Their bodies are buried in peace; but their names liveth for evermore.

Their Duty Done

A tribute to the men and women of the East Gippsland Region who Died as a result of their participation in World War One : 1914 -1919

William Wilson Walker was born at Sunbury, the second son of Robert and Jane Walker (nee Holmes). He had five sisters and John Robert, his only older brother. At a young age, the Walker family moved to Lindenow where the children were schooled at Woodglen State School. The family then moved to Newry where William worked as a horsebreaker. On 10 May 1916 he enlisted with the 2nd   Cyclist Battalion when he was 23 years and eight months. The following month he sailed on the HMAT Barambah from Melbourne on 27 June 1916. William never made it to his destination. While on board he contracted measles which was complicated by broncho pneumonia and he died at 1.10am on 19 August 1916 and was buried at sea. After William’s death his parents moved back to Lindenow South and it was to here that William’s belongings were returned to the family in February 1917. On 29 January 1916, his brother John Robert also enlisted with the 2 nd  Pioneer Battalion but he was discharge due to rheumatoid arthritis seven months later in August 1916. William is remembered at the Hollybrook Memorial in Southampton, England and on the Nindoo honour board.   We have been unable to locate a photograph of Private William Walker, if you know of one, please make contact. Our group would appreciate your assistance.