John Walker, whose parents lived in Malvern Wells, before moving to Great Malvern enlisted into the Gloucestershire Yeomanry at Gloucester at the beginning of the war. He probably served at Gallipoli with the Yeomanry as dismounted troops before being evacuated to Egypt in December 1915. The Gloucester Yeomanry along with their compatriots from Worcestershire became part of the 5th Mounted Brigade that operated independently and was charged with preventing Turkish incursions into the Suez Canal zone. On Easter Day 1916 two squadrons each of the Worcester and Gloucester Yeomanry were charged with guarding Royal Engineers digging wells at Katia and Oghrintina. They were surrounded by Turkish troops, and although some managed to fight their way out, many were killed or taken prisoner. Sergeant Walker was initially reported missing, but a week later he was officially reported killed in action.

His brother of Mr G G Walker of Malvern Wells also served in the Gloucestershire Yeomanry.

Malvern News 20/5/16, 27/5/16