Walter Scott was born on 8 March 1920, the son of Percy and Rose Scott of Poole in Dorset. At the time of the 1939 Register, he was listed as a builder’s labourer, heavy worker living at 110, Dorchester Road, Poole. It is not known when Scott joined the Royal Navy and submarines but he was one of a draft of 23 Officers & 112 Rating passengers in SS Chateau Thierry from Gourock to New York from 4 to 16 February 1942 to join HMS P512 (previously the United States Navy Submarine R17) on its handover from the United States Navy to the Royal Navy.

Walter Scott of HMS P512 is reported to have died in the British Military Hospital, Prospect, Bermuda on 13 March 1944. At the time HMS P512 was operating from Bermuda and was taking part in anti-submarine training exercises. It is understood that he died as the result of food poisoning. Walter Scott is buried in the Royal Naval Cemetery on Ireland Island in Bermuda in Grave No. 424.