Walshe, PTE Walter John

Walter John Walshe (1883-1917), farmer and soldier, was born in Bendigo City, Victoria, Australia to Edmund and Elizabeth Walshe. He had at least one sister, Alice.

At the time of his enlistment, he was a farmer in Wickepin. Walter enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 1st of May 1916 at the age of 32 and was posted to the 2nd Reinforcements, 44th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in August 1916 but upon arriving in England he transferred to the 34th Battalion and thus his short service with the 44th Battalion ended.

Walter served at the front lines for nearly 9 months with the 34th Battalion until he was mortally wounded on the 3rd of July 1917 from a gunshot wound to the head. He died 10 days later.

Walter was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Death Plaque and Wound Stripe.

He was buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.

CHARGES

Away without leave for 2 days whilst at the front lines. Loss of 14 days’ pay.

Sources

National Archives of Australia

FindAGrave.com

Regimental Number:
1919

Subunit:
2nd Reinforcements, 44th Battalion

Enlistment Date:
1st May 1916

Age at Enlistment:
32 Years, 5 Months

Birthplace:
Bendigo, VIC, Australia

Ethnicity:
British Australian

Religion:
Roman Catholic

Residence:
Wickepin, Wheatbelt, WA

Height and Measurements:
5"6

Occupation at Enlistment:
Farmer

Married:
No

Next of Kin:
Alice Walshe (Perth)

Previous Service:
No

Total Service:
1st May 1916 - 13th July 1917

Overseas Service:
7th August 1916 - 13th July 1917

Front Line Service:
Late November 1916 - 3rd July 1917

Battle Honours:
Unknown

Casualty:

Yes – Died of Wounds (Wounded in Action, 3rd July 1917, gunshot wound to the scalp. Died of his wounds on the 13th July 1917.)

Awards:
British War Medal, Victory Medal, Death Plaque, Wound Stripe.