Walter Curd (1882-?1996)

Post date: May 31, 2018 5:3:27 PM

Walter was baptised at Wateringbury Church on 6 August 1882 and his birth registered in the third quarter of that year. He was the son of George, a bricklayer and builder, and Harriett Curd of Pizien Well. Harriet had 13 children according to the 1911 census and all of them were still alive in 1911 by which time the family was living in 8 rooms of Wisteria Villa on New Road, Wateringbury. By this time Walter had left home but in the 1891 and 1901 censuses he was one of 9 children still at home when the family lived in Pizien Well.

Walter with many of his siblings attended Wateringbury School.

When he enlisted in the Royal Engineers (61764) on 4th January 1915 in Maidstone he described his occupation as a carpenter and joiner. His height was 5ft. 7 inches, weighed 148 llbs with a 36 inch chest. His vision was 6/6.He and his wife Bessie (who he had married at Brasted on 3rd March 1908) were living at The Good Intent. They had 4 children, Frank, Harry, Bessie and Walter. He only served for 30 days before he was discharged as medically unfit on 2nd February 1915.

But in October 1915 he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps and was promoted to corporal in February 1918 joining the R.A.F on its foundation in April 1918. He passed a technical exam in December and was promoted to sergeant mechanic.

Walter was transferred to the RAF reserve on 26 March 1919 and "deemed" discharged on 30th April 1920

His brothers Earle Curd and Albert Curd served in the navy.