Historical information

This photograph, taken by The Advocate, shows Ron Edwards, President of the Sunshine RSL, holding a memorial dedicated to Walter “Wally” Peeler, Victoria Cross recipient and former Sunshine Harvester Factory worker, and local resident.

Significance

Walter “Wally” Peeler (1887–1968) was a Victorian soldier and one of Australia’s most highly decorated servicemen. Born at Barkers Creek near Castlemaine, he worked locally before enlisting in the First World War in 1916. Serving with the 3rd Pioneer Battalion, he earned the Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery at Broodseinde Ridge in October 1917, where he led assaults on multiple German machine‑gun posts.

After the war, Peeler returned to Victoria and later worked at Sunshine Harvester Works, linking him directly to the industrial heritage of Melbourne’s western suburbs. He re‑enlisted during the Second World War, served in the Middle East and Java, and endured years as a prisoner of war under Japanese captivity.

From 1934 to 1964, Peeler served as a long‑standing Custodian of the Shrine of Remembrance, becoming a familiar figure in Victoria’s commemorative life. He died in 1968 and is remembered through numerous memorials, including at the Australian War Memorial and in his home district around Castlemaine.

Physical description

Digital scan of colour negative

Inscriptions & markings

Ron Edwards & Wally Peeler Memorial Sunshine RSL