Walshe was a Wireless Operator with RAF Coastal Command, 220 Sqn, based out of RAF Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. On the night of 7 August 1941, Walshe's Hudson collided with an Avro Anson on the runway of RAF Stornoway, as both plane were taking off on intersecting runways. The Hudson had its tail chopped off and immediately caught fire - one crewmember died, two were severely injured. Walshe was knocked unconscious and suffered severe burns to the face and hands - he was pulled from the wreckage by Pilot Officer Nicholson, who had been thrown clear, uninjured. (Nicholson was later awarded the George Medal for his actions.)
Walshe was taken to Lewis Hospital, where he stayed for six months. He was transferred to Stracatho Emergency Medical Services Hospital on the mainland in December and moved to QVH the following January, making his own way by train.
Walshe was one of the founder members of the Guinea Pig Club, and later returned to active service in the RAF in France in the last year of the war.