A soldier of the First World War who was born and brought up in Exeter, will be remembered at a public event taking place in the Higher Cemetery of the city on Saturday 15th September, 100 years after he was killed in action.
Walter Hooper grew up at 97 Portland Street before he emigrated with his uncle to America in 1914, the First World War began just a few weeks later.
When United States joined the war in 1917 Walter enlisted with the American Expeditionary Force and served in France as a Private. He was killed in July 1918 aged 21 and was buried in France.
A soldier of the First World War who was born and brought up in Exeter, will be remembered at a public event taking place in the Higher Cemetery of the city on Saturday 15th September, 100 years after he was killed in action.
Walter Hooper grew up at 97 Portland Street before he emigrated with his uncle to America in 1914, the First World War began just a few weeks later.
When United States joined the war in 1917 Walter enlisted with the American Expeditionary Force and served in France as a Private. He was killed in July 1918 aged 21 and was buried in France.
Improvements have been carried out to an area in Exeter’s Higher Cemetery.
The ashes section next door to the World War II areas of the cemetery in Heavitree was prone to becoming a muddy patch of grass during wet weather but now the area has been smartened up and made better for visitors.
New footpaths giving greater access have been installed and the memorials have been set against a smart stone background.
Cllr Rob Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Place, said: “We’ve had really good feedback from people about the improvements. Visitors can now visit the memorials...
On the evening of Friday 21st March 1941 an RAF bomber of 49 Squadron crashed onto Hameldown, Dartmoor killing all four crew members on board. To commemorate the 74th anniversary of the crash a special event will take place at Higher Cemetery, Exeter on Saturday 21st March 2015. Two of the crew, Robert David Wilson (the Pilot), and the 2nd Pilot/Navigator Sergeant Richard Leonard Ashburton Ellis (who came from South Africa) are buried side by side at the Higher Cemetery. John Lowe, a former member of the RAF, has researched full details of the crew, the aircraft and the crash since he...
The Friends of Higher Cemetery will lead a guided tour of the cemetery's war graves beginning at 2pm on Sunday 10th November. This will be a free guided walk, beginning at the chapel, lasting about an hour, and open to the general public. Although there will not be a charge for the walk, any donations to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal would be gratefully accepted.
On 8 April 1944 a Lancaster from No 1 Finishing School RAF Hemswell piloted by ATA 2nd Officer Taniya Whittall crashed at Caistor in Lincolnshire killing all the occupants.
One of those on board was AC1 Alfred Spiller. He was subsequently returned home and buried in Exeter Higher Cemetery, Heavitree, Exeter
I am currently researching this crash and would like to make contact with any relatives of Mr Spiller.
If anyone can help, I can be contacted by email: ben.jacob1@btinternet.com
On Remembrance Sunday Christine Trigger, assisted by Michael Parrott, will lead a tour of the Higher Cemetery war graves.
This event is organised by Friends of Higher Cemetery.
The walk will commence at 2pm near the Higher Cemetery chapel. There is no charge for this event but any donations will be forwarded to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Further information is available here or by calling 01392 818550.
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