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Walter Charles Fahey - Information

Walter was born in Appin in 1892 to Timothy and Alice Fahey. He eventually moved to Randwick with his older brother, Edward. Walter worked as a tailor with his brother in Sydney, and also as a motor driver. Both Walter and Edward decided to enlist in the AIF, joining up within a day of each other. Walter was 23 when he signed up in Sydney on the 4th of January 1916. He was posted to the 5th Reinforcements, 5th Field Artillery Brigade, and was soon joined by his brother. On the 1st of April 1916, Walter and Edward were transferred to the 28th Battery, 7th FAB.

Given some time to say goodbye to their family, Walter and Edward got their travel orders. Their unit left Sydney Harbour on the 11th of May 1916 aboard the HMAT Argyllshire. After training in England, Walter and Edward were transported to the Western Front in late December. Walter only served alongside his brother for a short while, before he was wounded on the 23rd of February 1917 by an artillery burst. Walter was hit in both lower legs, both thighs, his right foot and right arm. He was admitted to the 13th General Hospital in Boulogne, and was then evacuated to England. He required lengthy treatment, especially due to the shrapnel that was caught in his heel. While Walter was recovering in England, his brother Edward was wounded in October 1918. Edward was evacuated to England, as Walter returned to France at the beginning of November, ten days before the war ended. Walter remained with his unit after the war ended, leaving for home on the 1st of July 1919. When Walter reached Australia, he reunited with his family and his brother, Edward, whom was invalided home at the end of 1918.