| Place | Europe: United Kingdom, England |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | P00160.001 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white |
| Physical description | Black & white |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Portrait of Walter Leslie Schwarz. He enlisted in the AIF in 1915, but was harassed because of ...
Description
Portrait of Walter Leslie Schwarz. He enlisted in the AIF in 1915, but was harassed because of his German name. He deserted in England and joined the Royal Fusiliers under the assumed name of Merritt. He became a lieutenant, won the Military Cross (MC) and bar and was Mentioned in Despatches three times. His right leg was amputated above the knee to save his life after he was wounded at Ledegham on 14 October 1918. To the British he was a hero, but to the Australians he remained a deserter until he was pardoned by King George V in 1921.