Walter HALL

Walter Hall Walter D'Arcy Hall was born in South Yarra, Victoria, Australia on 10 August 1891. The second son of Thomas Skarratt Hall and his wife, Jane Kirk.

After spending some time at a public school in Bournemouth, which his two brothers Harold and Athelstan also attended, Walter was educated at Eton College, before becoming a cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He then joined the 20th Hussars.

It is recorded that he arrived in France on 17th August 1914

The Thetford and Watton Times of Saturday October 12th, 1914 reported:

East Anglians on Active Service

A worthy example has been set the young men of this small village by the three sons of Mrs T S Hall of Weeting Hall, as they have all joined the colours.

  • Capt Harold Hall 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queens Bays)
  • Lieut Walter Hall 20th Hussars
  • 2nd Lieut Athelstan Hall Western Cable Company

Further reports followed on Jan 9 1915:

This week Captain Harold Hall and his brother Lieut. W D Hall have been at the Hall, home from the fighting line. Several of the Weeting young men who are in training have also been on leave.

And on August 7 1915:

Lieut. W D Hall has been taking part in aerial reconnaissances.

On 17 November 1915 Lieutenant Walter was appointed Adjutant, presumably replacing Captain E S Chance who had been wounded.

The Thetford & Watton Times, Jan 22nd 1916 reported:

Hearty congratulations are offered to Lieut. W D Hall (20th Hussars), whose name appears among those who have recently been recommended for the Military Cross.

The London Gazette reported his changes in rank during the rest of the war:

  • 3rd April 1917 to be Acting Captain
  • 4th October 1917 Lt W D'A Hall relinquishes the rank of Acting Captain
  • 6 November 1917 Lt (now Capt) W D'A Hall to be acting Captain whilst commanding a squadron
  • 28th November 1917 Lt W D'A Hall MC to be Captain
  • 16 July 1920 W D'A Hall, late Capt 20th Hussars to be Capt, 20th Hussars (Reserves) with seniority from 28 November 1917
  • 16 July 1920 Capt W D'A Hall MC resigns his commission.


Having retired from the army, Walter took up politics. Wikipedia reports that Hall was elected Member of Parliament for the Welsh constituency of Brecon and Radnor on 29 October 1924 but lost his seat at the 1929 general election. He was re-elected for the same seat on 27 October 1931, serving until his retirement at the general election on 14 November 1935. He died on 22 January 1980

1914 Star with Clasp

Victory Medal

British War Medal

Military Cross and bar

Croix de Guerre with palm & star







The information presented here has been derived from surviving public and military records as well as from contemporary press reports. We hope you find it of interest ‐ if you think we have made an error, or can add any further details, please get in touch.