Early Years 

Walter Henry Holley was born in Shepton Mallet in 1893.

From GWR to RAF and back again

Henry enlisted in the Royal Field Reserve aged 17. He started working for GWR as a Cleaner at Trowbridge Station in November 1912, before being promoted to a third-group Fireman at Newport Dock Station the following year. Two moves to Wellington Station and Bristol preceded his joining the RAF upon the outbreak of World War One.

During the war, he served as a despatch rider and First Air Mechanic. He was demobilised in March 1919, and returned to work for GWR as a 2nd-group Fireman.

Employment record mentioning "engine ran down the embankment."

Accident on the railway

Holley was promoted to a Driver in April 1924. October 1925 saw him 'suspended for one week with loss of pay and finally cautiones' due to 'passing home signal at danger, resulting in derailment of engine and coach at catch points'. His Engine 'ran down the embankment'.

Called Home whilst Motorcycling.

In his personal life, Holley was an avid motorcyclist. During the general strike of May 1926, Holley was riding from Gloucester to Chepstow and lost control of his bike, causing his death. 

His epitaph reads:

In Loving Memory of MY DEVOTED HUSBAND WALTER HENRY HOLLEY. WHO WAS SUDDENLY CALLED HOME WHILST MOTOR CYCLING MAY 11TH 1926. AGED 33. IN THE MIDST OF LIFE WE ARE IN DEATH.

Called Home Whilst Motorcycling

Holley was survived by his wife, Elsie, and his children Doris and Raymond.