Born in 1899 at Walthamstow, son of Wilfred (a Molder, later Gold Blocker at the Xylonite Works) and Emma Grant. 1901: With his family at 40 Parkside, Woodford Green (Walthamstow). 1911: A Scholar living with his family at 95 Parkside, Woodford Green (Walthamstow).
When he enlisted in the Army at Epping he stated he lived at South Woodford. The 1918 Electoral Roll shows him living at the family home, 1 Elm Villa, 51 Derby Road, South Woodford.
On 1st August 1918 the Battalion was in Ypres and from 06.35 began marching to Ypres-Menin Road via Tenbrielen and America. At 16.25 they received orders that with 23 Middlesex they were to “attack and make good” the Wervicq-Menin railway. They began the advance at 17.45 but after covering about 1,500 yards encountered very heavy machine gun fire from a tall chicory field. Owing to casualties and failing light they could not press further forward, so dug in on their line. The war diary adds that while en route to their attack positions the West Surrey’s came under heavy shell fire which also caused casualties.
By comparison, the next two days were relatively quiet, so it is probable that Wilfred Grant sustained the wounds from which he died during 3rd October 1918.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com