Flemington-Kensington Church News, August 1919

2801 - L-Cpl. W. E. Dallimore, 37th Batt. left for England, via the Cape on 16th Dec. 1916, per the "Medic". He landed at Plymouth, and was sent to Hurdcott, and afterwards was at several of the Salisbury Plains Camps. After landing he had the usual four days leave, and spent it pleasantly in London.

Walter was transferred to the 66th Batt., but again rejoined his old unit before crossing the Channel. He left for France on 25th August 1917, landing at Le Havre. He first "went over the top" on the 4th October and was about that time twice blown up and slightly wounded. He rejoined his unit on 12th Oct., and took part in the movement against the Passchendale Ridge. Buchan says in regard to the Flanders Campaign at this time "Such fighting was the last word in human misery for the country was now one irreclaimable bog, and the occasional hours of watery sunshine had no power to dry it."

After a time the 37th went into a rest camp, and afterwards  held the Messines sector for three months. The 37th  with other Australian troops, was moved up to stem the great German on-rush in March, 1918. Walter, at the time, spoke feelingly of the plight of the French refugees. On  nearing the vicinity they found about 100 British soldiers digging trenches. "We asked them," says Walter, "How far off is old Fritz?" and the reply was, "Just over the crest of the hill". One of them said "You are going over full pack, but you’ll come back at the double." Another said "You ‘Ausies’ will get all the fight you want".

However the Australians again proved their quality and held the Hun. After being in the line for 24 days Walter was seized with trench fever and was sent to Etaples, and later  to Le Havre. Out of action for three months he then performed detached duties with the Brigade and went forward in the great advance until Oct., when the Australian Infantry was taken out to rest.

During leave Walter visited Kirkcaldy, in Fifeshire, Scotland, and carried away fine impressions of the place and people. Sir Douglas Haig’s place is in the near vicinity. Walter returned home on 25th April (Anzac Day) and is now getting back to his usual good form.