Walton, PTE Rupert

Rupert Walton (1898-1918), farmer and soldier, was born in Pingelly to William Walton and Esther Basell. He was the eldest of 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Rupert’s brother, Cecil died when he was 10 and he was 13 when his father died.

Rupert enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 20th of June 1916 and was posted to the 5th Reinforcements, 44th Australian Infantry Battalion. He fought at the front lines for almost a year before dying of his wounds in the Battle of Hamel on the 4th of July 1917 at the age of just 19.

Rupert fought in 10 battles and spent 367 days at the front lines.

He was Buried at Villers Bretonneux Military Cemetery Plot 11, Row B.

Walton was an Australian soldier who was an expert in close combat,
He was physically and mentally tough, compassionate and courageous,
He led by example, he strove to take the initiative,
He was committed to learning and working for the team,
He believed in trust, loyalty and respect for his country, his mates and the Army,
The rising sun was his badge of honour,
He is an Australian soldier, Always!

Record completed by Luca Muir Anderson

Sources

National Archives of Australia

Findagrave.com

Regimental Number:
2657

Enlistment Date:
20th June 1916

Age at Enlistment:
18 Years, 5 Months

Birthplace:
Pingelly, Wheatbelt, WA

Ethnicity:
British Australian

Religion:
Church of England

Residence:
York, Wheatbelt, WA

Height and Measurements:
5"9

Occupation at Enlistment:
Farmer

Married:
No

Next of Kin:
Mother - Esther Basell (Worsley near Collie, South West, WA)

Previous Service:
No

Total Service:
20th June 1916 - 4th July 1918

Overseas Service:
9th November 1916 - 4th July 1918

Front Line Service:
6th July 1917 - 5th August 1918, 12th August 1918 - 4th July 1918

Battle Honours:
10: Messines 1917, Ypres 1917, Passchendaele, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Somme 1918, Ancre 1918, Hamel, France and Flanders 1916-1918

Casualty:

Yes – Died of Wounds (4th July 1918, Battle of Hamel). Sick four times (slightly sick in January 1917, 1 week in hospital. Sick with Influenza in February 1917, 2 weeks in hospital. Sick with Influenza in March 1917, 1 week in hospital. Sick with Trench Feet in August 1917, 1 week in hospital.)

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