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- Walter William Kerr enlisted in the A.I.F. on the 17th of January,1916. His regimental number was 1929. Walter was attached to 'A' Coy18th Battalion from the 31st of January, till the 29th of February,1916, then attached to the 6/31st Battalion from the 29th of February,till the 15th of April, 1916, then the 2 Recruits 59th Battalion fromthe 16th of April, 1916. Walter sailed from Australia aboard H.M.T.S."Port Lincoln" and disembarked at Suez on the 10th of June, 1916.After initial training at Tel-el-Kebir, Walter was taken on strengthto the 5th Division on the 9th of July, 1916. Walter then embarked foroverseas aboard H.M.T.S. "Franconia" from Alexandria on the 2nd ofAugust, 1916, and disembarked at Marseilles, France, on the 8th ofAugust. Walter's record show that he marched in from overseas at the15th Training Battalion base in England on the 21st of August, 1916,but does not state how they got from Marseille to England. The basewas at Codford St. Mary near Salisbury, Wiltshire. Transferred fromthe 59th Battalion to the 57th Battalion on the 10th of November,1916. Walter then proceeded to France aboard the S.S. "Golden Eagle"from Folkestone to reinforce the 57th Battalion on the 11th ofNovember, 1916. He marched into the 5th Division Base Depot at Etapleson the 12th of November, 1916. He was then sent to the 60th Battalionon the 22nd of November, 1916, at Etaples, and was taken on strengthon the 25th of November. His record shows ex reinforcement for the57th Walter was killed in action on the 12th of May, 1917, during thesecond Battle of Bullecourt. A letter written to his parents by afriend; France 7/6/17 Dear Mr & Mrs Kerr It is with deep regretthat I convey to you the sad news of your son Walters death. No doubtthe Military Authorities have already informed you. It wason the early morning of the 12th May during an attack on the enemytrenches at Bullecourt, where many of our bravest and best havefallen, that Walter met his death. It may be one consolation foryou to know that Walter never suffered, he gave me his Wallet andasked me to forward it home to his Mother. Late that afternoon I wasblown up with a heavy shell, and sent to hospital with concussion. Ihave now rejoined my unit and this is the first opportunity I have hadto register and post it. Poor Walter and I ever always the best offriends, he asked me to write home to you as well for a photo ofhimself. If you could send one I would be much obliged as he was mybest friend. The Wallet is just how he gave it to me, and I sincerelyhope Mrs Kerr that you receive it safely. I may say in conclusion Mr &Mrs kerr that Walter earnt the respect of the Officers, N.C.O's andmen of B Coy and I write on their behalf in offering their deepestsympathy in your recent sad bereavement. I am Yours etc 3602 Pte T.Maher B Coy 60th Battalion A.I.F. P.S. Kindly let me knowwhen you have received the Wallet and contents. (Medical):Walter waskilled in action in France on 12 May 1917.
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Our Family
1889 - 1917 (27 years)
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