Walter Murray McKenzie

McKENZIE, Walter Murray- – – SPC 1902-1903

DoB:- – 1887, Echuca, VIC

Father:- – Hugh McKenzie

Mother:- – Margaret Jane, nee Mitchell

Walter McKenzie and his brother John (SPC 1899) both attended St Patrick’s and both boys joined up.

Service No:- 30595

Rank:- – Private

Unit:- – –

Walter McKenzie enlisted for service on 17 August 1916, aged 29 years and three months. He was unmarried, five feet, seven and a half inches tall, with a medium complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair. He worked as a stock salesman.

He signed up at the Castlemaine Depot and underwent initial training between 17 August and 28 September 1916, when he was appointed to the rank of Private. On 28 September he was transferred to Maribyrnong and appointed as a Driver on 1 November 1916.

However, Private McKenzie did not leave Australia for service overseas, as he was pronounced medically unfit and discharged on 8 December 1916. He was diagnosed with peuplural neuritis/rheumatism. The medical report stated that his injury was pre-existing, dating from a football injury in 1913, after which McKenzie noticed swelling behind his right knee at intervals. This was aggravated by the army training, and he was experiencing pain when putting weight on his leg. It was noted that although he was discharged, his character was good.

Back in civilian life, Walter married Josephine Catherine Gunning in Victoria in 1920. They moved to NSW and by 1930 were settled in Jerilderie. Walter continued working as a stock agent and he and Josephine remained at Jerilderie until Walter’s death in 1940, aged 53 years. The College could not discover if Walter and Josephine had any children. Walter was buried at the Jerilderie Cemetery, NSW.