Walter James Sims – Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion

Private Walter James Sims – Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, 2^nd Battalion

Early Life

Walter James Sims was born in 1913 in Bristol, the only son of Alfred Frederick Sims and Mary Ann Newman, both of whom had been widowed before marrying in 1912.

1921 Census

According to the 1921 Census, the Sims family were living at 10 Philips Street, Bristol. Alfred, aged 49, was employed as a carter ash, while Mary, aged 50, undertook the household duties. Their children were Ada Matilda, 15 (not yet started work); Kate Maria, 14; Thomas Henry, 12; and Walter James, 7, with both boys attending school. Also present were Mary’s children from her previous marriage: Doris Lillian Farrington, 23, a tobacco stripper; Kathleen Gladys Farrington, 17, a paint packer; Mary Ellen Farrington, 15, a tobacco stripper; and Alice May Farrington, 12, who attended school.

Marriage and 1939 Register

In July 1939, Walter married Clara Grace Coles in Bristol.

1939 Register 

By the 1939 Register, Walter was recorded as still residing at 10 Phillips Street, Bristol, with his parents. Alfred was a retired horse driver, Mary carried out domestic duties, and Walter worked as a gravitating labourer (Government).

Clara Coles – Swansea Connection

Clara was not listed with Walter in Bristol in 1939. Born in 1908, she was the daughter of Thomas H. Cole and Elizabeth Gammon, who married in 1905.

1921 Census

In the 1921 Census, the Coles family were living at Mill House, Black Pill, Swansea. Thomas, aged 39 and originally from Devon, worked as a farm horseman for Admiral Heanage, while Elizabeth, aged 38, undertook the household duties. Their children were Clara, 13; Samuel Alfred G., 11; Richard, 9; Arthur, 7; Sidney, 6; Annie, 5—all attending school—along with Florence, 4, and Mary, aged 7 months.

1939 Register 

By 1939, Clara—now married—was living separately at 102 Mumbles Road, undertaking domestic duties, while the rest of her family continued to reside in the same house.

Military Service

Walter served as a Private with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion, during the Second World War.

In March 1943, the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry landed in North Africa to join the final phase of the Tunisian campaign. By late April, the battalion was engaged in critical fighting as part of the Allied advance towards Tunis, operating in the Medjez Plain between 23 and 30 April under V Corps. The battalion faced difficult terrain, minefields and fierce enemy resistance as they fought through high ground and weather-affected conditions in support of the major Allied push towards the capital. This intense fighting contributed directly to the breakthrough that led to the fall of Tunis and the collapse of Axis resistance in North Africa. It was during these operations that Private Walter James Sims lost his life on 30^th April 1943.

Resting Place

Private Walter James Sims is buried at Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia.