Walter was one of five sons of Samuel and Sarah Brightman of Great Bramingham who served on the Western Front. Tragically his four brothers were all killed between 1914 and 1917. Walter was taken ill in France in  July 1916 and after convalescing for 12 months joined the Labour Corps to help with the harvest. He was expected to return to the Front in July 1918 but was released on compassionate grounds following an appeal from the Vicar of Streatley.