This period coincided with the reorganisation of the AIF and when Salton was returned to duty he was transferred to the newly formed 60th Battalion.

Shrapnel and high-explosive shells, snipers and trench raids all occurred in the short time Salton survived.

Shot in the stomach, he was evacuated through the 14th Field Ambulance to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station where he clung to life for six days before dying of his wounds on 10 September.

At least, that was, until many years later when Richmond Football Club historian, Rhett Bartlett, came across a gold locket inscribed 'For Services Rendered.

It had been presented at the club Annual General Meeting and remains a link to the only VFL umpire to have died in military service of his nation.