| Notes: | MFP. Awarded the Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (3) Egypt, 5/9/1916. He enlisted in the MFP 5/7/16, age 31.5 years, occupation Sexton, home address: The Lodge, Walstead Cemetery, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, Sussex. Served Attested 5/6/16, Army Reserve 6/6/16 to 4/7/16, Home 5/7/16 to 4/9/16, Egyptian Exp Force 5/9/16 to 24/12/19, En Route 25/12/19 to 6/1/20, Home 7/1/20 to 4/2/20, class Z reserve 5/2/20. 16/9/16 Alexandria, 24/9/16 Cairo. A/Sgt 4/8/91.
Extract from Mid-Sussex Times 15/3/1927. Death And Funeral Of Mr Mark Walder. Sexton At Walstead Cemetery, Lindfield.
In the presence of many sympathising friends the mortal remains of Mr Mark Walder, Secton at Walstead Cemetery, Linfield, were laid to rest on Saturday afternoon in the hallowed ground which he had tended with loving care for fifteen years. Deceased, who was only forty two years of age, was taken ill with influenza several weeks ago, and this developed into pneumonia and pleurisy, from which he succumbed last Tuesday. He leaves a widow and a young family of one son and two daughters, who have received widespread sympathy in their sad loss. The little cottage at the entrance to Walstead Cemetery has been occupied by members of the Walder family for over thirty years, and Mr Mark Walder succeeded his father, the late Mr George Walder, as Sexton. The Parish Council could not have had a more trustworthy or conscientious servant, for he took a personal pride in keeping the picturesque graveyard in a neat and tidy condition. The many visitors who have occasion to visit the cemetery have always found him ready to minster to their requirements, and it is safe to say that he was loved by all who claimed his acquaintance. During the war he was in the Military Foot police and served in Egypt for about three years. He was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. The Rev A R Mead (Vicar) officiated at the funeral service, and the coffin was borne from deceased's cottage to the little cemetery chapel by his three brothers and Mr J Lacey, the Deputy Sexton. |
