Walter enlisted into the Rifle Brigade on 14th August 1900. He was 20 years and 4 months old, and was a labourer by trade. He served in South Africa from 16th December 1901 to 3rd February 1903, receiving the Queen's South African Medal. From 18th June 1904 to 15th November 1905 he served in Malta, then he was posted to serve in India until 6th February 1908. On 1st May 1909 he transferred to serve with the R.A.M.C. He entered the war in France on 16th August 1914 with the 4th Field Ambulance. His name appears on a list of R.A.M.C. personnel who were taken captive up to & including 31st December 1914. His address was given as 10 Garfield House, Mardyke Street, Old Kent Road, London - (kindly provided by Steve Mattocks). In the early hours of 26th August, the 4th Field Ambulance were ordered to go to Landrecies to treat and evacuate the wounded. A couple of hours after entering the town the Germans arrived, and Walter became one of 219 of the rank and file of the R.A.M.C. to be held captive there. He was taken to Germany entering Sennelager POW camp on 4th September 1914. He returned to the U.K. in 1915, then on 21st July 1915 embarked for Egypt, arriving on 4th August 1915. On 6th October 1915 he departed from Base Details, Mudros, for duty with S.S. Caledonia. He transferred to S.M.O. for duty a few days later on the 29th. On 30th January 1916 he joined No 15 Stationary Hospital for duty but transferred to No 21 Sanitary Section on 16th February 1916. On 9th April 1916 he joined Base Details, Mustapha Camp, Alexandria, who posted him for water duties with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlander on 20th April 1916. He joined them in the field on the 27th. On 4th September 1916 he embarked for the U.K. due to the pending termination of his period of engagement. He was discharged from the Colours on 21st November 1917.