Widecombe-in-the-Moor

Walter Samuel Morley

Born in Runcorn Cheshire on 18th August 1886.

Father John Morley. Mother Mary Jane Stevens.

Siblings: Brothers, John H, Herbert, & Reginald. Sisters: Nellie, Lucy, Phillipa, & Jessie May.

Walter lived his early life in Hull, where his father was a fisherman.

In 1903 (aged 17) Walter enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, but 4 years later transferred to the Royal Navy.

In 1913 he had married Annie (Queenie) Palmer and they had three sons: Gilbert E*, Robert G, and Clifford J. (All three sons saw armed forces service during World War 2).

He initially signed on with the Royal Navy for 12 years but extended for a further 10 years. By 1929 at the completion of 22 years’ service, he had achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist. During his long years of service CPO Morley served on numerous ships and shore training stations. Amongst the ships he served upon were HMS Colossus & HMS Delhi.

After leaving the Navy in 1929 Walter and family lived in Ireland (The home of many of his wife’s family).

At the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 Walter was recalled for service. He was a highly skilled telegraphist and his vital skills were used to train many personnel in telegraphy during the conflict. Walter was stationed at HMS Scotia, a land base in Ayrshire.

Walter Samuel Morley died, in service, in January 1945

He is commemorated with a CWGC Headstone in Newton Abbot cemetery alongside the stone of his son Gilbert*. They are both also commemorated in St Pancras Church Widecombe.

Walter Morley features in the Widecombe Roll of Honour for his service in World War One.

You can view Walter’s entry here