Walter was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, the younger surviving child of James and Mary Ann Astley of 178 Whalley New Road, Blackburn.
He was employed by Messrs E. & G. Hindle, Ltd., Bastfield Mill when he enlisted at Blackburn on 25th August 1914.
He went to France on 15th July 1915.
Private Walter Astley, 5052, 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers died on 27th June 1916, aged 19, killed whilst in the front line trenches in the Mametz sector.
His lieutenant wrote,
'…For some time past now he has been with the Lewis gun section, and when killed he was near the gun of the team to which he belonged. He was killed by a shell which burst very close to him. He was buried at night behind the trenches. I am sorry your boy is dead. I always took an interest in him since for some time he was my servant. The Lewis gun officer speaks well of him. I can only end by saying that he died a soldier's death in a front-line trench at a time when we hope that we shall win a great victory…'
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