It’s Friday and that means we identify a new grave in Castle Bromwich Graveyard and see what we can collectively find out about the lives of the people buried in it.
This week we’re focusing our attention on the MUNNS family grave which bears the inscription:
In loving memory of WALTER JOHN MUNNS died July 12th 1950, aged 67 years. Also Sgt. W.L.MUNNS RAF killed in action April 29th 1942, aged 24 years. Also MARJORIE JEAN MUNNS died May 11th 1962 aged 52 years. Also LENA MUNNS beloved wife of the above WALTER, died September 19th 1965 aged 83 years.
Here’s what we discovered:
Family
Walter John Munns was born on 21st November 1882 at 13 Nile Street, Shoreditch, London. He was the son of Edwin Ellis Munns and Mary Ann Livermore. According to Booth’s poverty maps, Nile Street was an area of mixed social classes, some poor, others comfortable, although he does refer to the criminals in some parts of the street. The 1891 census shows that Walter’s father, Edwin (known as Edward) was working as a Cheese Monger’s Assistant.
On Christmas Day 1906 24 year old Walter John married Lena Warren, also 24, at Holy Trinity Church, Tottenham. Lena was the daughter of William Frederick Warren, a Plasterer, and Jane Ann Aitchison. She was born on 6th August 1882 in Lancliffe, Settle, Yorkshire. At the time of the 1891 and 1901 census returns she was recorded as living with her grandfather in Tottenham, and by 1901 had started working as a dressmaker.
Walter John and Lena were still living still living in Tottenham at the time of the 1911 census by which time, they had two daughters. Walter John was known to have been working as a Shipping Despatch Clerk for a Manufacturers’ Agent in Fancy Goods, China and Glass. By 1918, Lena had given birth to two sons.
World War 1
WW1 brought about changes for the family as Walter John joined the army. He served on the Home Front in the Royal Defence Corps. 150th, 111th Protection Company (Service No:2156).
Protection Companies took over the duties of the Supernumerary Territorial Force Companies and came into existence on 29 April 1916.The 150th served London. Each Company would typically have 1 Major in command; 1 Captain; 4-5 subalterns; 1 Company Sergeant Major; 1 Company Quartermaster Sergeant; 35-48 NCOs; and 150-290 Privates. Walter John’s record shows that he was a Colour Sergeant or Acting Sergeant Major an that in 1919 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for distinguished service. Along with the medal each recipient was granted an annuity, the amount of which was based on rank. Details of his service are unknown as his records were destroyed in a fire.
Between Wars
Walter John and Lena now had four children, two girls (Nellie Lena and Marjorie Jean) and two boys (Edward William and Walter Laurence). The family seemed to flourish and by 1939 Walter John is working as an Office and Stores Manager – Short Gun Ammunition. By 1942 the family was living in Birmingham and in 1940 the couple’s youngest son, Walter Laurence, married Margaret McDermott.
World War 2
The outbreak of WW2 again disturbed family life. Walter Laurence joined 12 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Service No; 1186623). By 1942 he was serving as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner with a rank of Sergeant. On the 29 April 1942 he took off in a Vickers Wellington Mk II on a mission with five other crew members.The plane did not return as expected and was initially reported missing. It was later established that it had crashed in the target area, around Kiel in Germany, killing all on board. It is thought possible that the claimed by Oblt Willi Elstermann 6./NJG3 – Sylt Island at 02:15. (Nachtjagd War Diaries Volume 1). The crew were initially buried in the local Naval Garrison Cemetery, but after the war were re-interred in Kiel War Cemetery. War records list William Laurence’s parents as living in Castle Bromwich at the time of his death.
Post War
Walter John Munns died on 12th July 1950 at 18 Highcroft Road, Erdington. His daughter Marjorie Jean died on 11th May 1962 in the Q.E. Hospital and her mother, Lena died at home, 35 Manor Park Road, Castle Bromwich in 1965. All three, together with Walter Laurence, are commemorated on the family grave in Castle Bromwich Graveyard.
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