Walter Peeler Victorian Cross "VC" Winner

Walter "Wally" Peeler - WWI soldier, Victoria Cross and British Empire Medal winner and first custodian of the Shrine of Remembrance.

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Walter was born 9th August 1887 at Barkers Creek north of Castlemaine, Victoria and he grew up on his parent's orchard.

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He first worked on the orchard then at Thompson's Foundry in Castlemaine and by 1908 was employed as a woodcutter in the Leongatha district.

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On the 17th February 1916 he enlisted in the 1st AIF and embarked in June with the Lewis Gun Section of the 3rd Pioneer Battalion.

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He was the awarded the Victorian Cross "VC" at the battle of Messines.

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After the war he joined the Department of Lands and worked in the Soldier Settlement Branch for six years. He then became an Orchardist in Croydon before moving to Sunshine seeking work with the Sunshine Harvester Works.

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Walter lived in Devonshire Rd, Sunshine.

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Ref: S&DHS

Photos: S&DHS