| Walter Napleton Stone | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 December 1891 Blackheath, London |
| Died | 30 November 1917 (aged 25) Cambrai sector, France |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | World War I † |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Walter Napleton Stone VC (7 December 1891 – 30 November 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was born in Blackheath, London.
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Born on 7 December 1891 to Edward and Emily Frances Stone, of Blackheath, London. Stone was educated at Harrow School and Pembroke College, Cambridge.[1]
As a 25-year-old, he was an Acting Captain in the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers, British Army, attached 17th (Service) Battalion during the First World War. He was awarded the VC for his actions on 30 November 1917 in the Cambrai Sector, France, which lead to his death.
For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a company in an isolated position 1,000 yards in front of the main line, and overlooking the enemy's position. He observed the enemy massing for an attack, and afforded invaluable information to battalion headquarters. He was ordered to withdraw his company, leaving a rearguard to cover the withdrawal. The attack developing with unexpected speed, Capt. Stone sent three platoons back and remained with the rearguard himself. He stood on the parapet with the telephone under a tremendous bombardment, observing the enemy and continued to send back valuable information until the wire was cut by his orders. The rearguard was eventually surrounded and cut to pieces, and Capt. Stone was seen fighting to the last till he was shot through the head. The extraordinary coolness of this heroic officer and the accuracy of his information enabled dispositions to be made just in time to save the line and avert disaster.—The London Gazette, 12 February 1918[1]
There is a memorial to Walter Napleton Stone in Greenwich Cemetery, south-east London. The actual grave has never been located and he is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing. About thirty yards in front of the War Memorial is a group of graves of the Stone family. On the largest are the names of Walter's parents, and underneath the inscription:
W. N.Stone VC is listed as a parishioner on parish cavalry war memorial in the Trinity Chapel of The Collegiate Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shrewsbury.