The Long, Long Trail

My parents were also born in Australia, and there is no doubt that my father was of German extraction. He unfortunately died shortly after I was born, but I am certain, that had he lived, he would have trained me, as my mother did, to place my king and country before everything.

The compulsory training system was introduced into Australia when I was in my fourteenth year, and I then began to realise my long it cherished ambition, and it was with great joy that I became a cadet of Training Area 11a. I took every advantage of the opportunity offered and after passing through the non-commissioned ranks I studied for and passed the examination for Second Lieutenant.

Captain Penrose, the Commanding Officer of Training Area 11a, realising how keen I was on war work of a military nature, gave me a free hand and in addition to lending me many books on military subjects, coached me in map reading and military law, with the result that I passed my examination for Lieutenant about three months after obtaining my first commission. During this time I attended many classes of instruction then it being held and obtained certificates in map-reading, infantry and Army Medical Corps work.

From my fourteenth to my eighteenth year I spent most of my time attending these classes, accompanying to senior officers on staff rides, or drilling the cadets, with the result of that and military career attracted me more and more every day.

Early in my 18th year, after many conversations with Captain Penrose, I decided to stop playing at soldiers, and joined the regular army. With this object in view I resigned my commission on the 24th June, 1914, and as I had no private means with which to enter the Military College, I took the oath of allegiance to his Majesty on that day, and became a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery at Fort Lytton , determined to make my way up for a ladder until I obtained a regular commission.

With that of this object in view I commenced my new studies, and shortly after end listing I was appointed an unpaid acting Bombardier, and although it does not seem very much, it meant a lot to me, as it brought me to step nearer to my call.

The life of a gunner at Fort Lytton appealed to me, and I was making good progress owing to my previous training, when on the morning of the 5th August, 1914 we were awakened by the sound of the alarm, and on falling in a we were informed that we were at war with Germany. The remainder of this night and the next few days we spent in preparing the fought for action during which time it we captured an enemy cargo ship.

A few days later news came through of the invasion of Belgium and as I was very keen to go on active service I approached my commanding officer, Captain Weavers, and asked to be sent with the first contingent then being mobilised, either in infantry or artillery. His answer was rather disappointing, for he informed me that none of the regular forces would be allowed to go, but in time he hoped that a regular battery would be formed, in which case he would put my name forward.

The prospect of an indefinite wait before I should add be allowed to go on active service did not appeal to May, and I was looking for a way out when the fact that my name it was of German origin was brought home to me by the receipt of an open postcard bearing the following words: “when are you going to be naturalised?”.

This was the first of many such insults I received, and I was continually hearing remarks, obviously directed at me, about “people with German names, etc, etc, should not be allowed to serve, as they would probably turn traitors” or some other equally disgusting remark. These remarks hurt me very much, particularly as I am very patriotic and was very keen to go on active service and do my share of the fighting.

Shortly after war was declared I passed my examination for Bombardier, and was selected with several others non-commissioned officers to attend a class of instruction for promotion to the rank of sergeant major.

The instructor of this class lost no opportunity of making a joke about my name, which I have no doubt was very amusing to the class, but to me was most unpleasant.

I got through this school, and received a temporary appointment as Sergeant-Major, and was detailed for duty with the Australian Expeditionary forces at Enogerra Camp.

I had hoped that on promotion to Sergeant-Major this stupid persecution would cease, but it still followed May, and although I enjoy it to training of the men, I felt that I was always looked upon it with suspicion. During the time that I was at Enogerra Camp I made repeated applications to be allowed to accompany the men I was training on active service, either as the Sergeant-Major or as a Private, but all these applications were refused, as I was a regular soldier and required for home defence.

I had almost given up hope of ever getting away when a received word from Fort Lytton that a battery of regular troops was to be formed, and I was asked if I would volunteer. I lost no time in forward in my application, and after the usual medical examination, I was picked passed fit for active service and instructed to return to my unit.

On return to my unit, I automatically reverted to my rank as an unpaid acting Bombardier, and in company with other volunteers from Fort Lytton proceeded to the mobilisation camp, the Domain, Melbourne. In due course all volunteers arrived from the other forts and we were arranged in sections and as my rank was only acting I was instructed to take my stripe down. This I did, and when a number of promotions were made a little later on I did not receive much of rank although a number of men were promoted who had not previously held stripes.

I do not profess to know why I was passed over, but it seemed to me that the old persecution on account of my German name was still following me. As I had held a cadet commission, was qualified for the rank of Bombardier, and had been a Sergeant-Major instructor to the Expeditionary Force, I could see no other reason than the one just quoted for my treatment.

Shortly after these promotions we met were made we sailed in the “Orsova ” for England, and I worried but little over my name as I hoped to prove myself in action.

On arrival in England about June 1915, we were stationed at Lydd, Kent. The gun crews, Signallers, the layers, etc were detailed and we were known as the 55th Battery, “O” Siege Brigade. Training now commenced in real earnest, and I was detailed with several others to attend a class of instruction for Battery Commanders Assistant.

This course lasted for some weeks, and that the conclusion and examination was held at which I obtained a highest number of marks. I was then detailed for duty with Major Hurst, and at several tests he held he never found fault with my work as a Battery Commanders Assistant.

As all troops were now familiar with their duty, it was proposed to hold a number of field days, to carry out practice shoots. I had been looking forward to these days for some time, when to my surprise I was taken off the Battery Commander’s staff, and detailed for duty as a mess orderly.

About this time the report was current in camp that no one with a German name would be allowed to accompany the Brigade on active service, and as I was mess orderly on all occasions when the batteries were on manoeuvres, I came to the conclusion that the reports were correct and that I was being deliberately left out.

Reviewing the situation I determined to seek an interview with my commanding officer, Colonel Coxon, and ask him if my suppositions were correct. This I did on Saturday 23rd October 1915, and after explaining my case to him he informed me that that I had better see my battery commander, Major Hurst. I immediately saw Major Hurst and put my case before him. He did not give me any satisfaction and as he gave me evasive answers to my direct questions as to whether my German name had anything to do with it, I decided that my suppositions were correct, and that my services were not required but the 55th Battery, “O” Siege Brigade.

Having made this decision, I decided to put plans already made into execution, and on the same day, Saturday 23rd October, 1915, I absented myself without leave from my Regiment, and proceeded to London. On arrival at London I registered at the Union Jack Club, and spent remainder of that day and Sunday 24th October 1915 in obtaining civilian clothes.

He was enlisted as 4633 Private into the 30th (Reserve) Battalion of his regiment, and posted to Romford next day, where his military training commenced. It is likely that his prior experience shone through, for he was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 2 December 1915 and Corporal on 13 January 1916. He moved from the regimental base at Romford to billets in Leamington Spa, arriving there on 12 November 1915 and remaining until 31 January 1916 when he moved to Oxford.

In company with other recruits for the 23rd Royal Fusiliers, I was sent to join the Battalion at Gidea Park, Romford, and quickly settling down to new conditions, I found myself a paid Lance-Corporal within a very few days .

About the 2nd December, 1915, I was sent on a course of physical drill and bayonet fighting been held at Aldershot, and as I had a good knowledge of this work, owing to my past training, I obtained the highest number of marks in my class and was awarded a good certificates. As the completion of the course I returned my unit then stationed at Leamington Spa, and commenced making applications to be sent on active service.

Whilst at Leamington Spa, and shortly after my return from Aldershot, I was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and after making many applications to my company commander, Captain P. Suckling, and my commanding officer, Colonel Inglis, I was included in a draft and on approximately 10th March 1916, I joined my Battalion the 23rd Royal Fusiliers, 2nd Division, then in France.

I'm afraid that my work on that tour was practically nil, for on the morning of 1st May in the trenches near Lens, I was wounded in both arms, legs and face. After one or two operations in France I was evacuated to England, and eventually rejoined my Reserve Unit the 30th Royal Fusiliers, then stationed at Olympia, Edinburgh.

On arrival at Edinburgh I was detailed for duty with the physical training staff, and I have no doubt that I could have remained there for many months but this did not suit me, for although I had been wounded and badly shocked had not seen enough active service.

I again resorted to my old tactics and after making a number of applications to my commanding officer Colonel Inglis, I was again included in a draft, and on approximately the 24th September 1916 I rejoined the 23rd Royal Fusiliers in the trenches near Hebuterne .

After the usual tour of trench warfare we were relieved and went back on rest. During this rest I was sent for by my commanding officer, Colonel Vernon DSO, who informed me to that he had good reports of my first tour with the Battalion, and that I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and was to take charge of a platoon of D Company .

This pleased me very much and I wondered whether I should have received any promotion, had a remained with the 55th Battery, “O” Siege Brigade.

About the 2nd November 1916 we were moved to the Beaumont Hamel area and took part in that attack on the 12th November, after which we held the line for some days. On or about 20th November we were relieved and sent back on rest.

While on this rest I was sent for by my commanding officer Colonel Vernon, who informed me that he had recommended me for a commission and that I was to proceed to England, to attend an Officers Cadet Battalion. I am certain that I carried out my duties with the 23rd Royal Fusiliers satisfactorily, otherwise I should not have been recommended for a commission.

On 25 August 1916, he re-crossed to France, moved to an Infantry Base Depot and was sent on to rejoin his Battalion, arriving on 11 September 1916.

Walter was promoted to Sergeant on 21 September 1916.

I arrived in England about the 22nd December, 1916 , and was instructed to report at No. 7 Officers Cadet Battalion, Femoy, County Cork, Ireland on the 2nd January, 1917.

I remained at this Cadet Battalion until the 24th April 1917, when I received my second commission as a Second Lieutenant in his Majesty's Land forces.

I am certain that Colonel Williams, the Commanding Officer, and Captain Crofts, my company commander, will testify to my work as a cadet, and at a final interview with Colonel Williams he informed me that or I had done well in my examinations, and that he had no hesitation in recommending me for a commission.

In due course I was gazetted to the Royal Fusiliers and on the 3rd June 1917 I was posted to and joined the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Fusiliers, 29th Division, in France.

From Lanches the 29th Division was moved to the Langemark sector, and during an attack on 9th October I was again wounded but remained on duty. When the attacks in this area were completed, the Division was relieved, and we went back to rest, and later to practice for an attack, which turned out to be the attack at Cambrai on 19th November 1917.

Before going into this attack, I was appointed Battalion Intelligence Officer, and acted throughout the attack and later the defence in that capacity.

For the attacks at Langemark and Cambrai, I believe I was recommended for a decoration, as I received a Divisional card of honour signed by Major General Sir Beauvoir de Lisle KCB DSO.

I am certain that the divisional commander of the 29th Division, Major General Sir Beauvoir de Lisle KCB DSO and later Major-General Cayley CMG, the BGGS 15th Corps; Brigadier-General Knox CMG DSO and the brigade commanders of the 29th Division: Brigadier-General Cheape CMG DSO; Brigadier-General Freyberg VC DSO and Brigadier-General Jackson CMG DSO will all testify to my work as Brigade Intelligence Officer. I could also give many more names including Captain Gee VC MC; now a Member of Parliament.

The 29th Division was next engaged in the Lys battle and I received my first Honour by being mentioned in Field Marshal Haig’s despatch, dated the 7th April, 1918.

Shortly after the Lys battle the Division was engaged in an attack on Ploegsteert, and for my action in that attack I was recommended for the Military Cross which his Majesty was pleased to approve, the award being published on a the 2nd October, 1918, which read as follows: “Temporary Second Lieutenant Walter Lancelot Merritt, 2nd Battalion the Royal Fusiliers. Intelligence Officer 86th Infantry Brigade Headquarters. For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. At a very critical moment, when one battalion was completely out of touch with both flanks which had been held up, he readjusted to whole line under extremely heavy fire at close range, and led troops into position gained touch with the advanced Battalion and ensuring the safety of its flanks. Throughout the whole operation his courage and initiative were most marked”.

From Ploegsteert the Division was moved to the Ypres salient to take part in the Allied offensive on 28th September 1918. This attack was a very great success and as the area to be crossed by the 86th Infantry Brigade was devoid of any landmarks, I carried a large red flag in the centre of the attack, which would be easily seen by the troops on either flank, and by advancing on a compass bearing I was able to bring the troops on to the objective, without losing ground to either flank. From reports afterwards received it was found his flag not only kept the direction of the attacking waves, but enabled the following waves to keep direction.

For my work in this attack I was recommended for a bar to my Military Cross, which was not awarded, but I received a second mention in Field Marshal Earl Haig's despatch dated the 16th March 1919.

The red flag which proved so valuable on the 28th September was again called into use, and I again accompanied the attacking wave to assist them in keeping direction. The attack commenced at about 5:30am on the morning of the 14th and owing to a very heavy mist, and the amount of smoke shells used in the barrage, visibility was extremely bad. In company with my observers I followed the barrage and when the visibility improved we found ourselves on the first objective with very few men. The remainder of the Brigade had experienced great difficulty in getting through Ledeghem owing to the dense fog, and as we were unable to properly search the ground over which we had advanced, we found ourselves practically surrounded by the enemy. Although we were heavily engaged by the enemy at close range, with machine gun and trench mortar fire, we succeeded in holding the objective until the Brigade arrived.

Shortly after the Brigade arrived a number of the enemy opened fire on me at very close range, and succeeded in badly fracturing my right leg. I was evacuated by the Royal Army Medical Corps and on my arrival at No. 5 Base Hospital Wimereux, my leg was found to be in such a state that to save my life it was amputated above the knee a few days before the Armistice.

Whilst at No. 5 Base Hospital I received word that His Majesty had been pleased to approve the award of a Bar to my Military Cross, and the award made on the 15th February, 1919 read as follows: “Temporary Lieutenant Walter Lancelot Merritt, 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, Intelligence Officer 86th Infantry Brigade Headquarters. East of Ledeghem on the 14th October, 1918 as a Brigade Intelligence Officer, he carried the directing flag in the centre of the attack and arrived on the first objective with only about 40 men, the remainder having got lost in the thick fog and smoke. He and his observers captured 28 of the enemy during the advance, and they held on to the objective until the remainder of the Brigade arrived. He was severely wounded in the leg later in the day. He behaved most gallantly and did fine work”.

The following extract is taken from a letter I received from my General (Brigadier General Cheape) a few days after my amputation: “We are all so awfully sorry to hear that you have lost your leg, but cheer up it is far better to lose a leg than an arm. We got our objectives of the day you were wounded, as we always have in this Brigade, thanks to fellows like you”.

The following is an extract from a letter dated the 4th March 1919 from the late Captain W. Dearden, Brigade Major 86th Infantry Brigade Headquarters. “I am most awfully sorry to hear that you have got such a rotten wound, and have lost your leg. I hear that you did magnificently, and know you have the Military Cross, and I don't know how many bars... many, many congratulations, as you deserved all you got”.

The following is an extract from a letter dated the 15th September 1919 from the French interpreter attached 86th Infantry Brigade HQ. “I sincerely hope someone has kept a record of the speeches made at Christmas 1918, when it from General Cheape to the French Froggy, best wishes were sent to two of the finest officers the British Army has had, Captain Dearden and Lieutenant Merritt. We missed you both very much, and I shall always look back to my stay with the staff of the 86th Infantry Brigade”.

After a long illness in France, through which I was not expected to recover, I was evacuated to England, and admitted into the 3rd London General Hospital, and later was transferred to the Special Orthopaedic Hospital at Southmead, Bristol. I had several operations at this hospital, and after convalescence at Rock House, Bath, I was admitted into Dover House for the fitting of an artificial limb.

Whilst at this institution I was commanded to appear at Buckingham Palace on the 22nd April 1920 and had a very great honour of receiving my Military Cross and Bar from the hands of His Majesty.

The following month I was retired from the service on account of wounds received in action and it was with the greatest regret that my career came to such an abrupt ending with only six years service.

Approximately two of these years were spent in France and in addition to the decorations and mentions already recorded I received a number of Divisional honour cards, for my services with the 29th Division. In conclusion I may truthfully add, that on the cessation of hostilities it was my intention to obtain a transfer from at Temporary to a Regular Commission, and with this object in view I put forward an application about November 1917, which was passed by my General and forwarded to Divisional headquarters. Failing this I should have enlisted as a Private, and made my third effort to gain commissioned rank”.

On 9 May 1921, when living at Rokesley Lodge, 95a St George’s Road, Brighton, Walter wrote his splendid account in an effort to obtain a pardon for his desertion of his Australian unit in October 1915. He addressed his letter to the King. The matter was dealt with at the highest levels of the British civil service, and finally after consultation with the Australian authorities his case was put to His Majesty King George V, who ruled in Walter’s favour in late July 1921.

His name having now been cleared, Walter wrote from 9 Bloomsbury Place, Kemptown, Brighton to the War Office, requesting that he be repatriated to Australia. This appears to have followed an interview at the War Office three days previously. His request was refused.

Walter married on 4 February 1938, and his wife became Mrs Charlotte Maud Merritt.

This exceptional, devoted and brave man died on 9 January 1969.