Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born on the 5th of October 1890 in  Magill, Adelaide, South Australia, Hurtle Frank Walker was born to parents John Walker and his mother, Henrietta Walker. He developed interests in the wine industry as he grew older. He first became involved with the South Australian wine industry when he was ten years old and was granted a leave of absence from Magill Public School to go grape picking. Walker also accepted a job with Auldana Winery at the age of 14, and at age 21, he was given control of the sparkling wine cellars despite having just a basic understanding of the sector. 

At the age of 24 years and 10 months, Walker enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on the 7th of September 1915. Assigned to the Field Artillery (F.A.) Reinforcements. Walker began his service as a Private in the 10th Battalion, before he was quickly transferred to the 2/6 Reinforcements, where he was promoted to Gunner. Walker began his journey through Europe in France 1916, where he would spend most years of the war in. Upon arrival he was posted to the 16th Battery, before quickly being transferred to the 6th Field Artillery Brigade (6th F.A.B). During this time, he would also write letters home to his family and even being included in the newspaper under the ‘Letters from the Front’ headline where he joked that he was “still alive and kicking”. However, in June 1917, his valiant efforts were recognised, and he was eventually promoted to Bombardier as well as Acting Corporal of the 6th F.A.B without pay. 

On the 17th of August, a Recount of Events states how in Gronendijk in Belgium, Walker rushed through the heavy fire to the team and under a constant hail of shells to save precious ammunition and resources. This bravery led to remarks from his commanding officers, stating he “displayed bravery of the highest order under the heaviest fire and his fine example had an excellent effort on the personnel” Hurtle Frank Walker was awarded both the ‘Distinguished Conduct Medal’ and ‘Military Medal’ for this display of bravery. Walker’s service prior to this award continued as normal, until on the 9th of September 1917, while on duty the 6th F.A.B was bombarded by opposing forces in France, leading to Walker wounding his head. He was shortly admitted to hospital on the same day, and where he was bedridden for 3 weeks. But, on the 28th of the same month, he re-joined the 6th F.A.B and regained his position. During October, Walker spent an unspecified amount of time in the UK, returning on the 11th. After returning, Walker was promoted to vice Corporal, then vice Sergeant, to replace his wounded seniors. On the 7th of February of 1918, Walker returned to the U.K. on leave for 2 weeks, before swiftly returning to France where he was posted to the 17th Battery. During this year, Walker was also awarded his Military Medal for bravery in the field. Unfortunately, soon after, he was hospitalised for Influenza for 2 days, taking leave from the field. Upon returning once again, he was promoted to Battery Sergeant Major (B.S.M). However, shortly thereafter, he contracted pneumonia. Walker returned to England once again to receive treatment for his pneumonia. Walker spent 2 months in hospital, being discharged in May 1919. Walker shortly embarked back to Adelaide after his treatment was complete.

After Walker returned to Australia, he stayed in a military hospital for six months before beginning his work in the wine business again. He participated in the founding of Romalo Cellars of Australian Wines Pty. Ltd and in 1926, he was chosen to be the company's manager, a post he retained until his retirement. At some point, Walker was married to his wife, Ellen Eliza Walker. Hurtle Frank Walker passed away on the 23rd August 1975 from natural causes and was buried at Centennial Park Cemetery.