Private Richard Waltham, 3983, 8th Battalion A.I.F.
Richard Waltham died in an attempt to carry back the injured Lieut Doolan from No Man’s Land. He had originally been with the 28th Battalion in Egypt, but after returning to Australia, was transferred at his own request to the 8th Battalion.
He was born on 19th February 1894, son of Joshua Frederick and Constance Winifried Waltham, of Tangil Hills, Victoria, Australia. A Native of Heidelberg, Victoria.
He went to Guildford Grammar School, Western Australia.
He was 5’ 11” tall, weighed 169 Lbs and had Brown eyes and Dark brown hair.
His job at enlistment is given as a Farmer
4th March 1915 he enlisted at Wanneroo, Western Australia with the 28th Battalion.
15th April 1915 He was promoted to Corporal.
9th June 1915 He left Australia with the 28th Battalion
7th August 1915 He was admitted to Hospital (V.D.), same day was reverted back to Private.
31st August 1915 He returned to Australia on “Wiltshire” with V.D.
23rd November 1915 He embarked on “Ceramic” for Egypt, transferred to the 8th Battalion.
18th February 1916 He was admitted to Hospital again, this time with mumps at Abbassia.
4th March 1916 He was discharged from 4th Auxiliary Hospital
8th March 1916 He was sent to Australian Reserve
29th march 1916 He left Alexandria for Europe on the “Transylvania”
4th April 1916 Disembarked at Marseilles.
10th May 1916 He was disciplined for disorderly conduct.
17th May 1916 Joined the 8th Battalion from Etaples
18th August 1916 He was Killed in Action, at Martinpuich near Pozieres whilst trying to rescue Lieut Doolan, aged 22.
His notes on Roll of Honour give this description of his service:
“He left Western Australia as a Corporal, on 9th June 1915 in the 28th Battalion. He left Egypt returned as Corporal on board troopship with wounded soldiers to Victoria. At own request he was transferred to 8th Battalion. He was killed in night raid, stuck in the forehead by shell while assisting to carry Lieutenant Doolan who was wounded to safety. (Lt. Doolan died of wounds, while prisoner).
He is buried in Pozieres British Cemetery, Ovillers-La-Boisselle.
Source : National Archives of Australia
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