Howard, PTE Walter

Walter Howard (1888-?), labourer and soldier, was born in Fremantle, WA. He eventually married Agnes Howard, and they lived together in Applecross, with Walter working as a labourer.

Private Walter Howard enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 14th of February 1916 at the age of 28 and was posted to the 1st Reinforcements, 44th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in June 1916 and arrived on the Western Front in September 1916. Private Howard was transferred to the 28th Battalion, another West Australian unit. He fought with them during the Battle of the Somme and was shot in the neck.

Fortunately, Private Howard survived, but his injuries were severe enough that he was medically discharged to Australia. During the war, Private Howard fought in 2 Battles and spent over 50 days in the trenches. He was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Wound Stripe, Active Service Badge, 1 Good Conduct Stripe and 1 Long Service Stripe.

Our knowledge of his story ends there.

Regimental Number:
1654

Subunit:
1st Reinforcements, 44th Battalion

Enlistment Date:
14th February 1916

Age at Enlistment:
28 Years, 1 Month

Birthplace:
Fremantle, WA

Ethnicity:
British Australian

Religion:
Church of England

Residence:
Applecross, WA

Height and Measurements:
5"7

Occupation at Enlistment:
Labourer

Married:
Yes - Agnes Howard

Next of Kin:
Wife

Previous Service:
No

Total Service:
14th February 1916 - 16th September 1917

Overseas Service:
6th June 1916 - 26th September 1917

Front Line Service:
24th September 1916 - 14th November 1916

Battle Honours:
2: Somme 1916, France and Flanders 1916-1918

Casualty:

Yes – Wounded in Action (14th November 1916, shot in the neck, months in hospital, medically discharged to Australia)

Awards:
British War Medal, Victory Medal, Wound Stripe, Active Service Badge, 1 Good Conduct Stripe, 1 Long Service Stripe