Walter Napleton Stone facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Walter Napleton Stone
Born	7 December 1891 Blackheath, London
Died	30 November 1917 (aged 25) Cambrai sector, France
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1914 - 1917
Rank	Captain
Unit	Royal Fusiliers
Battles/wars	First World War Western Front Battle of Cambrai   †
Awards	Victoria Cross

Walter Napleton Stone VC (7 December 1891 – 30 November 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was born in Blackheath, London.

Details

Born on 7 December 1891 to Edward and Emily Frances Stone, of Blackheath, London. Stone was educated at Harrow School and Pembroke College, Cambridge.

As a 25-year-old, he was an Acting Captain in the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers, British Army, attached 17th (Service) Battalion during the First World War. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 30 November 1917 in the Cambrai Sector, France, which led to his death.

Further information

There is a memorial to Walter Napleton Stone in Greenwich Cemetery, south-east London. About thirty yards in front of the War Memorial is a group of graves of the Stone family. On the largest are the names of Walter's parents, and underneath the inscription:

"also in memory of Lt Col Arthur Stone DSO, 16th Lanc Fusiliers, second son of the above, killed 2 October 1918......; and Capt Walter Napleton Stone VC, 17th Royal Fusiliers, fifth son of the above, killed Bourlon Wood, France, 30 November 1917, presumed buried by the Germans near Moeuvres."

His actual grave has never been located and he is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing.

"W.N. Stone VC DSO MC" is listed on the parish war memorial in the Trinity Chapel of St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury. There has been no evidence found he lived in Shrewsbury, nor did he receive the Distinguished Service Order or Military Cross.