MORRIS, Walter Albert

Walter Albert Morris was 39 years and 11 months old when he enlisted on 11 September, 1915. By then he must have known of the loss of life of the Gallipoli campaign, so it was an act of bravery and patriotism to decide at that point that he wanted to go to the war. He was a motor driver and mechanic, living with his wife, Catherine at 173 Simpson St., East Melbourne. He wrote on his enlistment form that he had previous experience, having served for five years as a Corporal in the Army Service and Transport Division.

Following training, he was placed in the 6th Battalion, 12th Reinforcements. They sailed for Egypt n board the HMAT Ceramic A40 on 23 November, 1915. Walter Morris was promoted to temporary Sergeant for the duration of the voyage, reverting to ranks on arrival. They arrived at Serapeum on 26 February, 1916, where Walter Morris was transferred over to the 2nd Division Armoured Column and taken on strength with the 25th Howitzer Brigade at Zeitoun. The Howitzer brigades were par of the divional artillery, operating the heavier guns from fixed positions behind the battlefront.

On 26 March, 1916, Walter Morris' unit left Alexandria for Marseilles. By now, Walter Morris had been promoted to temporary Sergeant and on 20 May, 1916, he was confirmed as substantive Segeant. He would have been part of the cation at Fromelles, which ws the 5th Division's first experience of combat. Fromelles was essentially a diversionary action to the battles of the Somme, but the death count for those who took part was horrific. From here, it would seem that he was present at many of the major battles of the war: the German retreat to the Hindenburg line; Bullecourt, Polygon Wood, Hamel, Amiens, all of which engaged the 5th Division in 1917-18. 

Walter Morris was killed in action on 9 August, 1918, at Villers-Bretonneux. Evidence of his death is in the Red Cross Rolls. Bombardier M. Geary testified 'Casualty was bringing up horses to the Bty. position near Harboniere.He was just going to unhook them when the Germans opened out a barrere. Casulaty got on his horse and was moving away hen he was hit by a piece of shell which entered his left breast, killing him instantly. His horse was also killed. I was ten yards away at the time of his death and saw his body immediately afterwards. I went back two days later and I helped to bury him. A temporary cross was erected with his name and unit on it.' Simlarly, H.K. Collings wrote in his witness statement 'He was a man of abut 5' 8", well built, a fair complexion, about 40 years of age. Casualty was at Battery Point at Proyart. I was at the battery at the time. He was riding his horse when an H.E. shell exploded under him. killing casualty and his horse instantly. His last words were ' Take round a gallop'. We had to leave the body there and that was the last I saw of casualty.

Walter Morris is buried at Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery. His name is remembered at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra on Panel 18 of the Commemorative Area and in the Roll of Honour Cards 145.