He was the first son of Alfred and Ellen Newnham. Walter joined up in February 1916. He was initially allotted the service number 26054 and posted with the Bedfordshire Regiment. After his basic training he was posted to the 21st battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) and allotted the service number S/33031. He was then 'retained on important duties at various stations in England' until April 1917 when he was posted to Eygpt. On April 15th, 1917, the ship with a company of 1,335 troops and crew was proceeding from Salonika to Alexandria, and was in the southern Aegean, 26 miles N.E. of Milo. The troops had just completed boat-drill when a submarine approached unseen and discharged a torpedo which inflicted such extensive damage that the vessel sank in six minutes. Fortunately the men's recent exercise at the boats imparted steadiness and confidence and 1,058 were rescued, either through their own efforts or by the escorting destroyer. The number drowned was 277 and, had it not been for the sudden capsizing of the vessel, many more would have been saved. Those lost included 19 army officers and 214 other ranks, as well as ten naval ratings and 34 members of the crew. A considerable amount of wreckage and spars was sucked down and this, coming to the surface with great force, killed many who were swimming in the water.