| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | PR00178 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 3 items |
| Object type | Letter |
| Maker |
Walker, Ian William Walker, Keith Reid |
| Date made | 1941 |
| Access | Open |
| Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM371 92/0045 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
Walker, Keith Reid (Major, b.1917 - d.2007) and Walker, Ian William (Lieutenant, b.1919 - d.1942)
Description
Collection relating to the Second World War service of brothers VX474 Major Keith Reid Walker DSO, 2/7 Australian Infantry Battalion, and VX4674 Lieutenant Ian William Walker, 2/7 Australian Infantry Battalion, Greece, Crete, 1941.
The collection consists of letters written by the Walker brothers to their parents describing their involvement in the battle of Crete. The letters detail the journey through Greece to Crete, the landing of German paratroopers, the battalion's withdrawal, the lack of heavy support and aeroplanes, being told to surrender but choosing to try and escape, escaping on a landing craft and spending many days at sea drifting, finding land, and being rescued.
History / Summary
Ian Walker was killed in action in New Guinea on 5 December 1942. He was awarded a posthumous Distinguished Service Cross (USA) by the President of the United States of America on 15 January 1943. Keith Walker was awarded a Distinguished Service Order in 1943.