Walter Frederick Burgess

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sun, 05/04/2015 - 14:52

First Name:

Walter

Middle Name:

Frederick

Last Name:

Burgess

Mother's Name:

Emily Burgess (nee Alger)

Father's Name:

Alfred Burgess

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, April 13, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

3rd Battalion

Company:

21st Reinforcement

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Sunday, June 30, 1963

Place of Death:

Sydney

Details:

Walter Frederick Burgess (Service No 6473) was born in Wollongong around 1896 and attended Unanderra Public School.

Walter gained employment as a carpenter after school, also spending 2 years in the Citizens Military Force. He was 21 years of age and single when he enlisted in April 1916.

Walter embarked from Sydney with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Reinforcement, on HMAT A40 Ceramic on 7th October, 1916.

He served on the Western Front in France and Belgium. On 16 May, 1917 Walter was accidently wounded, receiving a severe gun shot wound to his back and thigh. He was evacuated to hospital in England for treatment. A Court of Inquiry into the incident was held and findings dated 25 March, 1918 confirmed the wound was the result of an accident.

Walter rejoined the 17th Battalion in France on 19 May, 1917. On 4 November, 1917 Walter was wounded in action and evacuated to England on 7 November. Until his return to Australia the following year, Walter remained in England. He left for home per HMAT Suevic on 5 November, 1918 returning to Australia for further treatment.

Walter was discharged from the AIF on 24th July, 1919.

Walter and Ada Roose were married in 1921.

Walter's brother Leslie Hope Burgess also served, and both are commemorated on the Unanderra Public School Roll of Honour.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, BURFESS W F