Joseph Roy Walters was born in Ballarat East, Victoria, was single and a grocer when he enlisted with the 24th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement on 18 June 1915 at the age of 18. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 26 August 1915. He reported to hospital sick and was diagnosed with valvular disease of the heart in November 1915, but remained on duty. On 28 July 1916 he was wounded in action with severe gunshot wounds to the arm, thigh and shoulder, resulting in his immediate evacuation to the 2nd Western General Hospital and from there to England aboard the HLS Newhaven. On 22 December 1916 he was discharged to furlough at Perham Downs. After recovery he returned to France where, on 23 December 1917, he suffered a fractured fibula (ankle).

He was wounded in action on a 2nd occasion in France, suffering from gas poisoning on 2 October 1918. He returned to Australia on 16 March 1919
Tree No. 754