Walter Francis Shiels was born on 31 March 1916 at Denman to Victor Paul Shiels and Martha M Fuller.
Prior to his enlistment in the AIF, Walter had joined the Militia Forces on 11 July 1940 and then served in the CMF from 18 December 1941 to 7 July 1942. In 1942 Walter married Daisy Isabel Mills at Taree.
Walter then enlisted into the Australian Army on 8 July 1942 at Lansdowne and was aged 26 years stating his occupation as dairy farmer and his wife Daisy Isabel Shiels as his next of kin.
Walter’s first posting was to 16 Australia Motor Regiment.
Walter embarked at Townsville on 6 August 1943 arriving in Port Moresby on 8 August 1943. He returned to Townsville onboard the ‘Canberra’ arriving on 18 February 1944. He remained in Australia until his discharge.
Walter was awarded the 1939/45 Star, the Pacific Star, the War Medal 1939/45 and the Australia Service Medal 1939/45.
When Walter was discharged on 14 November 1945 he was posted to 2/16 Australian Infantry Battalion.
Walter’s brothers Earle, John and Royden and his sister Edna also enlisted during WW2.
Walter died on 23 December 2009 at Kendall.
