Walter trained and qualified as a Doctor of Medicine at Bute Medical Building (part of St Andrews University) in 1919 and emigrated to S Africa. He arrived in Southern Rhodesia in 1925 as the Chief Medical Officer at Rezende Mining Company and remained there for 30 years. He eventually entered politics & was MP & Speaker of the Southern Rhodesian House between 1959-1963
In 1947 he was appointed honorary life member of the British Red Cross society in recognition of war service.
He was a noted public figure in the eastern districts and Lake Alexander was named in memory of him.