Walter John Mayo was born in Richmond, Richmond-upon-Thames, London on 12 May 1910 to Richard, a labourer in Kew Gardens and Laura Mayo.

Walter joined the Royal Artillery and rose through the ranks eventually making Warrant Officer Class II (B.S.M.) when he was posted to Fort Siloso, Singapore with the 7th Coast Regiment. Here he married Irine (Iris) Simmonds on 25 October 1941.

Six weeks later, Japanese forces invaded Malaya bombing Singapore on 8 December 1941 and reaching the Johore Strait to threaten Singapore on 30 January 1942. Walter saw Iris for the last time that day when she boarded the Canadian Pacific liner Duchess of Bedford to be evacuated, sailing on the 31st and eventually settling in London.

When Singapore fell, he became a prisoner of war on 15 February 1942 and was sent to work on the Burma/Siam railway around the Tarsao, Kanyu and Hintok camps. The harsh conditions took their toll and in late August 1943, Walter was taken by river to the Chunkai hospital camp.

Walter died on 9 September 1943, aged 33 of Avitaminosis – a lack of vitamins. He is buried in CWGC Chungkai War Cemetery, plot 4.C.10. His personal inscription reads ‘In proud and precious memory of my very dear husband, sadly missed. Iris’

Iris only received one card from Walter after his death dated 20 June 1942 which simply read “I am fit and well. Love and best wishes to all”.