Walter MESSENGER

Regimental number6/2708
AddressEmpire Hotel, Blenheim
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinMother, Mrs E Messenger, Preston Road, Greymouth
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 6th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 27 Willochra on 14 August 1915
Final rankPrivate
Final unit1st Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment
FateDied of wounds 22 July 1917
Age at death from cemetery records21
Place of burialPont D'Achelles Military Cemetery (Plot I, Row C, Grave No 6), Nieppe, France
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Robert and Emma Messenger, Nelson
Medals

Military Medal

'This soldier ably assisted L/Cpl Minnis in laying out the necessary lines to establish communications during the attack on Messines on June 7th 1917. We had many breaks in the lines but he was always ready to accompany L/Cpl Minnis and mend the breaks, in many cases under heavy shellfire from the enemy. Thus our communications were kept up and it was largely due to those two men.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 16 August 1917

Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Canterbury Infantry Batln/Sixth