Regimental Number: A-431991 & M-66187
Rank: Private
Walter, known as “Baldy”, was born on August 27, 1903 in Elgin County, Ontario to Edward and Annie (nee South) Baldwin. He completed Grade 8 at St. Thomas Public School and then worked in the farming and construction industries. Seeking adventure and possible land ownership, Walter decided to move west and lived in Govan, Saskatchewan before moving to the Peace District. On October 28, 1928, Walter filed a homestead application on SE 22-73-3-W6 in an area of Bezanson known as Fitzsimmons. However, he soon abandoned the property on August 17, 1929 stating “not able to handle it”. Walter worked part-time for George Laverick in 1937 and 1938. During 1939, 40, 41, he worked for various farmers in the area but was mainly employed by Alex Love and John Edwards.
On September 15, 1941, Walter joined the Royal Canadian Army, Engineers Corp at Grande Prairie. He was transferred to Edmonton for basic training followed by Portage la Prairie, Dundurn and Chilliwack, BC. Walter sailed from Halifax on July 20, 1942 and arrived at Liverpool on July 21 where he participated in additional training. In September 1943, he was awarded the “Good Conduct Badge”. In July 1944, he was transferred to the Canadian Postal Corp and qualified as a “Postal Sorter” in September 1944. On August 18, 1946, Walter married Agnes Gradwell of Greenford, Middlesex, England. Private Walter Baldwin was discharged on demobilization on December 7, 1946 at London, Ontario. He served in Canada, United Kingdom and Continental Europe and received the Defense Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Medal and Clasp.
Walter’s wife, Agnes arrived in Canada; however, the couple did not stay long and returned to England where they remained.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Service File
Land Settlement Database
Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 157-158