FAMILY LIFE

Walter Wallace Tree was born in 1897 in Murwillumbah, son of Henry James Tree & Elizabeth Ann (Tomlinson) Tree. He was one of 8 children.

ATTESTATION

He was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 10^TH January 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Elizabeth Ann Tree, of Tumbulgum. He had spent 12 months in the senior cadets

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 Wallace Tree, 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.” 

His medical showed he was 19 years old, 5ft 10 inches tall (1.78m), weighed 143 lbs (65kgs), with a fair complexion, blue eyes & fair hair. His eyesight was good

He was Church of England and had a scar on his right shin.  He was enlisted as a private into the  41st Battalion, 1st Reinforcement with service No 1093.

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, Walter 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. Training would take several months

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.

TRANSFER TO 41ST BATTALION APRIL 1916

While in the training camp Walter was assigned to the 41st Battalion on 4th April 1916

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 16^th May 1916 his unit caught the troop train from Brisbane to Sydney and on 18^th May they embarked on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes. This troopship was part of the 11th Australian Imperial Force (AIF) convoy, transporting soldiers to reinforce the 3rd Division in Europe. The Demosthenes was a British passenger and cargo ship requisitioned for troop transport during World War I

Alongside his comrades, Walter marched aboard, his boots ringing on the gangway. As the ship’s lines were cast off and the quay began to slip away, the reality of war lay ahead, but for now, the sea breeze carried only the sound of voices and the excitement of men bound for adventure, duty, and the unknown.

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 the voyage, due to overcrowding, training was limited to mainly to lectures and a little physical training.

Sleeping & Living Arrangements

Recruits likely slept in a crowded troop deck below, where rows of hammocks or three-tier wooden bunks were crammed close together.

Air below decks could be stuffy, especially in warmer climates, and seasickness was common during the first few days.

Daily Routine

Reveille early each morning, followed by physical exercises on the open decks (weather permitting). There were parades and inspections—officers ensured uniforms, rifles, and kit were clean and in order. Training was a little problematic—drill without much space, rifle maintenance, lectures on military discipline, signalling, and trench warfare theory. The ship’s decks were used for marching in tight circles or practising bayonet thrusts into stuffed sacks. Rifle shooting was impossible at sea, so soldiers learned to strip and clean their weapons until it was second nature.

Meals

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. The meals were served in shifts from the ship’s galley. Queues were long, and eating on a rolling ship meant many tried to eat quickly before nausea set in.

Health & Sanitation

Shipboard hygiene was critical—every man was ordered to scrub his section daily to prevent disease. Saltwater baths were the norm, with freshwater rationed for drinking.

The Voyage Experience

Entertainment included church drill, concerts, singalongs, card games, and makeshift cricket matches on deck when the weather allowed. In an attempt to keep up morale, an area of the ship was roped off where regular boxing and wrestling tournaments were held. This became commonly known as the Stoush Stadium. No letters could be sent until they reached port, but men often wrote diaries or unsent letters to be posted later.

The 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

CROSSING THE EQUATOR CEREMONY

The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

SIGHTS AT SEA

On the way to Egypt/England, the ship would pass through the Great Australian Bight, cross the Indian Ocean, and stop at Colombo (Ceylon now Sri Lanka) for coal and supplies.

SECURITY

By late 1914, German raiders were active, so lifeboat drills were frequent, and lookouts kept watch for suspicious ships.

APPROACHING EGYPT

After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. For most, it was their first sight of a foreign country, and the reality of leaving home truly sank in. It must have been frustrating to the soldiers, who did not disembark as the stop in Egypt was typically just a port call for refuelling, supplies, or convoy assembly only

ENGLAND

After leaving Egypt, the Demosthenes made its way through the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic toward England. Traveling at the steady pace typical of troopships, the voyage took roughly ten to thirteen days, giving the soldiers time to rest, reflect, and prepare for the training and duties that awaited them upon arrival. The men finally saw the green shoreline of England. The reality of leaving home truly sank in. The recruits would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the training grounds of England, preparing for what lay ahead.

TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENT TO THE 11TH TRAINING BRIGADE

Upon arrival, the soldiers disembarked and were temporarily assigned to various training units in England to prepare for deployment to the Western Front. On 7 August 1916, Walter was taken on strength with the 11th Training Brigade. This brigade was part of the British Army's training establishment in England, responsible for preparing reinforcements for the front lines. The 11th Training Brigade was formed in early 1916 as part of the 3rd Division and saw action during World War I.

Walter now entered a structured program designed to prepare reinforcements for the front lines. The brigade focused on refreshing basic soldiering skills that had been temporarily interrupted by the long voyage from Australia. Daily routines included physical drills, route marches, and bayonet practice, building strength, stamina, and discipline.

Soldiers also spent significant time on weapons training, learning to handle rifles, machine guns, and grenades with accuracy and safety. Instruction in trench tactics was a core part of the program, with men practicing advancing under fire, digging, and defending trenches, and coordinating in small units. Other lessons included field signalling, map reading, and camouflage, all vital skills for survival on the Western Front.

Alongside combat preparation, the brigade emphasized hygiene, camp discipline, and basic medical knowledge, ensuring each man could care for himself and assist comrades in the field. The training was both physically demanding and mentally challenging, but it steadily transformed the raw reinforcements into disciplined, capable soldiers ready to join their battalions in France.

Alongside the rigorous drills and tactical instruction, life in the 11th Training Brigade had its quieter rhythms. Recruits like Walter rose early each morning to the sounds of bugle calls, shared meals in the mess halls, and brief moments of camaraderie before the day’s training began. Evenings offered time to write letters home, read, or talk with fellow soldiers about their homes and hopes for the future.

Despite the strict routines, there were moments of levity—informal games, friendly competitions in marching or rifle drills, and storytelling that helped the men bond and keep spirits up. The combination of discipline and companionship forged a sense of unity, preparing the soldiers not only for the physical demands of war but also for the challenges of serving together on the front lines. For Walter these weeks of training were as much about building confidence and resilience as mastering the practical skills he would soon need in France.

DISCIPLINED AUGUST 1916

Walter was found guilty of being AWL from 6am on 22^nd August to 5pm on the same day. He was awarded 7 days confined to barracks & forfeited 1 day’s pay.

CONFINED TO BARRACKS

This disciplinary measure meant Walter was restricted to the camp grounds and not permitted to leave the barracks area during that period. It served both as a punishment and a reminder of military discipline.

During those 7 days, he would have been required to remain within the camp’s living quarters, attending all formations, drills, and duties but barred from any leave or recreational activities outside the camp. His daily routine would still involve physical training, weapon drills, and camp chores such as cleaning, maintenance, and possibly extra fatigue duties as part of the penalty.

Meals would be taken in the mess halls, and he would have been expected to maintain a strict military routine—rising early, adhering to lights out times, and attending parade and instruction sessions. Interaction with fellow soldiers was permitted but limited to the camp confines, cutting off the usual respite that leave or visits outside camp might provide.

This form of confinement was intended to reinforce discipline and order, helping soldiers understand the importance of following military rules while still allowing them to continue training and preparing for active service.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH NOVEMBER 1916

On 22 November 1916, Walter was formally marched into the 41st Battalion, marking the completion of his training with the 11th Training Brigade. Just two days later, on 24 November, he departed for France, joining the many reinforcements bound for the Western Front. The journey would have taken him across the English Channel, a relatively short but tense crossing, before reaching the ports of northern France. From there, troops were typically transported by train to rear-area camps near Rouen, a major logistical hub where soldiers were organised and processed before moving closer to the front.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

The soldiers now found themselves fighting the Germans in trench warfare. 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 & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

HOSPITALISED DECEMBER 1916 NO DETAILS

On 4 December, Walter was admitted to hospital in Rouen, where he remained until 29 December. The records do not give details, but hospitals at Rouen cared for soldiers recovering from minor injuries, illness, or the strain of travel and adjustment to life in France. During this time, he would have been under constant observation by medical staff, receiving care, rest, and light activity as his condition allowed.

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917

After leaving Rouen hospital at the end of December 1916, Walter rejoined the 41st Battalion and resumed active service on the Western Front. In June 1917, he participated in the Battle of Messines, a meticulously planned attack aimed at capturing the Messines Ridge from German forces. The assault involved a combination of creeping artillery barrages and coordinated infantry advances, with the battalion moving forward under heavy fire to secure key objectives and consolidate newly captured positions.

THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES JULY 1917

Following Messines, Walter and the battalion were engaged in the opening phases of the Third Battle of Ypres (July 1917). This campaign, later known as Passchendaele, involved prolonged fighting in difficult conditions, with intense artillery bombardments, waterlogged trenches, and the constant threat of enemy counter-attacks. The battalion took part in holding and advancing positions, supporting the broader allied efforts to gain ground in Flanders.

Between these major engagements, the 41st Battalion rotated through the front and support areas, maintaining trenches, conducting patrols, and preparing for further operations. These months were a period of sustained operational activity, requiring endurance, discipline, and close coordination among the men.

DISCIPLINED AUGUST 1917

Walter again went AWL from 9pm on 26th August until apprehended at 1pm on 27th August. He was awarded 21 days Field Punishment No 2.

FIELD PUNISHMENT NO 2

In Field Punishment Number Two, 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
SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER 1917

From mid-September to early November 1917, Walter served with the 41st Battalion during the later stages of the Third Battle of Ypres. The battalion was heavily engaged in the Flanders sector, rotating between front-line and support positions. During this time, soldiers held trenches under constant artillery bombardment, conducted patrols and raids, and helped consolidate recently captured ground. The relentless mud, rain, and difficult conditions of the Ypres battlefield made every task arduous, from maintaining trenches and barbed wire to carrying supplies and evacuating the wounded.

RECURRENT HOSPITALISATION

Walter’s service in late 1917 and 1918 was punctuated by a series of hospital admissions. On 7 November 1917, he was admitted to Rouen Hospital, returning to his battalion just four days later on 11 November. His time with the unit was brief, as he was readmitted on 19 November and remained in hospital until 8 December, when he rejoined the battalion once more.

HOSPITALISATION VENEREAL DISEASE JANUARY 1918

In early 1918, Walter was admitted to an administrative hospital on 23 January for treatment of venereal disease, remaining there for 91 days before rejoining his unit on 24 May. Shortly thereafter, he returned to hospital again on 5 June, with records noting a subsequent transfer to the L. & C. Hospital on 11 June for further treatment of venereal disease. He remained there for another 91 days, finally rejoining the battalion on 18 September 1918.

Treatment for venereal disease in the Australian Imperial Force during WWI primarily involved hospitalisation, strict rest, and medical therapies available at the time. Soldiers were often treated with salvarsan (an arsenic-based compound) or mercury-based preparations, which were administered by injection or topical application. These treatments aimed to cure the infection, but could be uncomfortable and required careful monitoring due to side effects. In addition to drug therapy, patients were given regular medical inspections, hygiene instruction, and restrictions on activity until fully recovered. Lengthy stays in hospital—often several weeks or months—were common, as doctors ensured soldiers were no longer infectious and fit to return to duty

These repeated hospitalisations reflected the challenges of maintaining health and fitness under the conditions of front-line service.

REJOINED UNIT SEPTEMBR 1918

Each period of treatment was carefully documented, and Walter’s eventual return to the unit allowed him to resume his duties with the 41st Battalion on 18^TH September 1918.

BATTLE OF EPEHY SEPTEMBER 1918

Walter rejoined his unit on the day the Battle of Epehy. On 18 September, the Allies launched a major attack near Épehy, and while Walter’s battalion was not in the very front line that day, the operation was part of the broader push that would soon involve them directly. Within days, orders came for another assault—this time against one of the most formidable German defensive positions on the Western Front: the Hindenburg Line. Following the heavy fighting of mid-September 1918, Walter and the men of the 41st Battalion had little time to rest

THE BATTLE OF ST QUENTIN CANAL SEPT TO OCTOBER 1918

From 29 September to 2 October 1918, Walter took part in what would be the 41st Battalion’s final major battle of the war. Alongside American troops, the Australians attacked near the village of Bony, storming the St Quentin Canal defences. It was fierce, costly fighting, carried out under machine-gun fire and heavy shelling, but the position was broken. The price was high—by the time the battalion was withdrawn, its numbers had been reduced to fewer than 250 men from the 1,000 who had embarked for France two years earlier.

PULLED OUT OF THE FRONT LINE OCTOBER 1918

Exhausted and depleted, Walter and the survivors were pulled out of the front line in early October. They moved to quieter areas where they could rest, reorganise, and absorb reinforcements. With manpower short and no more drafts coming from Australia, the 42nd Battalion was merged into the 41st, its men becoming ‘B’ Company. The amalgamation was not without its tensions; men were proud of their own units and reluctant to give up their identity.

WAR ENDED NOVEMBER 1918

By early November, Walter and his comrades were still out of the line when word came—belatedly—that the war was over. The Armistice of 11 November took three days to reach them at Saint-Maxent, where they were camped. There was no rush of excitement so much as a quiet relief; for men who had endured years of fighting, the idea of going home felt almost unreal.

The fighting was officially over so he 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 many months before they were headed back to Australia.

In the weeks that followed, the battalion remained in billets, carrying out light duties and preparing for eventual repatriation. The fighting was over, but the waiting began—waiting for transport, waiting for orders, waiting to leave France behind.

AUSTRALIAN GENERAL SCHOOL JANUARY 1919

After the Armistice, Walter remained in France with the 41st Battalion as the long process of demobilisation began. Much of the work now was routine — light duties, maintaining order in billets, and waiting for transport home. In early January 1919, Walter was given a temporary change of pace when, on 4 January, he was transferred to the Australian General School. These schools had been set up to provide both specialist military training and general education for soldiers no longer needed at the front. Some men learned new trades or skills that could help them find work after the war; others refreshed their knowledge of military subjects such as signalling or Lewis gun operation. For Walter, it was a brief posting — just six days — before returning to his unit on 10 January to continue the wait for repatriation.

LEAVE IN ENGLAND FEBRUARY 1919

On 10 February he was granted leave to the United Kingdom, a welcome break from the winter camps of northern France. Soldiers on UK leave often travelled via the Channel ports to London or other destinations, taking the opportunity to visit relatives, see the sights, or simply enjoy time away from army discipline. Walter’s leave lasted until 20 February, when he rejoined his unit — still based in France. Over the next few weeks, the men continued to wait for transport home, filling their days with parades, sports, and routine duties.

AUSTRALIAN GENERAL SCHOOL march 1919

On 31 March Walter once again attended the Australian General School, this time for a longer period, making use of the educational opportunities offered while awaiting repatriation.

CODFORD, ENGLAND APRIL 1919

In late April 1919, Walter left France and travelled to Codford, a large Australian Imperial Force camp in Wiltshire, England. There, he joined hundreds of fellow soldiers waiting for repatriation. Life at Codford was a mixture of routine and anticipation: medical inspections, final paperwork, drills, and the occasional short leave to explore the surrounding countryside or visit nearby towns. It was a quieter end to service after years on the front lines, giving Walter a chance to rest and reflect on his experiences.

RETURNED HOME JUNE 1919

On 12 June 1919, Walter embarked on HMAT Themistocles, beginning the long voyage back to Australia. The journey took several weeks, with stops along the way, giving soldiers a chance to recover from the rigours of war and look forward to returning home. Finally, on 20 August 1919, Walter disembarked in Australia, marking the conclusion of his wartime service. After years of training, fighting, and waiting in foreign lands, he was back on home soil, ready to resume civilian life.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service Walter was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial

HOME LIFE

Based on his gravestone from findagrve.com.au Walter married & had children. He died 5^th September 1963 at Lismore district and is buried in Coraki cemetery, Anglican section

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