Walters Street in Bundaberg North was named after Private Herbert Ernest Walters in September 1952.
The street’s sign now displays the badge of the Australian Army in tribute to Private Walters’ World War II service, as part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Street of Remembrance program.
Herbert was born in Mount Perry on 31 August 1916 to John and Bertha Walters.
He was unmarried, working as a labourer and living in Childers when he enlisted in the Australian Army on 17 June 1940, aged 23 years old.
Throughout 1940 and early 1941, Herbert’s unit undertook training in Enoggera, Redbank and Darwin, and he was granted pre-embarkment leave in early March 1941.
Herbert served in 2nd/25th Infantry Battalion of the Australian Army, which embarked from Sydney for the Middle East, arriving 5 May 1941.
The battalion was engaged in the Syrian Campaign and fought a major battle of the campaign in Merdjayoun (Merjayun) against Vichy French forces from 19 to 24 June.
Private Herbert Walters was killed in action during this battle on 19 June 1941.
He was 24 years old.
Herbert was buried in Damascus British War Ceremony, Syria, where his grave bares the inscription ‘NEVER SHALL HIS MEMORY FADE’.
His name is listed on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Booyal Fallen Comrades Honour Roll, Childers Isis District Roll of Honour, and Childers Memorial Hall where his image and plaque can be found as part of the Isis District Pictorial War Memorial.
Service Number: QX10513
Information on Private Herbert Ernest Walters life and service is from the National Archives of Australia, Australian War Memorial and Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Find out more about Bundaberg Regional Council’s Streets of Remembrance program and how to nominate a street or service person here.
