Walter was educated at Liverpool University, where he qualified M.B., Ch.B. in 1904, and the D.P.H. in 1907. After qualifying he acted as house-surgeon and house-physician of the Northern Hospital, and as resident medical officer of the City Hospital, Fazakerley, and as school medical officer to the Liverpool Education Committee, eventually becoming assistant lecturer in hygiene at Liverpool University. He finally held a public health appointment as medical officer and chief tuberculosis officer. He got a commission as captain the 2nd West Lancashire Field Ambulance on 1st October 1911. He was the eldest son of Dr H L and Mrs Mary Hawksley of Southport, Lancs; and the husband of Annie Gertrude Hawkesley of The Limes, Linton, Cambs.