Walter John Lyon was born in Woodbridge on 12th December 1900, son to Frederick and Anna (née Foster). In 1911, the family was living at South Lodge on the St Audry’s Hospital Estate, where Frederick was the “Foreman of Works”. When Walter left school, he joined his father working at St Audry’s Hospital while training to become an engineering fitter.

On 17th October 1918, aged seventeen and three-quarters, Walter was enlisted into the Royal Air Force. Due to his age and the ending of the war the following month, Walter did not serve overseas and as such was not eligible to receive any medals. He was discharged into the RAF reserve on 28th November 1919.