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

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  1. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "Walter Batty". Online Cenotaph. Auckland War Memorial Museum. Retrieved 23 November 2021.