Robert Clare Walton was born in Chester, Cheshire, England in 1893.
The 1901 Census shows that the family lived at 11 Raymond Street, Garden Lane, Chester. The head of the family was Robert Walton, aged 44, who was described as living on his own means. His wife Ella Walton (nee Knox) and their five children – E. M. H. Knox Walton aged 13, Ella B Knox Walton aged 11, Robert Clare Walton aged 8, D. A. A. G. Knox Walton aged 5 and Nancy Walton aged 3 years. Also living and employed by the family was – Elizabeth Kilnwick aged 21, a Governess, Margaret Ann Moore aged 19, a Nurse and Alice Williams aged 18, a Domestic Servant.
The 1911 Census shows that Robert Clare Walton was now living as a Boarder at ‘Peats Wood’, Meliden Road, Prestatyn, Flintshire and was employed as an Estate Agent.
He initially enlisted as Private 3376 in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers but was soon commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. The London Gazette dated 4 May 1915, recorded his commission as 5th (Flintshire) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Robert Clare Walton, 2nd Lieutenant, dated 30 April 1915.
The Rhyl Journal – Saturday 21 August 1915 – Rhyl Territorials. An Officer Killed.
The war has now been brought much nearer to many in this district by the news that local Territorials have had their baptism of fire. They left this country with the rest of the 1st Flintshire Battalion only a few weeks ago. A splendid body of men, now news has come through that they have been in action in the Dardanelles. The Battalion has suffered heavy losses and amongst those reported killed is 2nd Lieutenant R C Walton, son of Mr & Mrs Walton, The Lyric Boarding Establishment, West Parade, Rhyl, who was a very popular officer. Lt Robert Clare Walton was well known in Chester and North Wales. He was for four years a clerk with Messrs. Wakefield, Thornley & Dodd. (Accountants), Corn Exchange, Chester. He joined the Public Schools Battalion in November last and obtained a Commission with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. His parents lived in Chester for a number of years, but have lately resided in Rhyl. The deceased was only 23 years of age.
Five other soldiers from 5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who are remembered on the Rhyl War Memorial were also killed in action at Sulva Bay that same day – Private 876 Peter Edwards, Private 1287 David Jones of 11 Brickfield Terrace, Rhyl, Private 857 William Jones of 122 Wellington Road, Rhyl, Sergeant 1585 William Wilton of Kingston House, Russell Road, Rhyl and Private 2554 Bertie Campini of 36 Ffynnongroew Road, Rhyl. Three other Rhyl Soldiers who are also remembered on the Rhyl War Memorial were also killed in action or died from wounds at Sulva Bay some days later – Private 1596 John Haines, 5th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, of 9 West Street, Rhyl on Monday 16 August 1915, Private 3248 Edward Davies, 5th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers of 80, Vale Road, Rhyl on Sunday 22 August 1915 and Private 175 Francis James Martin, Army Cyclist Corps(Welsh Division) of 11 Kinmel Street, Rhyl on Sunday 29 August 1915.
Helles Memorial, Turkey.
On 26 February 1916, a payment of £45. 0s. 11d. was made by the War Office to Mr Robert Walton, being monies owed to his son Robert. On 14 July 1919, a further payment which is recorded as a War Gratuity of £5. 0s. 0d. was also made to him.
Robert Clare Walton is also remembered on a Remembrance Plaque at The Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire and on The North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales.