The Soldier's Details

Wally enlisted AIF 18 Dec 1940 later joined 2/4th’s ‘B’ Coy Headquarters under CO Capt.  Bunning.

As a POW in Singapore Wally left by ships with the first work party to leave  ‘A’ Force Green Force No. 3 Battalion to work on Burma end of the Burma-Thai Railway.  First they were to repair and enlarge three airfields on the west coast of Burma.  Green Force was at Victoria Point for several months.

The POWs began working on the rail link on 1 Oct 1942 and remained doing so until the end of 1943.  After which the Japanese moved all the POWs in Burma south into Thailand into one of about 5 large camps, including Hospital Camps for those who will sick – and many were.

We can confirm Wally was at Aungganaung 105 km Camp 10 March 1944 – Don Matheson died of illness and Wally was a pallbearer for his service.  He was also recorded being at Khonkan 55km Hospital Camp.

It was in Thailand the Japanese selected the man they considered ‘Fit’ to work in Japan.  Wally was amongst this first work party which would become known as ‘Rakuyo’ Maru Party.

Below:  Now released, Secret Australian naval document Sept 1944

Wally was born in Coventry, England in 1919. At aged 7 years he departed London on SS ‘Ballarat’ 12 May 1927 for Fremantle.  He was accompanied by the Winter family – his father Walter Victor, then aged 48 years Labourer, mother Annie (48) Ernst (13) Lucy Hilda (5) and Bernard (3 months).

Before going to war  Wally Winter was residing with his family Judd Street, South Perth.

Returning from war he married Hilda Quake in 1946.

In 1949 Electoral Roll Hilda and Wally are residing Barker Street, Subiaco.  Wally is a builder,  In 1963 they are living Como where Wally is again builder.  In 1980 Wally and Hilda are living at Jurien Bay, Wally is a fisherman.

We believe Annie Winter may have died 1961 at Guildford aged 82 years.

Also read about 38 men from 2/4th who did not survive the sinking of Rakuyo Maru 12 Sept 1944

Wally was one of the lucky men to have survived in the seas long enough to be rescued by the same American submarines which attacked the convoy ‘Rakuyo’ Maru was sailing with.

Read the story Members of 2/4th nominated for Medal but not awarded.

And the story Surviving the Sinking of the Rakuyo Maru written by Roy Cornford NX44955 of the 2/19th Battalion, courtesy of Peter Winstanley.

Please read the story written about Wally by his Granddaughter.

Wally (centre) and Alf Winter (right)

Read about 11 men from 2/4th who were rescued.

Please read the story of Pampanito’s return to Fremantle 30 December 1944.

In July 1995 Borehole Bulletin, news was mentioned of Wally being at Amaroo Nursing Home, Lissiman Street, Gosnells.

Wally Winter died 18th July 1996 at Gosnells aged 76 years.  He was buried at Fremantle Cemetery.