The OBLI records point to this man joining up as Walter Jones, and this has been later corrected to Walter Harold Wiggins, which is what he died as
1886 He was born in Chingford in May 1886 from his enlistment age. I cannot find either a Walter Jones or a Walter Wiggins born in Chingford at that time
1891 census this could possibly be him at 73, Warple Way, Wandsworth - certainly the best I have got so far!
1901 census has the same family at 46, Jews Row, Wandsworth
1906 Oct 14 Attested East Surrey Regt Militia with service no 5003. Living at this date at 16 Cottman St, Wandsworth. He has 2 bothers Harry (possibly) and Albert. His enlistment papers are available . However Cottman Street does not exist. He says he had worked as a bricklayer's labourer
1906 Dec 1. Attested in Kingston-on-Thames to Ox and Bucks LI. Service no 8350.
1911 census a Private with 1st Oxfordshire And Buckinghamshire Light Infantry at Wellington, Nilgris, India. Age 24 born Chingford, Essex
1914 Dec 5. Lands in Mesopotamia, (5 Dec 1914 till 19 Nov 1918 - was he a POW?)
1916 Apr 29 : Bn captured after surrender of garrison at Kut-el-Amara. A Provisional Bn was formed from the reinforcements and details who were not captured, which was attached to 28th Indian Brigade, 6th Poona Division. This Provisional Bn was renamed 1st Bn on 6 July 1916. 19 October 1917 : transferred to 50th Indian Brigade in 15th Indian Division. Remained in Mesopotamia throughout the war. I cannot tell from the information I have as to whether he was a POW or not
1919 May to Oct in Russia
Awarded Star, Victory & War medals. Original numbers 5003, 8350 and then 5373116.
1921 Mar 5. 5373116 Private Walter Jones, alias Private Walter Wiggins, one of the two non-commemorated members of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry who died in southern Ireland during the "Black & Tan" campaign, expired in Limerick Workhouse (then in use as a barracks) from "a self-inflicted wound".
Irish GRO death ref Vol 5, Page 248
