Military History

Walter is listed as being killed in action on the 10th January 1918. The 6th Battalion war diary entries for the period 8th to 12th January 1918 are transcribed below. After his death Walter was buried at Map Reference 28.J.16.c.8.4, which is just west of Polderhoek and his remains were moved to Hooge Crater Cemetery in May 1919.

E of Zillebeke - 8 Jan 1918: Very cold day. H.Q. and the centre company were shelled during the afternoon. Rations were brought up by pack ponies, and hot tea and soup were sent up to the Line during the night.

E of Zillebeke - 9 Jan 1918: Cold day, with snow; enemy artillery active. The Battalion was relieved by the 6th K.S.L.I and went into support at Tor Top Tunnels. Relief complete by 9.10 p.m. No casualties.

E of Zillebeke - 10 Jan 1918: Battalion in support. 41 men sent to hospital and 25 to the transport with bad feet; quite unavoidable, as conditions in the Line were very rough.

E of Zillebeke - 11 Jan 1918: Still in the tunnels.

E of Zillebeke - 12 Jan 1918: Relieved by the 11th R.B. and were shelled quite heavily on leaving the tunnels. Marched to Manor Halt, and had to wait a long time for a train to take us to Reninghelst, companies not reaching Ontario Camp until early next morning.