Farnham, Walter Raymond

4436 Private Walter Farnham - 51st Battalion AIF

Walter Raymond Farnham was born on the 24th September 1887 to Joseph and Henrietta Farnham. He was one of five siblings born into the family, with, Merriden 1896, Sydney 1900, Colin 1902 and Zillah 1905.

The family lived at 71 East Street Fremantle (later renumbered 39 East) and Walter was educated locally before the family moved to Kelmscott.

Walter was working as a clerk prior to the Great War.

Walter tried to enlist in 1915 but was knocked back for medical reasons.

However instead of trying to enlist again he stowed away on the troopship Medic when the ship departed from Fremantle Harbour. He was soon discovered but remained on the ship until it reached Egypt. Once the ship arrived in Egypt he was signed up to the Australian Imperial Force.

The Australian medical examiner in Egypt recorded Walter's physical attributes as;

Height - 5 feet 6 & 1/2 inches tall;

Weight - 142lbs;

Complexion - Fair;

Eyes - Blue;

Hair - Brown;

Distinctive Marks - Tattoo of clasped hands on left arm.

Upon his official signing up, Walter was now sent to join the 51st Battalion in camp in Egypt. During training on the 16th April 1916 Walter was accidentally shot through the arm. Fortunately the wound was not serious and he returned to his unit a few days later.

On the 28th May 1916, just days before the 51st Battalion departed for France, Walter was hospitalised with myocarditis. He was sent to the 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital and then No.3 Australian Auxiliary Hospital.

Walter was deemed medically unfit for further service and he was returned to Australia on the 10th July 1916 aboard the transport ship Clan McGillivray.  After being disembarked in Fremantle, Walter was sent to No.8 Australian General Hospital in South Terrace Fremantle for a medical check.

He was discharged from the AIF on the 26th August 1916.

He then returned home to Kelmscott and resumed his career as a clerk.

Walter married in 1921 to Janet Cowan but sadly they did not have married light together long as Walter died on the 9th October 1922 at Victoria Park. He was only 25 years old and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery plot number Presbyterian EA 0180.