More about Robert Duff Walker

Robert has no known grave but is remembered on the Helles Memorial.

Robert Duff Walker   C2/61   Hood Bn   R.N.D.

WALKER—Killed in action at Gallipoli, on the 25th December, Robert Duff Walker, Battalion Sergeant-Major, Hood Battalion, Clyde, R.N.V.R., dearly beloved husband of Frances Ann Wilson, 13 Cardean Street, Dundee, and second youngest son of Albert T. D. Walker and the late Mary M. Buncombe Walker.  (North papers, also Canadian and Australian papers, please copy.)—Inserted by his widow.

Dundee People’s Journal 5th February 1916

Family Background.

Robert`s father, Albert, was a calendar worker and the family lived at 46 North Church Street, Dundee. His mother, Mary, predeceased him. On 3^rd October 1913 Robert married Frances Ann Wilson and set up home at 13 Cardean Street, Dundee. On 2^nd July 1914 their son, also Robert Duff Walker, was born.

Service History

Robert joined the RNVR in 1908,adding two years to his age. He went to Antwerp with the Hood Battalion in 1914 and then to Gallipoli. He was wounded in the head on 4^th June 1915 at Krithia and then evacuated on the Ivernia to hospital in Malta.

On returning to service in July via Alexandria on the Esmeralda he was awarded the Certificate of Zeal & Devotion  to Duty on Active Service by General Paris, Commanding General of the Royal Naval Division. In September he was made Chief Petty Officer and mentioned in despatches. On 17^th December he was promoted to Battalion Sergeant Major, the most senior of the non commissioned officers. He was killed on 28^th December 1915, eleven days before the final evacuation from Gallipoli.