Walter Mildren

Walter Mildren was born on 2nd January 1893 in Corryong, Victoria, to Edward King Mildren and Margaret, nee Grant.

On 10th February 1916, he enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 23-year-old station hand from Corryong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 950 and placed in C Company of the 39th Battalion. Walter gave his next of kin as his mother, Margaret Mildren. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A11 Ascanius at Melbourne, Victoria, on 27th May 1916.

On 3rd August 1916, he was transferred to the 10th Light Trench Mortar Battery at Larkhill, England. In late November, the battery proceeded overseas to the Western Front. The unit was attached to the 10th Brigade, where it provided fire support to the infantry.

In late September to late December of 1917, Walter was in hospital with an inflamed knee joint. This became so severe that he was evacuated to England. Prior to embarking on a ship to return him home, Walter was given a two-week furlough in England.

On 31st January 1918, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A8 Osterley with the rank of Private. He was discharged on 22nd May 1918 and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Upon returning to the Upper Murray, Walter was a guest at several social events. The 4th July 1918 issue of the Corryong Courier describes one such event at Khancoban.

“Welcome to Khancoban

On Friday, 21st ult., residents of Khancoban and district assembled in Mr J.F.H. Mitchell’s woolshed to welcome Private Walter Mildren on his return from France, having been on active service for the past two years. The shed was nicely decorated with Allies’ flags and ferns in honor of our gallant hero, who is the first of our boys to return to our midst. A number of Waletr’s old friends were there to welcome him, together with visitors from Corryong and district, making between 30 and 40 couples. Dancing commenced about 7:30 p.m., the music being supplied by Messrs P. Crawford and R.R. Scammell (violin), assisted by Mrs G.S. Read (accordion). The tables were in the hands of the ladies, and their capabilities being so well known it needs no comment of mine to say how well they carried out their task. …”

Walter settled in Corryong after the war, marrying Daphne Mary Gibson in 1926. Together, they would raise a family. He passed away on 26th July 1974 at Corryong, Victoria and was buried in Corryong Cemetery.