Lionel Percy Walsh (1875-1916) was elected to The Lambs in 1909 as a Professional member. He was an English-born actor. Many of the roles he played pre-World War I were of comedy parts lampooning British high society types. The New York Dramatic Mirror said Walsh was primarily known for “silly ass” roles. He appeared in several musical theatre productions, including Little Miss Fix-It (with fellow Lamb Jack Norworth), The Fair Co-Ed, The Jolly Bachelors, and The Wife Tamers. He was described as a “frail, slender man” who sang well in musicals. He was a member of Elsie Janis’ company.
Walsh volunteered for service in the Great War. He was believed killed in September 1914, but the reports proved inaccurate. He served as major in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion. In his brief military career he was promoted to major for conspicuous bravery. Major Walsh died of wounds received in action on July 4, 1916 during the first days of the bloody Battle of the Somme, where more than one million were either killed or wounded. He was 41 years old. When his death was confirmed, it was first reported to The Lambs. He was the second Lamb to die in the Great War, following Sir Edward Richardson.
A New Year’s message was received from Vernon Castle, the esteemed English actor and dancer, serving as an aviator with the Royal Flying Corps in France. On Dec. 31, 1916, part of his greetings to New York friends said, “I suppose you in America have heard of our good old friend, Lionel Walsh, who has entertained you many times in Broadway musical plays. A shell burst right where he was standing. That was the end of another brave Englishman.”
Major Walsh is interred in Beauval Communal Cemetery located in the Somme region of France commemorating British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme.
Researched and written by Shepherd Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, 2023.