Walter was the youngest of eight children born to James and Mabel Bennett in 1893. This was a musical and artistic family with Walter's grandfather being a noted 19th Century composer. Hs father had been the headmaster of Derby School, moving to 51. Castleton Road, Fulham upon retirement. For a short while Walter attended the Slade School of Fine Art.
Between 1910 and 1914 Walter joined the Merchant Marine, sailing the world, especially with George Milne and Company with whom he gained his Second Mate's Certificate in 1913.
When the First World War was declared Walter enlisted with the 28th London Regiment, the Artists Rifles, transferring on 28th February 1915 to the Royal Naval Division to begin service as a sub-Lieutenant. At this stage his parents moved to Dymchurch, Kent.
The Drake Battalion moved to Gallipoli in August 1915, by which time Walter had been promoted Lieutenant as the battalion's adjutant. It was in Gallipoli that he was Mentioned in Despatches 'distinguished and gallant conduct.'
In May the following year, the battalion transferred to the Western Front. Six months later they were heavily involved in the Battle of the Ancre on the Somme. During the capture of Beaucourt Lieutenant Bennett was awarded the DSO 'for conspicuous gallantry'. He assumed command of and led the battalion with marked courage and ability. He personally collected a party and bombed the enemy out of part of their second line.' He was promoted Lieutenant Commander.
A bar to this DSO was awarded to him for, 'conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty against very strong opposition,' at Gavrelle in April 1917 For this he was promoted to Commander, becoming the youngest to hold that rank during the First World War.
The battalion was near Ypres when, on the 4th November their headquarters was hit by heavy shelling. One of Walter's legs was blown off and the other seriously wounded. He was evacuated to No.41 Casualty Clearing Station at Dozinghem, but died three days later.
Commander Walter Sterndale Bennett was buried with full military honours with the Divisional General, members of both the Divisional and Brigade staffs in attendance. Also present were 185 Brigade battalion commanders, plus fifteen officers and men from Drake Battalion.
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