John Walker's grandfather was shot four times in WWI

Little did he know he would be shot four times before returning to Australia in 1920.

Private Walker embarked on the Suevic, whose chief engineer Joseph Bell was a survivor of the Titanic. Maybe that foreboding fact should have given him a clue to his impending fate? 

“Joseph Bell told my grandfather how he was the last engineer left in the engine room of the Titanic when he was blown through the ship and into the water,” Mr Walker said.

“He remained in the ocean for seven hours until he was picked up by the RMS Carpathia.”

Mr Walker will be wearing his grandfather’s uniform proudly on Friday at the Remembrance Service in Canberra. 

“My grandfather said the main reason he volunteered to go to the war was to find the grave of his closest friend, Cameron James Brooks; and his brother, Colin Walker.

“Mr Brooks lost his life at the Somme. He was my grandfather’s best friend. Colin Walker died at Villers-Bretonneaux on April 4, 1918.

“My grandfather was shot four times at the Somme, the last time by friendly fire when he was shot in the foot. He suffered severe wounds, including copping the blast from a shell in his back when laid over a pill box to save his commanding officer.

“He returned to Australia with Brooks’ sister, Elizabeth, who nursed him back to health and married him in 1920.”

Back in Australia after the war, Allen Walker trained as a piano tuner and worked for HG Palmer as an organ and piano restorer. He was also a mechanic.

A Remembrance Day Service is being held at the Rocky Hill War Memorial on Friday just before 11am.

Goulburn RSL Sub Branch president Gordon Wade said it was fitting to hold the ceremony on Rocky Hill again this year because the War Memorial is dedicated to those who served in WWI. He asked people to assemble by about 10.30am for the service. 

“It is the 98th anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in WWI and all members of the Defence Force, ex members and general public are invited to attend,” Mr Wade said. 

Reverend Norm Wakefield will officiate and there will be a wreath-laying ceremony. 

“It is one of the few times in such solemn occasions that we actually celebrate. We celebrate the end of WW1,” Mr Wade said.

“A small guard from the Trinity Catholic College cadets will assist on the day and there may be about 25 regular soldiers from the Australian Army attending the service on the day, who are travelling through.”