Walter Batty

Walter Batty DCM (1 January 1905 – 10 May 1979) was a New Zealand rugby union player. A loose forward, Batty represented Auckland at a provincial level, and was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, from 1928 to 1931. He played six matches for the All Blacks including four internationals.[1]

Walter Batty

Batty during World War II
Born(1905-01-01)1 January 1905
Died10 May 1979(1979-05-10) (aged 74)
Auckland, New Zealand
EducationAuckland Grammar School
OccupationInsurance agent
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight84 kg (185 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Number 8
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1924–1932 Auckland 69 ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1928–1931 New Zealand 4 (3)

Batty was born in Tonga in 1905, to an English father and a Tongan mother.[2] He was educated at Auckland Grammar School,[1] and was an insurance agent when he enlisted for service during World War II.[3] He saw active service in North Africa and Italy with the 6th New Zealand Field Regiment, and won the Distinguished Conduct Medal during Operation Crusader for actions on 1 December 1941 at Belhamed in Libya.[3]

References

  1. Knight, Lindsay. "Walter Batty". New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  2. Latu, Kalino (6 April 2015). "Did you know? Tonga's first All Black". Kaniva Tonga. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  3. "Walter Batty". Online Cenotaph. Auckland War Memorial Museum. Retrieved 23 November 2021.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.