| Regimental number | 2590 |
| Place of birth | Launceston, Tasmania |
| School | Church Grammar School, Tasmania |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Manager, sheep station |
| Address | 'Bringalbit', Kyneton, Victoria |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25 |
| Next of kin | Father, John Walter Walkem, King's Meadows, Launceston, Tasmania |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 59th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/76/3 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 59th Battalion |
| Fate | Killed in Action |
| Place of death or wounding | Villers-Bretonneux, France |
| Age at death | 27 |
| Place of burial | Heath Cemetery (Plot VI, Row D, Grave 11), Harbonnieres, France |
| Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 169 |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: John Walter and Lilian Grace WALKEM. |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'At DELSAUX FARM on the 18th March, 1917, Corporal WALKEM displayed conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During the attack on DELSAUX FARM by the vanguard on 18th March, 1917, Corporal WALKEM carried messages backwards and forwards to the firing line under heavy machine gun and rifle fire. The fire was very accurate and when it was found necessary to make a flanking movement, the only means of sending messages was by runner. As the risk was great, volunteers were called for and Corporal WALKEM volunteered at once and successfully accomplished his mission. The act greatly contributed to the success of the operation, which resulted in the position and important documents being captured.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 140 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
