The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Studio portrait of 114 Sergeant (Sgt) Walter Peeler VC, 3rd Pioneer Battalion from Castlemain, Victoria. A 28 year old labourer prior to enlisting on 17 February 1916, he embarked for overseas as a private with the Machine Gun Section from Melbourne aboard HMAT Wandilla (A62) on 6 June 1916. After arriving in England, he was promoted to lance corporal (L Cpl) and then proceeded to France in November to join the 3rd Pioneer Battalion. After being wounded in action during the battle of Messines on 7 June 1917, he spent three days receiving treatment before returning to his battalion. On 4 October 1917 L Cpl Peeler was one of several Lewis gunners attached to the 37th Battalion for the attack on Broodseinde Ridge. In the forefront, he led attacks against a series of enemy posts, eventually killing over 30 of the enemy. Eight days later he was wounded in action and while recuperating in England, received the Victoria Cross from the King. After being promoted to temporary corporal on 31 May 1918, he was promoted to sergeant on 30 July 1918. Sgt Peeler arrived back in Australia for leave on 11 October 1918. During the Second World War, Peeler understated his age and enlisted in the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion and served as a warrant officer class II. After serving in Syria, he was captured with his unit in Java during 1942 and spent three and a half years as a prisoner of the Japanese. He was a Custodian of Victoria's Shrine of Remembrance between 1934 and 1940 and from 1945 until 1964. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1961.
British Empire Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Walter Peeler was born near Castlemaine, Victoria on 9 August 1887. He enlisted in February 1916 and joined the 3rd Pioneer Batt
Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse suspender with recipient's details; reverse cross with date of action. Walter Peeler was born near Castlemaine, Victoria on 9 August 1887. He enlisted in February 19
Brown cloth-bound album containing 54 prints over 24 pages. Insribed in green pencil on inner cover is 'English snaps 19148-1918 War. F. Wilkinson Sergt. 360 B.Coy. 31 BTN'. Album was compiled by 360
Studio portrait of 4061 Lance Corporal (LCpl) Stanley Robert McDougall, 12th Reinforcements, 15th Battalion, of Recherche, Tas. LCpl McDougall enlisted on 30 August 1915 and embarked from Sydney aboar
Portrait of 40 Corporal (Cpl) Ernest Shannon, 20th Battalion. A lineman prior to enlisting on 19 April 1914, he embarked from Sydney for the Gallipoli Peninsula in June 1915. Cpl Shannon was promoted
Studio portrait of 4935 Sergeant (Sgt) Reuben Herbert Wheeler, 6th Battalion from Wallacedale via Condah, Victoria. A 19 year old clerk prior to enlisting on 28 July 1915, he embarked for overseas as
