Walter James Holmes
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 9 May 1899 |
| Place of Birth | Bishop's Wallham, Hampshire, England |
| Death | 31 Aug 1956. aged 57 |
| Place of Death | Mt Lawley, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 43 years old |
| Description | 5'8" (1.73m) tall ; ; fair complexion ; blue eyes ; fair hair ; scar on nose, top lip and chin |
| Occupation | Hotel keeper |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Travelers Arms Hotel, Bedfordale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Mother , Mrs. Elizabeth Blythe |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W62671 |
| Date of Enlistment | 28 May 1942 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit/Formation | Western Command RR & GDD (Staff) |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Medals |
War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
Electoral Roll entries: 1921 -1931 at 70 Alma road, North Perth, seaman; 1936 'Serpentine Falls Hotel' Serpentine, hotelkeeper; 1943 at 'Travellers Arms Hotel' Bedfordale, hotelkeeper
War Service
Walter was called up on 28 May 1942, and from 9 Jun 1942 was on full time duty. On 17 Jun 1942 he was sent to the 19th Australian Infantry Training Battalion at Northam to undertake basic training as a General Reinforcement. On 7 Aug 1942 he was unwell and was sent home for 8 days to recover. On 4 Dec 1942 he was appointed Lance Corporal, and on 6 Jul 1943 promoted to Acting Corporal.
On 29 Feb 1944 he was transferred to the staff of the 35th Australian Infantry Training Battalion in Northam where on 14 Jul 1944 he reverted to Private and the next day was sent to the Western Command General Details Depot for reallocation. While there he was seen by a Medical Board who reclassified him B2 as a result of injury to his right wrist. On 7 Sep 1944 Walter joined the 8th Australian Supply Depot as a Lance Corporal, and was promoted Corporal on 19 Jun 1945.
Walter was transferred to the staff of the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot on 30 May 1946 until 26 Mar 1947 when he became one of hose being processed for Discharge which occurred on 3 Apr 1947.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 - 1954 at 68 Alma road, North Perth, hotelkeeper;
Notes