Walter Prentice M.M.

The 4th Regiment was the South African Scottish, raised from the Transvaal Scottish and the Cape Town Highlanders, and wearing the Atholl Murray tartan. The new force embarked at Cape Town between the 28th August and 17th October 1915, and all units were in England by November. The Brigade landed at Alexandria between the 10th and 13th January 1916 and moved to Mex Camp. First 2nd Regiment, and then the remainder, were then moved to join the Western Frontier Force. The Brigade sailed from Alexandria between 13th and 15th April 1916 and landed at Marseilles. By the 23rd April, the leading units had detrained and were arriving at Steenwerck in Flanders. The entire South African Brigade came under orders of the 9th (Scottish) Division, in which it replaced 28th Brigade. From the end of June the Germans were daily harassed by Scotsmen, South Africans and Austrailians. Preparations were being made for the capture of Meteren. Walter was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery in the field whilst acting as a runner between the Brigade and Battalions Headquarters in Delville Wood in July 1916. For another photo of Walter and his grave see photos. See photos for Walter's Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, his Pension Records x 2, La Kreule Military Cemetery and the South African Infantry Cap Badge. Walter's grave inscription reads "UNTIL THE DAY DAWN AND THE SHADOWS FLEE AWAY INSERTED BY HIS MOTHER".