Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Walter John Rogers was born in Penola South Australia. Walter attended the Kalangadoo school from January 1897 to July 1904. At 5 foot 10 inches tall and with a love of football Walter played for the Kalangadoo Royal Blues and at one stage umpired football matches between local schools - including a school boys match between Penola and Kalangadoo in 1914 - Kalangadoo were victorious!
Walter worked as a butcher at the Kalangadoo Slaughter House up until the day he enlisted.
Walter John Rogers enlisted into the A.I.F on the 16th August 1915 and arrived at recruit camp on the 17th, as apart of E.Coy 2nd Depot Battalion.
On the 11th January 1916 private Walter Rogers left Australia on board the H.M.A.T SS Borda, arriving in Egypt on the 26th February 1916 as part of the 10th Battalion reinforcements.
The 50th battalion then was raised with those returning from Gallipoli and the fresh reinforcements from Australia; of which were mostly South Australian. The battalion became part of the 13th brigade of the 4th Australian Division. The 50th left Egypt and arrived in France on the 11th June 1916 to the bleak winter on the Western Front.
Private Walter John Rogers fought at Pozieres in the Somme Valley in July 1916 and was wounded in action on the 10th August, after being shot in the right hand, which resulted in him losing two fingers and left his hand paralysed. By the 17th August private Rogers had been sent to England to Clandon Park Hospital.
The 50th Battalion suffered badly on the 13-15th August at the Battle of Mouquet Farm due to fighting on the front line and spending winter in the trenches.
Private Walter John Rogers returned to Australia on the 20th November 1917 and was discharged on the 26 November 1917.
Private Walter John Rogers had completed 643 days of active service and was awarded :
The British War Medal
The Victory Medal
After his discharge Walter returned to the South East and married Leslie Cameron at Penola on the 26th June 1929. Walter and Leslie ran their property on the Mayoupe Road, farming merino sheep.
Walter was a member of the Penola Racing Club and was a life member of the Penola P.A &H Society and devoted much of his life to it. A reflection of how much a contribution Walter made is seen by the Wattie Memorial Gates that lead into the Western side of the McCoriquindale Park.
Wattie and Leslie were involved with many charities around Penola and held various functions to raise much need funds for such charities.
Walter John Rogers ( Wattie) passed away on the 23rd May 1962 and lies at rest in the Penola Cemetery.
A courageous soldier and an outstanding Australian.

Lest We Forget