Sailor, Soldier, Vicar, Farmer: The Improbable Life of Anzac Chaplain Walter Dexter by Daniel Reynaud, explores the extraordinary career of chaplain Walter Dexter, DSO, MC, DCM. Dexter remains the most decorated chaplain from the Australian military of all time.
Reynaud discovered Walter Dexter’s remarkable story at the Australian War Memorial, which held some of his papers. Reading everything he could find at the AWM, Reynaud discovered that Dexter’s granddaughter held the majority of his papers, who was happy to share them with him. A memorable part of the research process was meeting Dexter’s son Mick in 2024, who was just shy of 100. “It was a unique privilege and helped give the story that added personal and authentic touch”, says Reynaud. Mick sadly passed a few months after the meeting, but not before he was able to share stories and impressions of his father with Reynaud, along with comments on draft chapters of the book.
Through his research, Reynaud uncovered the full life that Dexter lived. Starting out as a sailor in Merchant Marine at aged 14 in 1887, Dexter worked on cargo ships until he enlisted as a trooper in Lumsden’s Horse and served in the Boer War. He was in South Africa until 1901 and won a bravery medal for his courage. For several years after he was a captain on various trading ships. After his first wife passed away in childbirth, Dexter became an Anglican priest in the UK. He was eventually appointed priest in Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia, where he married his second wife. In 1914 he joined the Australian Imperial Force as a chaplain in the First World War. He was attached to the 5th Battalion and was active on Gallipoli. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his courage and bravery there, and then the Military Cross (MC) for his senior chaplain role in France and England. Walter Dexter spent more time on the frontline than any other chaplain in WWI.
After his time in the war, he acquired farmland in Victoria, however the farm was a financial failure. Reynaud’s favourite account from his research on Dexter comes from his farming days. Dexter had very little animal sense, so when selling an unproductive cow, “the replacement he bought a few months later was the very same cow he had gotten rid of - and he didn't even know it!” laughs Reynaud.
He made a lasting impact on soldiers, yet Dexter’s story has been forgotten. “Dexter was crucial to the well-being of the soldiers in spiritual, emotional and practical ways”, says Reynaud. “His religious service, his constant presence in the trenches especially during battles, the canteens he set up to refresh them in the trenches and the cinemas behind the lines to help them unwind.” Dexter is a cornerstone to Anzac history.
Sailor, Soldier, Vicar, Farmer is published by Signs Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster. It will be available April 2026.
Listen to Reynaud on ABC Conversations.
