Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Hubert Philcox Wallman was born in 13th April 1882, to his parents Gustav Wallman and Louisa Davis, who raised Wallman, along with his six other siblings. Agnes Louise, Reginald Horton, Charles Roy, Leslie Hayes, Arthur Gordon and Douglas Robson Wallman. The family resided in Moonta, a town located in South Australia widely known for its mining fields in the early 20th century. Wallman was educated at St Peter's College in Adelaide. Two of Wallman's brothers Douglas Robson and Arthur Gordon also enlisted in WW1.

The family’s surname “Wallman” was originally spelt with two n’s but later changed once he had enlisted, as the name appeared “too German”. Wallman considered himself a member of the Church of England, one of the many common communions amidst Australians during early 20th century.

Before enlisting for World War I, Wallman worked expertly as a Mining Engineer and Manager. As this role required technological fluency and leadership, it eventually became beneficial during Wallman’s military service during World War I, where he worked in specialized tunnelling units. After securing a stable job as a miner, Hubert Philcox Wallman married Agnes Marianne, in advance to his enlistment. His AIF record names his wife, Agnes as his next of kin.   

Hubert Philcox Wallman had previous service history, 3 years with the Adelaide Cadets as a younger man and 5 months with the Citizens Defence League where he attended officers instruction class and passed the examination. Prior to his enlistment, Wilcox was living in Bendigo, Victoria.

On the 20th of December 1915, Hubert Philcox Wallman had enlisted for World War I service. Wallman was 33 years and 6 months old. He was enlisted with a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. the following year he was appointed as a Lieutenant in May.

On the 1st of June 1916, he embarked to Europe and arrived in Plymouth England 18th July 1916. Wallman was temporarily attached to the 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion in October. In January 1917 he proceeded to join the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company. In February 1918 he took 2 weeks of leave and returned to the UK. He returned to duty 15th March 1918. In June he spent a few weeks in hospital in France with a fever. He recovered and returned to duty 15th July 1918. Wallman was once again granted 2 weeks of leave in October.

Once the conflict ended in 1918, Hubert Philcox Wallman still remained overseas until arrangements were made to confirm soldiers were able to return home. He returned to Victoria, Australia on 19th of April 1919, concluding his active service overseas.

Hubert Philcox Wallman’s contribution during World War I was officially recognized with a Mention in Despatches. On the 11th of July 1919, Wallman’s award was officially published in the London Gazette Issue No. 31448 and later submitted in Commonwealth Gazette No. 124 on the 30th of October 1919. 

Later in 1919, Hubert Philcox Wallman had been formally discharged from military service, as his services were no longer needed. His Australian Imperial Force records specifically note that the discharge was irrelevant to the influenza outbreak which took place at the time.

On the 13th of June 1958, Hubert Philcox Wallman died at his home in Brighton, Victoria, and the exact cause of his death remains unknown.

Until this day, Wallman’s contribution and service within World War I is continued to be remembered through public recognition. His name was engraved on the St Peter’s College Honour Board, to commemorate and recognize his voluntary action to fight for his nation.