Phil Walklate shares the story of his great uncle Harold Vernon Walklate.

Harold Vernon Walklate was an accountant prior to enlistment, in partnership in a hardware store in Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield. The story goes that a coin was flipped to see who would sell out to the other and join the war effort. Harold enlisted on 1 February 1915 and commenced service as 2nd Lieutenant. He served in Somme and Flanders through 1916 and 1917 with 14th Battalion. He was shot in the arm in 1916 and recuperated in England before returning to his unit.

Walklate was promoted to Captain in 1917. Sadly, he was killed on 20 October 1917 by shellfire whilst leading troops to the frontline. He was the last Captain of the 14th Battalion to be killed in action.

We are fortunate to have Harold’s diary recording 1916 and 1917 still in the family. Harold was my grandfather’s brother. The family story is told that on the day of Harold’s demise he was leading Captain Albert Jacka’s troops to the line – Jacka being ill on that day. Walking across the duckboards to avoid the arduous trek through the mud in the trenches at Westhoek Ridge, they were hit by shellfire, killing Harold and Sgt Currie. His body was never recovered and his name is listed on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres. This account is supported by the last entry in Harold’s diary entered by his brother Wilf (who returned) that simply states “Harold killed taking Capt Jacka (VC) D Coy in to line.”

I have visited Menin Gate, seen Harold’s listing on the wall and attended Anzac service at Polygon wood in 2013 – a highly recommended experience for those with family or anyone who has an interest in the tragedy that was the Western Front.