Private Humphrey Walter Fitter was killed in action on 26th March 1918 serving with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. He was born in Tanworth-in-Arden in 1893 and was the only son of parents Humphrey Barratt Fitter (a carpenter) and Gertrude Elizabeth (née Clayton) who had married at Tanworth in 1890.
The couple also had four daughters, only one of whom – Lizzie Maud (1899-1979) married and had children. The other three girls – Gertrude May (1891-1973), Clara Jane (1895-1972) and Florence Margaret (1905-1979) – seem to have worked as servants and all died unmarried.
By 1911, Humphrey Walter Fitter was aged 18 and was working as a Pro Golfer’s Assistant, whilst living at the family home in Gilbert’s Green, Hockley Heath. His service record doesn’t appear to have survived but it seems that he first entered a Theatre of War on 11th July 1915, indicating that he volunteered for Army service rather than being called up. His medal index card gives his name simply as Walter Fitter, suggesting he was known by his middle name.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He is also commemorated locally on Tanworth-in-Arden war memorial.
If you have any further information, please let us know.
Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian
tel.: 0121 704 6977
email: heritage@sollihull.gov.uk
Solihull Life 
Foot Guards service records are still held at the Regimental HQs (though occasionally one appears in the “unburnt” series) so there’s a fairly good chance his record does exist (though some were lost when the Guards’ Chapel was hit by a V2).