Walter Leonard Hudspith, MC – Middlesex Regiment, 1st Battalion
Lieutenant Walter Leonard Hudspith, MC – Middlesex Regiment, 1st Battalion
Birth and Family Background
Walter Leonard Hudspith was born in 1892 at St
John’s Wood, London, the son of Walter John Hudspith and Minnie
Mary Baron, who were married in 1890 at Marylebone, London.
 |
| 1901 Census |
At the time of the 1901 Census, the Hudspith family were residing at 2 Mettins Road, Camberwell. Walter John Hudspith (37), born in Norfolk, was employed as a publisher’s agent, while his Middlesex-born wife, Minnie May (33), managed the household. Their children were Walter Leonard (9) and Harold Barron (7).
 |
| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 54 Penwortham Road, Streatham, Wandsworth. Walter John Hudspith (47) remained a publisher’s agent, and Minnie Mary (43) was at home. Their children were Walter Leonard (19), working as a draughtsman; Harold Barron (17), a draughtsman (student); and Frank George (5).
Also present in the household was a visitor, Millicent King (18), employed as a shorthand typist.
Marriage
 |
| Walter Leonard Hudspith and Millicent King marriage certificate St James’ Church, West Streatham |
Military Service
Walter served throughout the First World War with the
Middlesex Regiment, demonstrating notable leadership and courage. He was
later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
On 29th September 1918, during the Battle
of Villers-Guislain, Lieutenant Hudspith was awarded the Military
Cross for exemplary gallantry and leadership in action,
distinguishing himself during one of the final Allied offensives on the Western
Front.
1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment — 7th November 1918
At the time of his death, Lieutenant Hudspith was
serving with the 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, which on 7th
November 1918 was engaged in the final Allied advance in northern France.
Following the breaching of the Hindenburg Line, British forces were
pressing a retreating German army that continued to fight determined rearguard
actions despite the imminent end of the war.
The battalion was involved in rapid advances, attacks,
and consolidation of newly captured ground, often under fire from concealed
machine-gun positions, snipers, and artillery. Although the Armistice was
only days away, fighting remained intense and hazardous. Junior officers were
particularly exposed, as they were required to lead platoons forward, direct
movement across open ground, and maintain control during fluid operations.
It was during this phase of fighting, on 7th November
1918, that Walter Leonard Hudspith, MC, was killed in action,
illustrating the tragic reality that the final days of the war continued to
claim lives up to the very brink of peace.
Death and Burial
 |
| Walter Leonard Hudspith Aulnoye Communal Cemetery, Nord, France credit - findagrave |
Widow and Later Life
Commonwealth War Graves Commission records note that
Millicent Hudspith (née King) was of 13 Coedcelyn Road, Sketty, Swansea.
Following Walter’s death, she later remarried Victor Hadland.
Walter Leonard Hudspith’s service reflects the experience of
a skilled civilian professional turned combat officer, whose leadership
and bravery were formally recognised with the Military Cross, and whose
life was lost during the final, hard-fought days of the First World War
Comments
Post a Comment