FAMILY LIFE

Walter Henry Mulvena was born on 5^th July 1897 in Murwillumbah, son of William & Mary Ann (McKay) Mulvena. He was one of 7 children, all born in Murwillumbah. His brother, Maurice, also enlisted. His mother, Mary Ann, is listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district

APPLICATION

He was single farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 20^th July 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Mary, of Murwillumbah. His mother wrote a letter giving him permission to enlist. His medical showed he was 19 years old, (he was 18 years 2 months old) 5ft 6 inches tall (1.68m), weighed 134lbs (61kgs), with a fresh complexion, grey eyes & brown hair. His eyesight was good. The Examining Medical Officer stated that Walter “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.”  On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Walter Henry Mulvena, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” 

Walter was Church of England. He was enlisted as a private into the 31^st Infantry Battalion – 2nd Reinforcements with service No 1717

31^st INFANTRY BATTALION

The 31st was raised in August 1915 as part of the 8th Brigade & it joined the 5th Australian Division in Egypt before heading to the Western Front in France in 1916. The 31st Infantry Battalion's legacy is marked by its resilience, bravery, and dedication to its missions. Its history is preserved through memorials and historical records, ensuring its contributions are remembered and honoured

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line.

The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet. Training would take several months

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 3^rd January 1916, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Kyarra. The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

HOSPITALISATION VENEREAL DISEASE JANUARY 1916

They disembarked on the Suez on 30^th January, 1916. Walter was admitted to the Camp Hospital on the same day with venereal disease. Treatment for VD was a punishment in its own right. Patients would be treated with Salvarsan and mercury which offered uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects such as jaundice and convulsions. Other treatments included irrigation, which was painful and undignified resulting in many men to opt for chemical treatment instead.

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP

Walter joined his unit at the training camp on 17^th February. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons.  Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more. Training would be for eight hours a day six days a week. All day long, in every valley of the Sahara for miles around the Pyramids of Giza were groups or lines of men advancing, retiring, drilling or squatted near their piled arms listening to their officer. For many of the battalions many miles of desert had to be covered in the morning and evening to and from their allotted training areas. At first, to harden the troops, they wore full kit with heavy packs. Their backs became drenched with perspiration, and the bitter desert wind blew on them as they camped for their midday meal and many deaths from pneumonia were attributed to this cause.

SUEZ CANAL

The Suez Canal was a vitally important supply route for the British Empire. During the war, troops, and equipment of the Australian, New Zealand and Indian forces passed this way en route for the Western Front, in addition to millions of tons of foodstuffs, minerals and other provisions bound for Britain and her Allies. The importance of the Canal had been recognised by the British Government long before the war, and steps were taken to provide defences. From late 1914 until mid-1915, the British forces, including the 31^st, stood on the defensive along the Suez Canal, defeating various Turkish and German/Turk-led Senussi attempts to capture or damage the canal

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

In mid-1916 the 31^st proceeded to France, destined for the Western front, where they found themselves fighting in trenches, and not in the heat of the African desert. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

DISCIPLINED APRIL 1916

Walter went AWL whilst on active duty from 8pm on 27^th April 1916 to 8.15pm on the 28^th. He forfeited 5 day’s pay and 2 days leave.

BATTLE OF FROMELLES 19^TH JULY 1916

The 31st Battalion fought its first major battle at Fromelles, having only entered the front-line trenches 3 days previously. It was intended as a diversion to prevent German reinforcements from moving to the Somme, but the attack was poorly planned and executed. Australian and British forces faced heavily fortified German positions near Aubers Ridge, including the "Sugar Loaf" strongpoint. The assault resulted in catastrophic losses, with over 5,500 Australian casualties, including nearly 2,000 killed. The battle is remembered as one of the darkest days in Australian military history. The attack was a disastrous introduction to battle for the 31st – it suffered 572 casualties, over half of its strength.

DISCIPLINED JULY 1916

On 17^th July he created a disturbance in Calais & forfeited 7 day’s pay.

JULY TO DECEMBER 1916

Although it still spent periods in the front line, the 31st played no major offensive role for the rest of the year. Due to the heavy losses in the battle, they were rendered non-operational for the remainder of 1916. While they continued to spend time in the front-line trenches, they did not participate in any major offensive actions during that period. The battalion's focus during this time was on rebuilding its strength and preparing for future operations. They would be doing a variety of things such as repairing & reinforcing the trenches, venturing into No Man’s Land to gather intelligence on the enemy’s movements, practising weapon handling, supporting supply line with food etc and resting for periods in billets & rest areas. 

ADMIN HQ OCTOBER 1916

On 30th October 1916 Walter was in Admin HQ with details camp in England. According to ChatGPT the phrase "Admin HQ with details camp in England" in the context of World War I likely refers to a military administrative headquarters along with a "details camp" located in England. Admin HQ would be a central office responsible for managing and coordinating logistical, personnel, and support functions for a military unit or formation. The term "details" in a military context usually refers to small groups of soldiers temporarily assigned to specific tasks or duties, often administrative or logistical in nature.

FURLOUGH IN ENGLAND

On 18th November he proceeded on furlough- no record of length

MARCH 1917

In March 1917, the 31st Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was engaged in operations on the Western Front, particularly around the Bapaume region in northern France. This period coincided with the German strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, known as Operation Alberich, during which German forces retreated to fortified positions, leaving behind a devastated. According to the battalion's war diary for March 1917, the 31st Battalion was involved in advancing into areas vacated by the Germans, occupying new positions, and consolidating gains.

WOUNDED IN ACTION MARCH 1917

There is no record of Walter being injured but on 2rd March 1917 he was marched into No1 command post in Perham Downs which received men who are likely to be fit for duty within three weeks, classified as B1. This classification is men who are free from serious organic diseases, able to stand service on lines of communication in France, and can march 5 miles, see to shoot with glasses, and hear well. He rejoined his unit on the 1^st July 1917 which were still fighting in the trenches in France.

LEAVE IN FRANCE AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 1917

He was given leave in Calais from 16^th August to 3^rd September.

BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 1917

His unit was then involved in the Polygon Wood Battle which was the second of three battles between 20 September and 4 October 1917 in which ‘step by step’ or ‘bite and hold’ tactics were used to batter down the formidable German defensive positions. After an opening bombardment the infantry would advance for a prescribed distance behind a ‘creeping’ barrage of shells. This barrage would keep the Germans in their ‘pillboxes’ until British soldiers were almost upon them. The enemy positions would then be captured consolidated and protected from counter-attack by artillery. Artillery would be brought forward and the next ‘bite’ attempted. In this way the British aimed to work their way from their start lines near Ypres to the heights of the ridge ten kilometres away at Passchendaele village. Charles Bean, the Australian Official Historian described the opening barrage on 26 September as the most perfect that ever protected Australian troops and that it rolled ahead of the troops roaring ‘like a Gippsland bushfire’.

HOSPITALISATION INFLUENZA OCTOBER 1917

On the 6^th October 1917 he was admitted to the 8^th Field Ambulance with influenza. (A Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps).  Influenza was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. It could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain. There were no antibiotics in 1917. There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward. Walter returned to his unit on 12^th October 1917.

BETWEEN BATTLES

Unlike some AIF battalions, the 31st had a relatively quiet time during the German Spring Offensive of 1918 as the 5th Division was largely kept in reserve. Between battles, battalions engaged in a variety of critical activities to recover, prepare, and maintain their effectiveness. Some of the key activities included rest & recovery, continuing their training, maintaining their weapons & uniforms, building & reinforcing the trenches & dugouts & barbed wire defences

They also conducted patrols and reconnaissance to gather intelligence on enemy movements and maintain control over no-man's-land & engaged in activities like writing letters, playing games, and sharing stories to bond as a unit and maintain their spirits. This downtime between battles was essential for ensuring that battalions could perform effectively when called back into action.

INFLUENZA MAY 1918

Walter was again admitted to 4^th Australian Field Ambulance with influenza on 15^th May, 1918 but rejoined on 18^th May.

DISCIPLINED JUNE 1918

On 5^th June he went AWL from 9am to 5.30pm.  He was awarded 7 days Field Punishment No 2, where the prisoner was placed in fetters and handcuffs but was not attached to a fixed object and was still able to march with his unit. This was a relatively tolerable punishment. He also forfeited 8 day’s pay.

BATTLE OF AMIENS AUGUST 1918

The Allies launched their offensive with the battle of Amiens on 8 August, in which the 31st Battalion participated. The battalion helped capture several enemy positions and contributed to the rapid advance of up to 11 kilometers on the first day—an extraordinary feat in trench warfare. German forces were taken by surprise, and thousands of prisoners were captured. The 31st Battalion's actions were part of the broader 5th Division push that helped break a key section of the German front line. It was subsequently involved in the operations that continued to press the retreating Germans through August and into September.

THE BATTLE OF ST QUENTIN CANAL SEPTEMBER 1918

The 31st fought its last major action of the war in September 1918 when the 5th and 3rd Australian Divisions, and two American divisions attacked the Hindenburg Line across the top of the 6-kilometre-long St Quentin Canal tunnel; the canal was a major obstacle in the German defensive scheme. The Battle of St Quentin Canal was a significant Allied offensive aimed at breaking through the Hindenburg Line, the last major German defensive position on the Western Front.

LEAVE IN FRANCE OCTOBER 1918

On 20^th September Walter was given leave in Calais until 13^th October.

WAR ENDING

The end of the war was in sight and on 11^th November the fighting was officially over so Walter prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait several months before they were headed back to Australia.

HOSPITALISATION INFLUENZA DECEMBER 1918

However, he contacted influenza again on 2^nd December and was admitted to the 8^th Field Ambulance. He was then admitted to the 6^th General Hospital in Rouen on the 4^th. He spent some time in hospital and was discharged to No 1 command post or convalescence.

GOING HOME

Walter returned to Australia on 13^th March 1920. He was discharged 12^th May 1920.

FOR HIS SERVICE WORLD WAR I
For his service Walter was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Bilambil First World War Honor Board

WORLD WAR II

His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour  in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Number 53 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War, the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Toowoomba Roll of Honour WW2, Toowoomba WW2 Roll of Honour Book, Toowoomba War Memorial (Mothers' Memorial), Uralba Roll of Honour

HOME LIFE

Walter married Doris Adams in 1928. They had 5 children. Many years later; in 1940, he enlisted again and was a prisoner of war in Malaya where he died of cholera on 23^rd May 1943. He is buried in the Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Thanbyuzayat, Mon State, Myanmar 

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.