Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed, ‘Somme T/Lieut. William Maitland Walker 20th Bn. “The Kings” (Liverpool Regiment) Octr. 12th 13th 1916’, in case of issue, extremely fine £500-600

M.C. London Gazette 10 January 1917. ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed great courage and determination in continuously mending wires under heavy fire. Later, he guided two platoons to a difficult position in the front line.’

William Maitland Walker was born in Birkdale, Lancaster on 14 February 1892. As a Student at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge and a member of the Cambridge O.T.C., R.E. Company, he attested for the Royal Fusiliers at Chester on 17 September 1914, aged 22 years, 7 months. His home address was Chorlton Hall, Backford, near Chester. Posted to the 18th Battalion, he remained in England until discharged to a commission in the 20th Battalion Liverpool Regiment in February 1915. Walker entered France on 10 February 1916. Serving at the battle of the Somme, he earned the M.C. at Eaumont L’Abbaye (?) on 12/13 October 1916. He was invalided to England in November 1917 suffering from Trench Fever.

With copied service papers and m.i.c.