Hugh William Waters

Hugh William Waters was born on 30th March 1894 in Corryong, Victoria, to John Waters and Mary Jane Steel, nee Harris. 

Hugh’s enlistment papers state that he was an apprentice carpenter with A Herbert for 6 years.

On 1st September 1915, he enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 21-year-old farmer from Cudgewa, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 1443 and placed in the 1st Reinforcements for the 29th Battalion. Hugh gave his next of kin as his mother, Mary Harris. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A11 Ascanius at Melbourne, Victoria, on 10th November 1915.

The 29th Battalion would see service on the Western Front from June 1916 to late 1918, fighting in major battles including Fromelles, Polygon Wood, and Amiens, before being disbanded due to heavy casualties. 

On 21st December 1918, he returned to Australia aboard HT Mamari, with the rank of Driver. He was discharged on 21st March 1919, being awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service during the war.

His brother, Hugh Alexander Waters, Regimental Number 1442, also served in the 29th Battalion, returning to Australia on 13th March 1919.

Hugh married Doris May Chalmerson in 1923. After his military service, he settled in Victoria, where he lived until his passing on 12th April 1965 at Ferntree Gully. He was laid to rest in the Ferntree Gully Cemetery, Victoria, leaving behind a legacy of service and family.