his parents and siblings. Walter, then aged 15, was working as an errand boy while his father was still working as a hay binder.

Private Walter Wheeler, 24060, enlisted in Epping ,serving with The 9th Battalion of The Essex Regiment. Walter was killed in action on 3 July 1916 aged 29, on the third day of the Battle of the Somme and is commemorated on The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, France. Pier 10, face D. Register Index Number MR21.