Walter Charles Heath (abt. 1883 - 1917)

Died 18 Nov 1917 at about age 34 in German East Africa

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Pvt Walter Heath was Killed in Action during World War I - German East Africa.

Biography

BSA Police Crest

Birth & Upbringing: Walter was born about 1883. Son of Harry Heath; husband of Louisa Trivett (formerly Heath), of 80, First Avenue, Balaam St., Plaistow, London England. Born at Kilburn, England. ^[1]
Occupation: Policeman - joined the BSA Police in 1916; Reg. No.A/333; served until 18 Nov 1917. ^[2] Walter Heath was a volunteer member of the force which was established by the BSAP for deployment to the north eastern border of Northern Rhodesia. This became known as Murray's Column, which comprised two infantry companies. The Column was to become the force which fought against the Germans in Tanganyika mostly along its frontier with Nyasaland and eventually in Tanganyika itself.
Military Service: The BSA Police was very much a para-military service and was the nation's first line of defense. The force, at the time of World War I was the only regular force and the new country's first line of defense. The BSA Police participates in two campaigns against the Germans in the 1914-18 war, in the Caprivi Strip and in German East Africa.
Demise: Killed in Action while serving as a with in World War I,aged 34 years, on 18 November 1917. ^{[3] [4]}
Burial: Walter Heath was buried Dar es Salaam War Cemetery, Tanzania (Grave reference 5. E. 4.) ^{[5] [1]}

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Commonwealth War Graves Commission Ref: 898364
2. ↑ BSA Police Nominal Roll maintained by the British South Africa Police Regimental Association
3. ↑ "Zimbabwe Death Registers, 1890-1977; Index to Death Register, 1892-1977," database with images, FamilySearch  : 22 May 2014, Death registers > 1910-1918, Vol. 19 > image 258 of 283; National Archives, Harare.
4. ↑ Andrew Field: BSAP Website Roll of Honour
5. ↑ Find a Grave Ref: 22732112

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