TILBROOK, Walter Wesley
| Service Number: | 618 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 12 September 1914 |
| Last Rank: | Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 16th Infantry Battalion (WW1) |
| Born: | Willowie, Orroroo, South Australia, 19 May 1890 |
| Home Town: | Willowie, Mount Remarkable, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Willowie Public School, South Australia |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | Killed in Action, France, 1 April 1918, aged 27 years |
| Cemetery: |
Hebuterne Communal Cemetery Grave Ref, 1 A 2 |
| Memorials: | Adelaide National War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Orroroo District Roll of Honour WW1, Orroroo Morchard Methodist Church Memorial Window, Orroroo Morchard War Memorial, Orroroo War Memorial, Willowie Memorial Hall Stained Glass Window 2, Willowie Schools and District Roll of Honor |
World War 1 Service
| 12 Sep 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 618, 3rd Light Horse Regiment | |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Sep 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 618, 3rd Light Horse Regiment | |
| 21 Dec 1914: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 618, 3rd Light Horse Regiment, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '1' embarkation_place: Newcastle embarkation_ship: HMAT Thirty-Six embarkation_ship_number: A36 public_note: '' | |
| 21 Dec 1914: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 618, 3rd Light Horse Regiment, HMAT Thirty-Six, Newcastle | |
| 1 Apr 1918: | Involvement AIF WW1, Corporal, 16th Infantry Battalion (WW1) | |
| Date unknown: | Involvement 618, 16th Infantry Battalion (WW1) |
Help us honour Walter Wesley Tilbrook's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Elizabeth Allen
Walter Wesley TILBROOK was born in Willowie, Orroroo, South Australia on 19th May, 1890
His parents were Jabez TILBROOK & Emily MORPETH
His brother Richard Louis Howard TILBROOK (SN 15941) also served in WW1 and returned to Australia in 1919
Biography contributed by Victoria Newton
From his WikiTree Profile:
Walter Wesley Tilbrook was known to play football and was a 'big chap'. He saw active service in Gallipoli and was severely wounded by a bullet wound to the arm. After regaining health in England he was attached to the SA Machine Gun Corps and was twice decorated and distinguished for brave conduct, including a military medal.
The citation for his award reads: This non-commissioned officer is brought under notice for gallant conduct and splendid behaviour during operations near Zonnebeke on the 26th September 1917. During the attack he lead his section forward with a steady coolness which inspired confidence in his men. Soon after reaching the Red Line his section of trench was very violently shelled by the enemy, he, thoroughly appreciated the situation and took his men forward to shell holes, where the fire was less intense, and so undoubtedly saved many lives.
Walter was later killed on Easter Monday 1918 while attempting to capture a German trench. Walter was ahead of the main party and shot by a German sniper. His body was buried next to a comrade who died the previous day. The area where he was buried is now part of Hebuterne Communal Cemetery, France. He is the second grave registered. (Grave Ref, 1 A 2)
Research Note
Mother's name was incorrect on birth certificate and spelled "Morpeth" instead of Morphett.
Some war records incorrectly spelled his name "Tillbrook"
Contributed by Vicki Newton
Click images to start slideshow.