The AIF Project

Walter Douglas HUME

Regimental number919
Place of birthNorth Sydney, New South Wales
SchoolMilsons Point Public School, North Sydney, New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationPrinter
Address8 James Street, North Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinMother, Mrs Annie Hume, 8 James Street, North Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date11 April 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name17th Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/34/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 12 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll17th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work on 9 October 1917 at Passchendaele Ridge.
Recommendation date: 14 October 1917

Other details from Roll of Honour Circular'Walter Hume embarked Sydney May 12 1915. Was at Gallipoli, Stretcher Bearer, and in France as BHQ Runner, a runner being wanted for C Company and none available at the time. He volunteered and was caught by a shell. Fell unconscious and never came to. 3 years service and not a day missed from duty.(details from mother)
FateDied of wounds 16 May 1918
Place of death or woundingMorlancourt, France
Age at death23
Medals

Military Medal

'During operations on 9th October, 1917, on PASCHENDAELE RIDGE, these runners [HUME and 1059A A.S.E. ARNSHAW] displayed an absolute disregard for personal safety in carrying messages through heavy barrage fire. When, owing to casualties, there was urgent need for every available man in the front line, these men with practially no assistance did the whole of the running from the front line to Battalion Headquarters passing through the enemy's barrage time after time, and exposed the while to enemy machine gun and sniping fire. When the position was obscure they were responsible for the bringing of much valuable information concerning the situation to Battalion Headquarters. They showed remarkable endurance in carrying out these duties practically without sleep for three days and nights. They also acted as guides to the relieving unit and with great skill andresourcefulness, were able to conduct them to positions about which very little was known.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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