36TH BATTALION AIF. "Carmichael's Thousand"
The 36th Battalion was raised at Victoria Barracks, Liverpool, Rutherford and Broadmeadow Army Camps, in New South Wales in February 1916. The bulk of the Battalion's recruits had enlisted as a result of a recruiting drive conducted amongst the RIFLE CLUBS of New South Wales by the Minister of Public Information in the New South Wales Government, Ambrose CARMICHAEL. Thus the Battalion became known as "CARMICHAEL'S THOUSAND". Carmichael led by example and enlisted as well, serving in the Battalion as a Captain.
The 36th Battalion became part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division. It left Sydney, bound for the United Kingdom on the 13th of May 1916. Arriving there in early July, the Battalion spent the next four months in training. It crossed to France in late November, and moved into the trenches of the Western Front for the first time on the 4th December, just in time for the onset of the terrible winter of 1916-17.
The Battalion had to wait until the emphasis of the British and Dominion operations switched to the YPRES SECTOR of Belgium in mid 1917 to take part in its first major battle; this was the battle of MESSINES, launched on the 7th of June 1917. With the 9th Brigade held in reserve during the battle of BROODSEINDE RIDGE on the 4th of October, the 36th's next major battle was around PASSCHENDAELE on the 12th of October 1917. Heavy rain, though, had deluged the battlefield, and thick mud tugged at the advancing troops and fouled their weapons. The 36th secured its objective but with open flanks and ineffective artillery support, were forced to withdraw.
36th BATTALION RIFLE CLUB
For the next five months the 36th alternated between periods of rest, training, labouring, and service in the line. When the German Army launched its last great offensive in the spring of 1918, the battalion was part of the force deployed to defend the approaches to Amiens around Villers-Brentonneux. It took part in a counter-attack at Hangard Wood on the 30th March, and helped to defeat a major drive on Villers-Bretonneux on the 4th April.
The fighting to defend the German offensive had exacted a heavy toll on the 3rd Division, and the 9th Brigade in particular. Reinforcements from Australia were dwindling and thus it was decided to disband one of the 9th Brigade's Battalions to reinforce the other three. The 36th was the Battalion selected. In what one of the Battalion's Officers called an "Unselfish Act" the 36th disbanded on 30th April 1918.
(Extracts from the Australian War Memorial records)
36th Battalion A.I.F, 3rd Australian Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Brigade.
BATTLE HONOURS
Messiness 1917. Ypres. Polygon Wood. Broodseinde. Poelcappele. Passchendaele. Somme 1918. Ancre 1918. Amiens. Albert 1918. Mont St Quentin. Hindenburg Line. St Quentin Canal. France and Flanders 1916-1918.
COMMANDING OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Colonel: John Martin HAWKEY. M.C.
Lieutenant Colonel: Marcus William LOGAN.
Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. D.S.O.
Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON. M.C.
DECORATIONS:
Recommended for Victoria Cross
Lieutenant: Albert Marshall WIDDY. MC
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER: 1
Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. DSO
MILITARY CROSS: 11
Lieutenant Colonel: John Martin HAWKEY. MC
Captain. John Edward Wallace BUSHELLE.MC
Captain: Ambrose Campbell CARMICHAEL. MC
Captain: William James GORDON. MC
Lieutenant: 501499 Albert Bissett AMESS. MC
Lieutenant: 731 Gordon Mott COX. MC
Lieutenant: 746 William Thomas EWING. MC
Lieutenant: 523 Sydney Horace Gordon NEWELL. MC
Lieutenant: Albert Marshall WIDDY. MC
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL: 3
Lieutenant: 561 Stanley Arthur SMITH. DCM MM
Lieutenant: 357 John Thomas STAPLETON. DCM
Lance Corporal: 1480 Stanley Herbert BRAZIL. DCM
MILITARY MEDAL: 34, 6 x BARS
Lieutenant: 561 Stanley Arthur SMITH. DCM MM
Lieutenant: Albert Marshall WIDDY. MC MM
Company Sergeant Major: 484 Ernest Shadrack KEY. MM
Sergeant: 3275 Lawrence Walter BARBER. MM
Sergeant: 1405 George Moffatt CARSON. MM
Sergeant: 457 Sydney Wakefield GREGG. MM
Sergeant: 1142 James Martin JUDD. MM
Sergeant: 858 Sydney Horace PETTETT. MM
Sergeant: 2374 Alfred Ernest Humphrey ROBERTS. MM
Sergeant: 896 Albert Marshall WIDDY. M.M.
Lance Sergeant: 124 Herbert Leslie MARSHALL. MM
Corporal: 1620 Allan Wentworth BRECHT. MM
Corporal: 2932 Ralph Oswald KIRBY. MM
Lance Corporal: 56 Harry CONSTABLE. MM
Lance Corporal: 1104 Osborne William John DYKES. MM
Lance Corporal: 2081A Francis Darnley HOOKEY. MM & Bar.
Private: 466 Walter John HAGAN. + MM
Private: 542 Andrew PRESCOTT. MM
Private: 2646 Thomas PORTER. MM @ Bar
MILITARY SERVICE MEDAL: 3
Company Quartermaster Sergeant: 792 Thomas Wiseman HIGGINS. MSM
MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES: 13
Captain: Thomas Rodger MacNEE. M.I.D.
Captain: 261 Raymond Clare NOWLAND. M.I.D.
Lieutenant: 731 Gordon Mott COX. M.C. M.I.D.
Sergeant: S. LANG 33/36bn
Private: 1671 Thomas LOWREY. M.I.D.
FOREIGN AWARDS:
BELGIAN DECORATION MILITAIRE MEDAL.
BELGIUM CROIX-de-GUERRE:
Sergeant: 789 Ernest Percival HAMMOND.
FRENCH CROIX-de-GUERRE:
Corporal: 1959 John Joseph CURRAN.
FRENCH La CROIX De COMBATTANT
Sergeant: 733 Frederick Joseph CAHILL.
FRENCH MEDAILLE Du MERITE
Sergeant: 733 Frederick Joseph CAHILL.
36th Battalion AIF Recruitment Tent, Rutherford Camp 1916
36th Battalion 1916, before leaving Newcastle.
Officers, 36th Battalion. Meteren, France. 24th January 1918.
36th Battalion's last Parade before being disbanded. 30th April 1918.
Presented to The Honorable Joseph Farrier COATES. MLC JP.
I have been researching records for 1408 Stanley Herbert Brazil who was a signaller in the 36th battalion and served in Belguim and France He was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal in January 1918. His name is not appearing on the list above. He was transferred to the 33rd battalion in April 1918. His name does not appear there either. Possibly this has been overlooked? Please check. Thank you and kind regards
Hi
I’ve been researching records for 1408 Stanley Herbert Brazil, who enlisted in the 36th battalion and served in France, 1917 and 1918. He was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal on 1/1/1918. His name is missing from the list above. Could this please be amended, or is there a reason why it’s missing? Please contact me if you need more info. I have quite a lot of info on him, mostly sourced from the National Archives records. I’d love to find out more – particularly chasing a photo of him and would be interested to know what became of his medal? He is not a relative, but was a good friend of my Grandfather, and I have letters he wrote to him from France. He never married, and died in 1978. The correct spelling of his surname is Brazel, but he enlisted as Brazil. Thanks!
Hello Susan, Thank you for your email and membership, I will compile a profile on Stanley over the next few day’s and add him to my records. I have many more men to research, but as information comes to hand I try to priorities members requests first. I was only aware the other day that a 36th man was recommended for a VC. I will try to find a photo of him for you and add to his profile, give me a few days but if you can sent a copy of his letters I’ll add them to his profile.
Regards
Dave Harrower
Hi David.
My name is Brent, reading extracts from the internet I have identified that you may be able to assist.
I am looking for a photo of my Great Uncle; John Manly Bloomfield (Serial No.4978) who was attached to the 36th Battalion between 29-Sep-1916
and 28-Jun-1918. Unfortunately he was either training or hospitalised in England between 3-Jan-1918 through to 28-Jun-1918.
If you have a photo of the 36th Battalion outside the dates he was away or an actual photo of him I would greatly appreciate a copy as any photos that my family have had, have unfortunately been destroyed in a historical house fire.
A copy of these photos will be used alongside his medals to create a memorial picture frame that I am assembling.
Thank you kindly for your time and assistance
Kind Regards,
Brent
Hi Brent, I will see what I can find.
Regards
Dave H
I have a couple of group photos of the 36th from between 1916-1918 as my uncle was in the 36th and was KIA on 4th April 1918 at Villers Bretonneux. The group photos don’t have names unfortunately. But I can look through them if you want
Hi Kirsty,
Would it be possible to get copies so I can have a look at the men, I have a lot of individual named photos to men of the 36th so I may be able to match some names for you.
aif.ww1@live.com
Regards
David Harrower ACM
Hi Kirsty,
My ancestor was also in the 36th from Largs and was also killed on 4.4.18 at Villers Bretonneux. His name was William Henry Garland, painter before the war. He enlisted age 44 which was old for then. Any photos or information on him or the unit would be extremely appreciated. He was killed on a night raid and is mentioned in the diary of accounts by witnesses on the night.
Hi Kristy.
My apologies for late response. I have had a lot of trouble finding photos and kind of gave up of ever having any luck.
I would greatly appreciate if you could please share the photos of the 36 Battalion for the above dates. With the thought that my uncle is somewhere amongst the crowd would be fantastic.
Kind regards
Brent
Hi David
My ancestor was also in the 36th from Largs and was also killed on 4.4.18 at Villers Bretonneux. His name was William Henry Garland, painter before the war. He enlisted age 44 which was old for then. Any photos or information on him or the unit would be extremely appreciated. He was killed on a night raid and is mentioned in the diary of accounts by witnesses on the night. His body was never found.
Hi Dave
Thanks so much for adding Stan to the list and for getting back to me. There are about 25 letters, so difficult to send a copy of all to you. I am working on putting them into a booklet form (happy to share that with you when it’s done) and I’ve got a fair bit of info, but anything more would be appreciated! Local paper is putting a story in this week (they are running the Road to Remembrance series) to see if that turns up more info, so hopefully will be able to fill in some gaps. Only photo I have found from Stan’s army time is a group photo of 6 soldiers from 34th and 36th battalion. I don’t know when it was taken, I found it amongst my Grandparent’s things. Looks like a clipping from a magazine – there’s no date. Also have a photo of Stan in later life, but would love one from his army days. Happy to share any with you at any time. How can I get a copy of this photo to you? Thanks again, kind regards, Sue
Hi there
I am researching my great Uncle, Pte Harry Bertram Mortimore (502) of B company, 36th Battalion AIF who died in Steenwerck, Belgium on 10th July 1917. I wondered whether you might have any information, particularly photos of him?
I am currently visiting the battlefields in France and Belgium and will visit his grave tomorrow.
Best wishes
Sally
Hello Sally, yes I have a photo of him, working on his profile and will have on line later this week.
Dave H
David
I have recently been researching my family history. Pvte Cecil Sydney Smith joined the 36th Batt as a rifleman and was to die on 22 Jan 1917 and buried in Bonjean military cemetery .
Any record of his activity would be appreciated
Hi Rob. I will see what I can find.
Regards
Dave H
HI David I have been chasing information on my great uncle who served in the 36th Australian battalion Pvte Fredrick James Albert 2520 who was KIA on the 18 October 1917, any information or photos would be much appreciated as I am a veteran (Navy) and would like to chase his entitled medals.
Hi Warren, I will have a look to see what I have on him. I’ll check his records for his entitlements.
Dave H
Hi David, I’m Looking for any information about Andrew Penney service no 3111. He’s my great, great uncle and my Mum would love to find out more information about him.
I will see what I can find for you.
Hi David, I’m looking for any information on Sidney Edward Foote. On his memorial headstone it states that he was awarded a croix-de-guerre but I can’t find any more information on this. Thank you
Hi Jenny, let me see what I can find for you. Give me at least a week as I have a fair bit on at the moment.
Regards
Dave H
Hi Jenny, Sidney Edward Foote was my great grandfather – did you receive a reply on this? Regards, Sue Johnson
Hi Sue
Interesting man Sidney. I have done a bit of research on him and he is on the Honour roll as receiving the Croix de Guirre but he is not on the War Memorial list of recipients for any award. Still looking. He is buried at Gunnedah Cemetery but sill cant find a phot of him. Still a work in progress.
David Harrower ACM
Dear Sir, my great uncle was Herbert William Nixon. I know he was born in Belfast and moved to Australia then joined the army. He died in Belgium on the1st of October 1917. Any information or advice you can provide would be much appreciated.
Hi Cheryl, I have added a profile on Herbert, trying to find a photo of him for you, he was an original member of A Company 36th Battalion, no known grave, his brother received his medals and plaque in New Zealand. I will update his profile further when I find a photo of him
Regards
Dave Harrower JP
Hi David,
any chance of finding information, trying to find photographic for Walter Thomas Ridgway. His brother Kingsley has also enlisted at at the same time.
thanks Jenny.
Hi Jennifer. Walter served with the 33rd Battalion and Kingsley with the 53rd when he enlisted. Give me a couple of days and I will do a search and see what I can find.
Regards
Dave H
Thank you David greatly appreciated.
Jennifer
Hi David,
I am the great-great-great niece of Alexander Forsyth Davidson, who was part of the 36th Australian Infantry Battalion. He died June 11th, 1917. Could you find any more information on him, or a picture? He also had brothers, such as Peter “Scotty” Davidson (Gallipoli) and Stuart Davidson. Would love pictures on them if possible.
Hi Rebecca.
his memorial plaque was auctioned in 2018 but I missed it, I will have another look in my records as I keep updating them and see I I have anything else.
Regards
Dave H
Hello Dave,
My great uncle Private Andrew Williams 1706 was part of the 36th Battalion AIF. Killed 22 January 1917. Buried Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery Armentieres. Apparently buried alive in a dugout during an attack by the Prussian Guards. Any information or photos would be most appreciated.
Hi Dave, I’m just starting my search regarding my great grandfather Hector Clermont Rose. Anything you could point me towards would be wonderful.
Hi Narelle, I have added a bit of info for you to get you started. I have started a profile on him with a few photos, hope to finish later this week.
Born: 1st March 1891. Stanmore, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:
Married: 1911. Waterloo, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:
Wife: Ivy Kathleen Louise Rose. nee: Cecil. (1893-1979)
Died: 1st August 1953. Concord Repatriation Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:
Father: Edward Henry Rose. (1863-1901)
Mother: Florence L Rose. nee: Bullard. (1862-1915)
INFORMATION
Hector Clermont Rose was serving with the Instructional Staff when he enlisted with the AIF at Victoria Barracks on the 19th February 1917 with the rank of Sergeant and was entrained to the Liverpool Army Camp where he was allocated to the 8th Reinforcements 36th Battalion AIF.
Family Information
Hector was a married 29 year old Timekeeper who worked with the N.S.W. Government Railways upon his enlistment with the AIF. Hector served with the 25th Infantry, Scottish Rifles. Hector served pre World War 2 with the 30th Battalion and attained the rank of Major
Regards
Dave Harrower
Oh wow, that is amazing, I can’t wait to hear more! Thank you,
Hi my grandfather James Arnold Harris was in the 36th Battalion C Company in WW1. I know the War Memorial has his enlistment papers etc but I was wondering if you have any information or photos of him
Hello Denise. Your grandfather was transferred to the 33rd Battalion when the 36th was disbanded on the 30th April 1918 ans as a Sergeant was recommended for a Mention in Dispatches “For conspicuous gallantry on the afternoon of 21st June 1918, North East of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX. This NCO was one of a party of four N.C.Os who accompanied Lieutenant WIDDY. M.M. on a daylight reconnaissance on NO MAN’S LAND. While on this reconnaissance two Germans were observed seated in enemy front line. The party entered the enemy trench in an endeavor to capture the two Germans and during the encounter which ensued Sergeant HARRIS showed great gallantry and fearlessness. His action was a great inspiration to the whole Battalion.”
You should be very proud of your Grandfather we was true hero. I will try to find a photo for you and commence a profile on him. Very busy at the moment with ANZAC Day in a few days. Hope this little bit of information helps.
Best Regards
David Harrower ACM
Hello David, my great uncle Spero Bernard Wilson Service No 5041 was in the 36th Battalion. Killed in Action, Belgium, 10 June 1917. Any information or photos you may have and would be happy to share would most appreciated.
Thanks your time and assistance.
Hello Vanessa, I’lltry to find a photo of him. Started a profile.
9th January 1918.
Informant: Private: 5145 J BELL 36th Battalion AIF. “He was blown to pieces by a shell during the hop over at Messines. I could not say if he was buried. He was a runner in the Coy. I knew him well, we came over together with the 13th Reinforcements 19th Battalion, on the transport, Ajana, leaving Sydney July 5th 1916. He came from Sydney.
No: 4 Command Depot, Hurdcott, England
Regards
David Harrower ACM
Hello David,
Thank you so much, fingers crossed there is a photo of him.
Thanks again
Hello David,
My Great Great Uncle was William Henry Garland who served in the 36th Battalion in WW1 in Villers Bretonneux, France service no 2069 and was killed defending the village against the Germans. He was apparently in platoon/company 10? I know you’re busy being Anzac Day in a few days but is it possible to try and find a photo of him? I have researched and can’t find one as yet. I’d love to put a face to the hero of ours. Thank you so much David and thank you for your hard work in alloys to know our Anzac heroes
Hi Donna, he enlisted as Henry William Garland, from Branxton. I don’t have a photo of him but I will do some searches after ANZAC Day, and yes I’m rather busy at this time of year. I will stat a profile on him soon.
Regards
Dave H
I am after photos of two great uncles : Michael JCANTY (395)and Philip Denis
Canty( 396). The brothers were in the 36th Battalion Company B in WW1.
I have located the grave site of Michael and although I know the location of Philip’s grave, it is unmarked.
Hi Phil
To check if I’m on the right track, did Philip die in 1927 at Burrowa, N.S.W. Looking for a some photos for you.
Regards
Dave Harrower
Hi,
I am looking for any information or photos of my Grandfather, He joined the 36th Batalion as a 15 year old. Under a fake birth certificate of Francis Edwards. His real name was Fredrick Edwards. His number was 2560 …I’m desperate for anything you can provide me with . Many thanks
Hi Teena,
I will see what I can come up with for you.
Regards
Dave Harrower
Hi,
I’m researching my Grt Uncle THOMAS PATRICK KAVANAGH 5919 , he enlisted under the name Thomas Patrick WELSH (for some unknown reason) .He was in killed in action on 3/10/18
. I was wondering if you have any photos of him ?
Thanks in advance
Regards Vicki
Hi David,
Thank you for all the work you are doing preserving history. I would love some assistance getting any information or photos of my Great Grandfather Wilfred William Craig (SN1087). He served in the 36th Battalion until it was disbanded. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
John
Hi John
I have a photo of the Craig Family, taken at Kempsey, I think in the min 1920’5. Wilfred is wearing his Returned from Active Service Badge on his lapel. I will email you a copy. I will get around to compiling a profile on him at some stage.
Dave Harrower ACM
Hello Dave,
I have only just begun researching the military records of my Great grandfather Charles Roy Howe. According to his papers he was in the 36th Battalion. I am wondering if you might know anything about him or if you have any photos that show him? If not, could you please point me in the direction of how I can find about more about his service?
My mum recently gave me a service medal he received and I would like to learn a little more about the medal and what it was for.
Thanks ever so much.
I have a photo of him and I will email you a copy. As for his service he was discharged as medically unfit on the 28th March 1916 so he never left the country so I don’t think he is entitled to any service overseas medals. I you could send me a photo of the medal I can tell you what it is and how he may have received it.
Regards
David Harrower ACM
HI David, I am trying to gather information on 2 brothers in WW1 who are my wifes great uncles. 1 JAMES PERCY RILEY-2126 and 2JOHN HAMPTON RILEY who were both apparently wouned between 21st – 24th August one dying later from his wounds. Any information on these 2 brothers would be much appreciated for an upcoming family reunion.Hope your search might produce better results than mine Yours SincerelyTREVOR WHITE.
Hope this helps Trevor. Nothing on his brother, will look at him for you. Have photo of his grave none of him though.
36th BATTALION – 35th BATTALION. A.I.F.
Lance Corporal: 2126 James Percy RILEY.
Born: 1886. Scone, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:23901/1886.
Died: 11th September 1918. Died of Wounds 3rd Southern General Hospital, Oxford England.
Father: Cornelius Riley. (1857-1928)
Mother: Harriet J Riley. nee:. (18..-1930)
INFORMATION
James Percy RILEY enlisted with the 3rd Reinforcements 36th Battalion on the 25th of April 1916 and embarked from Sydney onboard HMAT A68 “Anchises” on the 24th of August 1916 and disembarked at Devonport England on the 4th October 1917. James was marched to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Arm Camp at Lark Hill. He reported to the Sutton Veny Hospital on the 14th of October and was marched in to the Training Battalion where he was Taken on in Strength with the 36th Battalion on the 11th November 1916.
James proceeded overseas for France on the same day via Southampton and was marched in to the 3rd Divisional Headquarters where he was Wounded in Action on the 18th of February 1917 where he was treated by the 10th Australian Field Ambulance for a Gun Shot Wound to his lower Back and was carried by Stretched Bearers to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station. James was transferred to Boulogne on the 22nd of February and was evacuated to England on the 26th of February onboard the Hospital Ship “Princess Elizabeth”.
James was admitted to the Norfolk Hospital for further treatment where he remained until he was discharged on the 15th of March to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital. James proceeded overseas again for France via Southampton on the 23rd of August and was marched in to Rouelles the next morning and re-joined his unit on the 31st of August. James was appointed to Lance Corporal on the 19th February 1918 and granted leave to England on the 2nd of March. He returned to France on the 21st of Marched and was on parade when the 36th Battalion was disbanded on the 30th April 1918.
James was transferred to the 35th Battalion after the 36th Battalions final parade and was Taken on in Strength in the Field and was promoted to Corporal on the 17th May 1918. James was sent to Lewis Gun School on the 3rd of July.
9th July 1918.
Informant: Corporal: 2126 James Percy RILEY I was well acquainted with Private: 2179 Denis “Denny” SHERRY he came from Manning River NSW. When we were at Hangard Wood in April we were holding the front line of defence in detached trenches. Sherry was in a small trench about 10 yards from me with 5 more Australians and three Frenchmen. The Germans had been shelling us for several hours when a very large shell landed right in the trench, Sherry, another Australian Private: 1257 William Halkyn WESTWOOD. and the three Frenchmen were killed. The 5 of them were completely buried up and nothing more was seen of them.
Estaples, France.
9th July 1918.
Informant: Corporal: 2126 James Percy RILEY Near Villers-Bretonneux on the 4th April 1918, Private: 568 Frederick John STUBBS was about 100 yards from me and got a bullet in the forehead. We were lined up in a wood ready to counter attack and STUBBS stood up to speak to someone and got a stray bullet. We then had to counter-attack and I never heard any more of him.
D Company, Lewis Gun School
Estaples, France.
James reverted back to the rank of Lance Corporal on the 10th of July. James re-joined his unit from Lewis Gun School on the 24th of July and again promoted to Temporary Corporal on the 5th of August when he was Wounded in Action; 2nd occasion on the 22nd of August 1918 where he received a Gun Shot Wound to his Right Thigh
James was reverted back to Lance Corporal upon his evacuation to Rouen where he was admitted to the 8th General Hospital before his transfer to England where he was admitted to the 3rd Southern General Hospital at Oxford on the 3rd of September 1918 where he Died of Wound and is buried at the Botley Cemetery Oxford England.
During the First World War, the 3rd Southern General Hospital (an Oxfordshire Territorial Unit) was housed in the Examination Schools and a number of other buildings in Oxford. Oxford (Botley) Cemetery contains 156 burials from the First World War, all in the war graves plot in section I/1.
Newspaper item – The Scone Advocate, NSW – 8 November, 1918:
THE LATE L.CORPL. PERCY RILEY
Mr Con. Riley, of Stewarts Brook, is in receipt of the following letter apropos of his son, Percy, from Lieut. R. W. Johnson, M.R..C., of the U.S. Army, written from the 3rd Southern General Hospital, Oxford (England) , under date September 6 last: “Your son, L.-Corpl. Riley, is a patient of mine, and I am writing to tell you a little of his condition, though I realise that my letter will not arrive until the battle we are helping him to fight for his life is decided. Just at present his condition is very critical, as he was very badly wounded. His left thigh and bone were shattered by a bullet at close range, so that the bone and soft parts were extensively injured; but after, an operation at the C.C.S. (casualty clearing station) in France it was hoped that his leg would be saved. The wound, however, became infected, and in the last couple of days gas gangrene, set in. To-day, Colonel Parker, our chief surgeon, operated on him, and all the infected tissue was cut away. Had he been in a condition to stand an amputation, it would have been done, but we had to limit our action for the present. The leg will probably have to be sacrificed later, but then he will be in better shape and the risk will be much reduced or even done away. Have just came in from seeing him, and he has rallied very well, though, as I say, he is still in a critical condition.
I am very much in hopes, after seeing him, that his splendid physical condition and resolute courage and nerve will pull him through where a weaker man’s chance would be nothing. You may rest assured that everything in our power is being done to help him in his fight, not only because he is a wounded soldier, but also because his wonderful courage, and uncomplaining patience have won our personal affection and have added to our determination to pull him through. In this I speak for the nurses as well as Colonel Parker and myself, and since you are so far away and helpless to aid him, it may be of comfort to you to know that your boy is not really among strangers, but with friends to help him. Personally, I cannot speak too highly of his pluck and endurance, though fortunately in cases like these where the battle is short and desperate, we are able to take the edge off the suffering, and I am honest, in saying that while the dressing is painful, he is not more than slightly uncomfortable most of the time and is sleeping quite well.
There is little more that I can add, except that you have a son to be justly proud of, both in action at the front and in the more trying and wearisome battle he is fighting in our hospital. I wish you both no better fortune than that he gets back to the ‘range’ safely, and to the life that made him the fine soldier he is both in the field and in the cot. I shall try and write you again in a few days of his progress, and send you good news, though I know that the cable will have brought, you the story long before me.”
ln a letter written from hospital to his parents, the brave lad states that he was wounded in the taking of Bray, on the Somme, in the early morning of 8th August. He remarks that his wound, certainly a bad one, and which was giving him much pain, would necessitate his having to remain in hospital for at least three months. But the one great consolation he found was that the war would end within the next twelve months. He was writing, he went on, under difficulties, as he was on the broad of his back. Both the paper and the envelope he secured from a captured German. “We came down from Flanders the latter end of March,” he continued, “and stopped the brutal Huns’, advance at Villers Brettoneaux early in April. We were rushed up in trains, motor lorries, and on foot, our trip occupying days, and were finally put in the thick of it at Villers. We have held the line ever since between Albert and Hangard Wood, and also have taken an active part in the big offensive ever since. The ‘Yanks’ are good men, and are using the Aussies to give them an idea of things as they are inexperienced. The Germans cannot hang out much longer, and the summer should just about pull them up. If that doesn’t, the Yanks will.”
Family Information
James was a single 30 year old Labourer from Stewart’s Brook via Scone, NSW upon enlistment where he lived with his father. Phillis A Riley born 1884 at Scone, N.S.W. Birth Cert:22372/1884. James Percy Riley born 1886 at Scone, N.S.W. Birth Cert:23901/1886. and died 11th September 1918 Oxford England. (Twins) Louise H Riley born 1888 at Scone, N.S.W. Birth Cert:25137/1888 and died 1906 at Scone, N.S.W. Death Cert:3129/1906. Agnes M Riley born 1888 at Scone, N.S.W. Birth Cert:25138. Martha A Riley born 1890 at Scone, N.S.W. Birth Cert:32103/1890. Elsie R Riley born 1892 at Scone, N.S.W. Birth Cert:32070/1892.
(The Scone Advocate, NSW – 16 May, 1919)
Stewarts Brook
On Sunday afternoon last, the marble font erected by Mr and Mrs Riley and family to the memory of their eldest son, Lance-Corporal James Percy Riley, who died of wounds received in battle on 11th September,1918, was unveiled during the Church of England service, by the Rector, the E. Bull. Prior to the dedication, the rev. gentleman expressed his deepest sympathy for the bereaved family, in which he was joined by the whole congregation, which was a very large one, the seating capacity of the Church being taxed to the uttermost. After speaking of the life and
character of the late Lance-Corporal Riley, which the rev. gentleman did in sympathetic language, the ceremony of unveiling the lout took place. The rev. gentleman said : ‘I unveil this font and dedicate it to the glory of God and His Church, in memory of the late Lance-Corporal James Percy Riley, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.’ Prayers were then said, and the solemn ceremony closed.
Botley Cemetery
Hi David,
I am after any and all information or photos you might have of my relative Frank Robert Cooper (2548) of the 36th Batallion.
He died at Ploegsteert Wood, during the Battle of Messines on 6 June, 1917.
I have what looks like a platoon photo of him (he is back row- tallest by a long way).
I also have his enlistment papers and red cross file which gives a few accounts of both the events that lead to his death and his death itself.
If there is anything else that you might have I would be eternally grateful.
Thank you,
David Moore