William Raby Walker (1886 - 1917)

Born 1886 in New Zealand

Ancestors

Died 20 Dec 1917 at about age 31 in Ypres, France

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Biography

William was born in 1886. He is the son of James Walker and Helen Scrimgeour.

"Mr and, Mrs James Walker, of Ferntown, Collingwood, have been advised that their late son, Sergt. William R. Walker, had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry on the field of action. The Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) adds that he sincerely regrets that the brave soldier had not been spared to receive personally such a coveted decoration. The late Sergt. W.R. Walker was an only son. He was 31 years old age at the time of his death, and had been working all his life-time to get a farm cleared. He had seen much service at the front, and had been wounded four times" Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 47, 23 February 1918, Page 4

A BRAVE SOLDIER

"LIVED AND DIED' LIKE A MAN." THE LATE SERGEANT W. R. WALKER. Mr James Walker, of Ferntown, Collingwood, has received the following letters in connection with the death _o£ his son, Sergeant W. R. Walker, which speak for themselves Major Newman 'Wilson writes': "Dear Sir:—l am just writing to convey to you the sympathy of all in this Battalion on the loss of your gallant son, the late Sergeant Walker, D.C.M. Perhaps you would like to know more about how he won his medal, although he may have written you on the subject. During stand to (about 6.30 a.m.), a large party of the enemy, 50 to 70, tried to rush our trenches, which the 12th Company, on that part, was holding. Our men met them with rifle /and machine-gun fire, and finally stopped them within a few yards of the line. Your son played a big part in the show. By his cool bearing and good leadership, he set an example to all. The particular piece of land from a military standpoint was the key of a big position. The S.O.S. signal did not go up, and the attack was smashed man to man in fair fight. I have known your son for a long time now, and it is terribly hard to lose such lads, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that he was one of those who played a very important part in building up the traditions of our division, which has set a standard for present and future New Zealanders. His life was not wasted. He lived and died like a man." Lieut.-Colonel H. Stewart writes: "It is my sad duty to express my very deep sympathy with you on the loss of your gallant son. Sergeant W. R. Walker, who was killed by a fragment of shell east of Ypres on the night of the 20th. Death was practically instantaneous and quite without pain.. I had recommended your son for very gallant conduct during the previous spell of duty in the trenches for the D.C.M and you will be proud indeed of this fine distinction. I, enclose the recommendation. The medal itself will be forwarded to you in due course by the Military Authorities at the Base. I knew your son as one of our very best N.C.O.'s who would shortly have got a commission. He was always most reliable, and was, held in the greatest respect and regard by all ranks. I am sure his splendid record and the knowledge that he died in a good cause will be a source of consolation to you."

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 68, 22 March 1918, Page 4

(Copy.) 26th. November to 1st December 1917. 23/186 Sergeant William Raby Walker, For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty - On 26th November 1917 this non-commissioned officer was in command of a platoon in an isolated trench, when a party of the enemy, estimated 50 strong, attempted a raid. He showed great coolness, presence of mind and tactical ability in the handling of a Lewis gun, which he brought to bear on the threatened flank, covering it by a section of bombers. By these dispositions, he inflicted heavier casualties on the enemy, at lesser risk to his own men. His platoon caught the raiders by enfilade fire, and decimated them. The enemy later on used a large party of stretcher bearers under a Red Cross flag to carry away the wounded. This non-commissioned officer has previously shown marked courage and devotion to duty.

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Sources

1. ↑ information entered by Jeff Thomas, Wednesday, March 4, 2015. Replace this citation if there is another source.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 47, 23 February 1918, Page 4 Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 68, 22 March 1918, Page 4

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