WALTER EDWARD KEYS
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Image courtesy of “Operation: Picture Me”
Born: 2nd June 1890, Ipswich.
Died: 28th February 1918; age 28; KiA at Maroc, whilst supplying working parties to forward area, Loos.
Residence: 478, Aikins Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Occupation: Saddler & Police Constable.
Enlistment Details: Location: Manitoba; Date: 8th March 1916; Age: 25 years & 8 months; Religion: CofE. Height: 5ft 11 1/4ins, fair complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair. Signed up for the Duration of the War. Next of Kin: wife – Agnes Keys, of Suite 12 Bieldy Apartments, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Service:
Embarked: Halifax – 30th April 1917 – H.M.T. ‘Magantic.’
Disembarked: Liverpool – 14th May 1917.
Appointed Acting Sergeant – 200th Battalion – Shorncliffe – 15th May 1917.
Transferred to the 11th Canadian Reserve Battalion – Shorncliffe.
Reverted to ranks – 28th June 1917 – own request – appointed Lance Corporal -Shorncliffe.
Reverted to ranks – 12th September 1917 – own request – Shorncliffe.
Transferred to 107th Battalion – 12th September 1917 – overseas.
13th September 1917 arrived at Canadian Base Depot, France.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 922113
Regiment: Canadian Infantry, Canadian Pioneers, 107th Pioneer Battalion.
Grave Reference:
II.A.14.
Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension,
Pas de Calais,
France.
CENSUS
1891 4, Church Lane, Ipswich.
Walter was 10 months old and living with his parents & sister.
Edward William Keys, 25, a Saddle & Harness Maker – own account, born Ipswich.
Laura Elizabeth Keys (nee Jackson), 27, born Ipswich.
Eunice Emma Keys, 3, born Ipswich.
1901 4, Church Lane, Ipswich.
Walter was 10 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
Edward, 35, a Saddler – own account.
Laura, 36.
Eunice, 12.
Alfred Ernest Keys, 9, born Ipswich.
William Arthur Keys, 7, born Ipswich.
Edith Laura Keys, 4, born Ipswich.
Florence Ethel Keys, 2, born Ipswich.
1911 4, Church Lane, Ipswich.
Walter was 20 years old, a Coach Trimmer. He was living with his parents & siblings.
Edward, 45, a Harness Maker – own account.
Laure, 46.
Alfred, 19 a Coach Body Maker.
William, 17, a Plumbers Apprentice.
Edith, 14, a Dress Makers Apprentice.
Florence, 12.
1916 Census – Bieldy Blocks, No. 12, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Walter was a Policeman and a Soldier. He was married and head of the household.
Agnes, a housewife.
IMMIGRATION
24 year old Walter departed from the Port of Liverpool, sailing onboard the S.S. ‘Teutonic’ of the White Star Line. Arriving at Quebec, Canada on the 13th May 1912.
On the 26th September 1913, at Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Walter married Agnes Sophia Last, born March 1885, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Agnes and Walter had one son:
Leonard Ernest Keys, born 11th November 1917, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Agnes had immigrated to Canada in September 1910, aged 24 years of age. She had embarked at the Port of Liverpool, and sailed on the S. S. ‘Empress of Ireland’ to Quebec. Her finally destination was Paris, Ontario.
After the death of Walter, Agnes and baby Leonard stayed with her brother, Percy Albert Last, at his family home – 69, Palmer Avenue, West London, Brent County, Ontario, before they both returned to their home at Aikens Street, Winnipeg. Agnes and her son continued to make visits to their family in England.
On the 12th July 1932, 42 year old, Agnes, and 14 year old, Leonard, disembarked at the Port of London. They had sailed 3rd Class on the Cunard ‘Aurania’ from Montreal, Canada. Agnes recorded that they were to make England their home – and would be staying at 44, All Saints Road, Ipswich – the home of her sister, Edith May Ruffles and her husband William Frederick Ruffles.
ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939
Agnes – unpaid domestic duties, and Leonard, a Poultry and Fruit Grower – own account are living at their family home – ‘Basketers’ Colne Road, Great Tey, Essex.
Will in favour of Agnes Sophia Keys – widow.
Walter is also remembered on the war memorial at St.Matthew’s Church, Ipswich.
Newspaper Clipping – In memory of the men and women memorialized on the pages of the Winnipeg Evening Tribune during World War One. Submitted for the project, “Operation: Picture Me”
Canadian Infantry, Canadian Pioneers, 107th Pioneer Battalion:
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