I’m constantly amazed at how many people are descended from my 4th great uncle James Casbon (about 1813–1884). He was the brother of my 3d great grandfather Thomas (1808–1888). James had multiple wives – I haven’t been able to identify all of them – who bore him many children. Although he only brought two children with him when he emigrated to the United States, by my estimates, he has just about as many descendants in the US as in the UK (thanks to son Amos!). Not only was James a poor hardworking man, he must have also been a passionate man.
One of those descendants was Walter Leslie Casbon (1913–1991), the subject of today’s post. Walter appears in this May 11, 1940 Buckingham Advertiser.
…Walter Leslie Casbon, 75, High Street, Winslow, was fined 10s, for not carrying a rear light on his motor cycle on April 13th. P.C. Higgins said defendant drove from Horn Street to the Market Square at 1010 p.m. without a rear light. He said the light went out between Aylesbury and Oving and he was unable to get another bulb. At 10.40 p.m. defendant passed him again and still had no rear light.[1]
Walter Leslie Casbon was the great grandson of James Casbon, mentioned above. His grandfather was James’ son Thomas (1844–1924), his father was Walter Casbon (1893–unknown) and his mother was Beatrice Lily (Convine) Casbon (1893–1965). Walter Leslie was born on December 21, 1913 in the vicinity of Ely, Cambridgeshire.[2],[3]
This was Walter’s first documented run-in with the law, but not the last. He and his motorcycle received three more mentions within a 2-1/2 year period.
13 July 1940:
… Mr Aubrey Stonell was taken to his home at Winslow in the ambulance suffering from head injuries as a result of a collision while riding to work at Calvert on the pillion of a motor cycle driven by Mr. Walter Casbon, who received injuries to the hands. The collision was with a lorry of Messrs. Hawtins, of Bristol.[4]
10 January 1942:
… Walter Leslie Casbon, of 15, Buckingham-road, Gawcott, was summoned for leaving a motor cycle in a dangerous position, P.C. Stonebridge stating that at 10.30 p.m. on December 20th he found the cycle stationary in Castle-street, in the corner by the Cannon and leaning against the kerb. The front lamp was very dim and could scarcely be seen and witness walked into the cycle as he crossed from one side of the street to the other. Defendant said that the cycle had only been there about five minutes and when told that he would be reported, replied: “It’s a pity you haven’t something to do; some of you folks ought to be in Russia; I know the law the same as you do.” Referring to defendant’s observations, Supt. Read said that he was aged about 25. He was fined £3.[5]
12 June 1942:
… John Arthur Haywood, soldier, of Rhyll, was summoned for failing to immobilise a motor bicycle in Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, on May 8th. He was also severally summoned for not having efficient brakes and for not having a warning instrument. Walter Lester Casbon, soldier, Bury St. Edmunds, was also summoned for permitting the defendant to use the motor bicycle without efficient brakes and a warning instrument. Both defendants were fined 10s. in each case and Casbon was ordered to pay the costs for permitting the machine to be used without efficient brakes.[6]
Apparently Walter was quite the menace.
I hope my readers will take the time to read the entire articles. Not only do they reveal the minor offenses of the time, but they also give a glimpse into life in wartime England, where blackouts were the norm and fuel was rationed. Walter was probably lucky to have a motorcycle to move about with. The articles are also infused with good will and humor, such as the magistrate who paid a man’s fine, and the farmer who ate three of his “unfit” chickens and “enjoyed them very much.”
The last article mentions that Walter was a soldier at the time. Perhaps that is why he was said to be living in Bury St. Edmunds, in Suffolk, instead of Buckinghamshire. Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate any World War II military records for Walter.
For that matter, I haven’t been able to find many records at all concerning Walter. His marriage to Ottilie Francesca Leipholz was registered in 1949.[7] This is a German name, and I haven’t been able to find a birth record for her in England. Might this have something to do with his military service? Was he stationed in Germany?
I also have not been able to find any records of children born to Walter and Ottilie. The only records I have been able to find are of Walter and Ottilie’s deaths. Ottilie died in 1986, and Walter followed her in 1991.[8],[9]
Great story! I envision Walter and his motorcycle as rakish (in a good way!). Reminds me of the cars we used to drive in high school.
I’m not so sure. He seems a bit of the ne’er do well to me. But I mustn’t rush to judgment with such limited information.
Hi, Came across this blog and Walter was my father Tilly (Ottilie) my mother. It is news to me that my father had run ins with the law on his motorcycle!! If you need any further information please contact me in case I may be able to help.
Hello Joy, I’m so happy you found the blog and contacted me. Yes, I will contact you by email.