Osterberg, PTE Walter Hamilton

Private Walter Hamilton Osterberg (1895-1917), labourer and soldier, was born in Melbourne, son of Walter Osterberg. By the time of enlistment, he lived near the Canning Bridge and worked as a labourer. He had 6 months’ previous service as an army reservist in the Royal Australian Artillery.

Walter enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 3rd of February 1916 at the age of 21 and was posted to the 1st Reinforcements, 44th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in June 1916 and arrived on the Western Front in November 1916. In June 1917, during the Battle of Messines, Private Osterberg was shot in the left arm but recovered after two months in hospital.

Private Osterberg was shot again on the 4th of October 1917 during the Battle of Broodseinde and was killed instantly. During the war, Private Osterberg had fought in 6 battles and spent 229 days in the trenches. He was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Death Plaque, Wound Stripe and 1 Long Service Stripe.

2 crimes in 1916/1917 (5 days FP No. 1, 7 days FP No. 2, 25 days pay)