Vincent James Nelson Walker

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sat, 16/09/2017 - 14:16

First Name:

Vincent

Middle Name:

James Nelson

Last Name:

Walker

Date of Birth:

Wednesday, April 7, 1897

Mother's Name:

Agnes Walker nee Graham

Father's Name:

John Walker

Date Enlisted:

Monday, July 24, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

2nd Air Mechanic

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

Australian Flying Corps

Company:

No 2 Squadron, Headquarters & 69 Squadron

Service:

Australian Flying Corps

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Thursday, November 25, 1965

Place of Death:

Wollongong, N.S.W.

Details:

Vincent Walker (Service No 595) was born in Kangaroo Valley, N.S.W.

At enlistment Vincent he was single, 19 years old and was studying as a wireless student; he lived in Gerringong, N.S.W. with his family. He embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT A38 Ulysses with the Australian Flying Corps, No 2 Squadron, Headquarters on 25th October 1916.

He arrived in England on 28th December 1916 and joined 69 Squadron in France on 29th July 1917 where he was assigned duties as a signaller.

On 29th September 1917, Vincent was sheltering in a bunker with other soldiers when their bunker was hit by mortar and Vincent was buried. He was dug out after the attack, but the troops were then the victims of a gas attack. Vincent was admitted to hospital for treatment of shell shock and the severe effects of mustard gas.

Shortly after, he was deemed unfit for further active service and returned to Australia in March 1918. Vincent was discharged from the AIF, medically unfit, on 7th August 1918.

On 12th February 1930, Vincent married Lorna Miller in Kiama, N.S.W.

He died in Wollongong, N.S.W. in 1965 and is buried at Unanderra Cemetery.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, WALKER V J N