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Walter Neil Bruton - Information

Walter Neil Bruton was born in Campbelltown. When war broke out, he was living in Lidcombe with his family and working as a master butcher. On the 21st of January 1915 he enlisted at Liverpool, and on the 10th of April 1915 departed Sydney Harbour onboard the HMAT Argyllshire. Walter landed in Egypt, however, in August, his service was put on hold when he was admitted to hospital in Abbassia with venereal disease. Consequently, in September he was invalided to Australia from Suez with great shame. Receiving further treatment in Australia, he was then sent to Broadmeadows Camp in Melbourne, as part of the 4th Reinforcements, 1st Field Artillery Brigade.

On the 28th January 1916, Walter again left for service overseas. He was shipped out as a Driver with the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade on the HMAT Thermistocles. He landed in Cairo in February, and was taken on strength to the 52nd Battery at Moascar. On the same day, he joined the No. 4 Section, 1st Division Ammunition Column. On the 9th of July, he was transferred to the 25th Field Artillery Brigade. Walter was later transported to France where he was posted to the 50th Battery, 13th Field Artillery Brigade.

Walter remained with the 13th Field Artillery Brigade for the duration of the war, reverting to Gunner at his own request in 1918. He provided necessary artillery support, destroying enemy defences and providing creeping barrages for the infantry during operations. After a bout with influenza, Walter left England for Australia on the 3rd of May 1919.