A 24-YEAR-OLD Middlewich soldier was able to be identified when a letter from a ‘young lady’ in Basingstoke was found on him.

Private Walter Wharton, of 26 Seddon Street, enlisted in October 1914, being one of the Kitchener’s Army who crossed to France in June 1915.

He was shot in the foot and also suffered frost bite and after receiving treatment in hospital, bravely returned to the front in November 1916.

He had not been home since being sent to the front from hospital, despite being expected home on leave of absence.

In April 1918, his father, Geo Wharton, received official confirmation of his son’s death.

The letter said that he was killed in action on March 27, 1918, three days after his 24th birthday.

He was identified after a letter was found on him from a lady in Basingstoke, who was then contacted.

A newspaper report dated April 27, said: “It appears that a letter from her was found on him, and a corporal wrote to say that his body was found unexpectedly, after his regiment had taken over the line recently occupied by the Cheshires.”