Military History

Walter is listed as being killed in action on 24 Apr 1917. The following is a description of the days actions.

Walter's 7th Battalion were in the trenches near Doiran when on the night of 24th April 1917 the were ordered to attack enemy lines at Grand Couronne. After a bombardment of some 100,000 shells on the enemy lines they launched their attack on the Bulgarian forces but came up against devastating fire and wire defenses that had been untouched during the bombardment. 14 out of the 15 officers became casualties, together with about 300 other ranks, a third of the battalions total strength. The companies then came under the command of Warrant Officers and Sergeants. The regiment was forced to retreat to their original lines with the total allied casualties being over 12,000. Both sides staying in position for the next 16 months until the 3rd Battle of Doiran.