Stockton Soldier's Heroic Sacrifice to be Honoured at National Memorial
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra will pay tribute to the service and ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant Walter Herbert Oldham, a young man from Stockton who lost his life during the First World War. The solemn Last Post Ceremony, scheduled for January 23, will commemorate his story, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come.
A Life Cut Short in Service
Lieutenant Walter Herbert Oldham was just 24 years old when he was killed in action on September 1, 1918. Born in July 1894 at Lambton, he was the sixth of Joseph and Jane Oldham's eleven children. Before enlisting, Oldham was a well-known figure in local sporting circles, having played for Western Suburbs in the Newcastle Rugby League and captained the Stockton Surf Club.
His military journey began with four years in the Citizen Forces with the Army Medical Corps. When the Great War erupted, he enlisted as a private in the Australian Imperial Force in Sydney on June 5, 1915. His dedication to service would ultimately lead to a tragic end on the battlefields of France.
The Final Act of Bravery
Following the Battle of Amiens in August 1918, German forces retreated to fortified positions at Mont St. Quentin and the town of Peronne along the Somme River. The Australian troops faced near-impregnable defences, resulting in over 3000 casualties during the intense fighting.
On the morning of September 1, Lieutenant Oldham demonstrated extraordinary compassion and courage. While engaged in combat, he paused to dress another soldier's wounds. In this selfless act of aiding a fellow comrade, he was shot through the eye and killed instantly. His final moments epitomised the ANZAC spirit of mateship and sacrifice.
Preserving Legacy Through Daily Ceremony
The Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial represents a profound commitment to remembrance. Held daily at 4.30pm (except Christmas Day), each ceremony shares the story behind one of the 103,000 names inscribed on the Roll of Honour. To date, more than 4100 individual stories have been presented, with the memorial estimating it would take over 280 years to commemorate every name.
Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson emphasised the ceremony's significance, stating: "Through our daily Last Post Ceremony, we not only acknowledge where and how these men and women died. We also tell the stories of who they were when they were alive, and of the families who loved, and in so many cases, still mourn for them."
He further explained the historical context: "The Last Post is now associated with remembrance, but originally it was a bugle call to sound the end of the day's activities in the military. It is a fitting way to end each day at the memorial."
Historical Research Brings Stories to Life
The narratives presented at the Last Post Ceremony are meticulously researched and written by the Australian War Memorial's military historians. Historian Craig Tibbitts, who researched Lieutenant Oldham's story, begins the process by examining nominal rolls, attestation papers, and enlistment records before constructing detailed profiles that capture both personal milestones and military experiences.
This careful documentation ensures that each individual's contribution is remembered not just as a statistic, but as a complete human story with connections to community, family, and personal achievement.
Modern Commemoration for Historical Sacrifice
The ceremony honouring Lieutenant Oldham will be livestreamed on the Australian War Memorial's YouTube page, allowing people across Australia and beyond to participate in this act of remembrance. This digital accessibility represents how traditional commemorative practices have evolved to reach contemporary audiences while maintaining their solemn purpose.
As the memorial continues its daily tribute to Australia's service personnel, stories like that of Lieutenant Walter Herbert Oldham remind us that behind every name on the Roll of Honour lies a unique narrative of courage, community, and ultimate sacrifice. The Stockton soldier's story, preserved through meticulous historical research and shared through daily ceremony, ensures that his bravery over a century ago continues to resonate with Australians today.
