PARKER, PTE WALTER Regimental #657393
Walter Parker was born November 22, 1879 at Maple Island, the son of John Augustus Parker and Bedelia Battersby. The Parker family were the original homesteaders of what was later known as ‘Markham Place’ at Maple Island.
Walter James Parker married Clara Ethel North (daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (Montgomery North) born June 7, 1892 on August 27, 1910 in Dunchurch.
Walter enlisted in Burks Falls, January 15, 1916 in the 162nd. He was part of the contingent that sailed on October 31, 1916
Walter arrived in England Nov. 11, 1916 on the SS Caronia as part of the 162nd. On December 5, 1916 he was transferred to the 36th Reserve Battalion and by the end of December had been transferred to the 2nd Pioneers. By January 5, 1917 he appears to have been in France with the 2nd Pioneers.
On September 3, 1917 at Vimy, Walter became sick which worsened, eventually becoming debilitating. He was moved to Etaples by September 8.
The reference to Vimy raises the question of whether Walter became ill during the battle of Vimy Ridge in April of 1917 and had persevered until September; or whether he was stationed at Vimy in September and took ill at that time.
However, a further note in the file (above) provides some clarification. The illness would appear to have started about July 1917 while Walter was working with the Canadian Engineers – the corps of men who built bridges, railway depots, camps, bases and other military installations
After months of hospitalization, Walter was discharged as medically unfit Aug 22, 1918. (The term ‘medically unfit’ was used to provide the explanation for the discharge of almost all those who had been wounded or suffered severe illness as a result of injuries or sickness caused by the ravages of war – and through no fault of their own.)
Walter signed his Attestation papers on June 15, 1916 in Burks Falls.
Walter arrived in England on November 11, 1916 on he S.S. Caronia.
He was admitted to the 2nd Scottish General Hospital on November 23, 1916 due to an incision on his head. He was transferred to the 36th Reserve Battalion and then to the 2nd Pioneers on January 5, 1917.
In September of 1917 he was identified as suffering from Myalgia which resulted in a period of hospitalizations.
