Walter James MISSINGHAM (aka SOUTAR)

Although W. J. Missingham is the name on the Cenotaph, Walter enlisted under the name of Walter James Soutar.

Walter James Missingham was born in Townsville on the 5 June 1900 to Robert Walter Missingham and Annie Smail. A newspaper record and letters to the A.I.F. from his mother say he has a sister, Annie May. Walter’s mother Annie Missingham married James Souter 12 November 1913.

On his enlistment in Townsville his age was 18 years 1 month, occupation a Labourer, next of kin his mother Mrs Annie Soutar, Kenny Street, Cairns, North Queensland. His height was 5 feet 8 inches, weighed 8 stone 10 pounds with fair complexion, grey eyes and auburn hair. His religion was Presbyterian. He had spent 2 years in Senior Cadets T.A.I.B. (Unable to confirm what T.A.I.B stands for)

Walter James was wounded in action on the 28 November 1916 and invalided to England with multiple gunshot wounds. He returned to the field 21 June 1917 and was killed in action in Belgium 12 August 1917. Walter is buried in the Derry House Cemetery No.2, Belgium.