34th Battalion

Lieutenant: 356 Leslie John AVERY. MM

by

35th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant: 356 Leslie John AVERY. MM

Born:  1891. Lansdowne via Taree, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:34105/1891. 

Married: 1928. Adamstown, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:10020/1928.

Wife: Hilda Mabel M Avery. nee: Harrison. (1898-1967) Hamilton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:31792/1967.

Died: 18th June 1955. Hamilton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13300/1955. 

Father: George Robert Avery. (1832-1916)

Mother: Eliza Ann Avery. nee: Crittenden. (1844-1940)

INFORMATION

Leslie John Avery enlisted with the AIF 25th November 1915 at West Maitland, N.S.W. Leslie went onto camp at Rutherford before he was marched in the the Broadmeadow Army Camp were he was allocated to B Company 35th Battalion AIF as an original member where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on the 29th April 1916. 

The first ANZAC Day commemorated at Newcastle on 25th April 1916 was attended by thousands of people. A Parade in the morning was followed by several church services and afterwards the 35th and 36th Battalions re-formed and returned to the Gardner Memorial in Hunter Street for wreath laying. In the evening a Concert was held in King Edward Park.

This was surely a poignant day in Newcastle, for as the citizens gathered to remember the young men who had fallen at Gallipoli, they knew that before the end of the month the men of 35th regiment (Newcastle's Own) and the 36th regiment - their sons, brothers, husbands, sweethearts and friends, would embark on their own voyage towards the perils of war.

Newcastle yesterday paid impressive tribute to the memory of the Anzac landing, and the Australians and New Zealanders who fell in that historic fight on Gallipoli. From early morning crowds thronged into the city from the suburbs and from the adjacent centres. Business was practically suspended during the forenoon, for major attention was devoted to the observances arranged by the committee, headed by the Mayor, and the Returned Soldiers' Association.

But though crowds thronged the city streets, there was no appearance of carnival, rather there was an appropriate air of quiet reverence, though the tinge of pride in the achievements of the Australians and New Zealanders was not absent. The services held in churches of all denominations after the military procession were very largely attended. A great many of the ships and other business places, as well as vehicles, were draped in black and purple, and there was also a free display of bunting, all flying at half-mast, and in which the public offices and the ships in port participated.

The procession was formed up at the junction of Porcher street and Hunter street West, and proceeding through the city, was composed of the Naval Band, Naval Contingent, Returned Soldiers. Veterans, Naval Reserves, 35th Battalion with band, 36th Battalion and band, 16th Infantry Band, and Military Cadets. It was a lengthy procession, and the marching of the sailors and soldiers excited admiration. The returned soldiers were greeted with lusty cheering. which was doubled in honour of a number not sufficiently recovered to be able to walk, and a couple of whom were blind, who were conveyed in motor cars.

The two battalions - the 35th and 36th, in training at Broadmeadow were also greeted with encouraging cheers. All the various units of both battalions were in the parade. As the procession passed the Gardner memorial to fallen soldiers in front of the Post Office, beside which were Alderman M. J. Moroney, Mayor of Newcastle, Commander Frank Gardner, the donor, senior military officers, and relatives of deceased soldiers - were impressively saluted. As the procession left Hunter-street and proceeded up Watt street, contingents of men fell out, and were marched to their respective churches, whilst the remainder proceeded to the Cathedral. The soldiers attended the memorial services in large numbers, and so did the civilians.

After the church services the procession was re-formed in Hunter-street, and assembling in the neighbourhood of the Gardner memorial awaited the striking of midday. At that hour a gun was fired from Fort Scratchley, and immediately the band of the 36th Battalion played the National Anthem, all traffic was suspended, and 60 seconds silence was observed. The various units in the procession were immediately afterwards dispersed. During the forenoon proceedings a large number of wreaths were placed on the Gardner memorial, over which was spread the Union Jack and the Australian ensign. The wreaths included tributes from the Mayor and Mayoress, the Northern Branch of the New South Wales Rugby League, Returned Soldiers' Association, the ladies' committee of the Soldiers' Club, the Newcastle Police, the Newcastle Surf Club, numerous citizens and relatives of soldiers who had fallen.

Free settlers a last farewell

Broadmeadow Station 1st May 1916

The 35th Battalion left Sydney on the 1st May 1916 bound for the United Kingdom aboard the H.M.A.T. A24 "BENALLA" with 28 Officers and 991 other ranks. The original 35th Battalion had regimental numbers between 1-1513. Compiling of Headquarters, Machine Gun Section, A Company, B Company, C Company and D Company. Arriving in England in early July, the Battalion spent the next four months in training. It crossed into France on the 21st November, and moved into the trenches of the Western Front for the first time on the 26th of November, just in time for the onset of the terrible winter of 1916-17.

Leslie was Wounded in Action ; 1st occasion on the 27th February and again on the 14th October after the big advance at Passchendaele.

12th October 1917

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE I

At 1:30 am rain showers began. By 2:30 am it was raining lightly but steadily, by 3:30 fairly heavily. the infantry moved through the pitch dark in single file. In some battalions each man held on to the equipment of the man ahead of him; if touch was broken, those in front had to come back. The news that the line as reported by the 66th division was not held only just reached the incoming troops. Accordingly, in the right brigade (9th) the leading Company Commanders Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. and Captain: Telford Graham GILDER M.C. both of the 34th Battalion stopped their men at the entrance to Broodseinde railway cutting, and themselves went to make sure that their column might not run into the enemy.

At Keerselaarhoek Cemetery they found the tape duly laid, and met the officer of the 36th Battalion who had laid it, and by 3:00 am the time set, the 34th battalion was extended on its jumping-off position. But during the previous halt and afterwards, as it lay on the tape, the battalion was persistently shelled and suffered many casualties.

The first shell killed three signallers. Lieutenant: Albert Leslie WATSON. a signal officer of the 34th Battalion, a brave and enterprising leader who also was at the head of the column was severely wounded and all his staff hit. After establishing a forward command post Lieutenant: Thomas Fraser BRUCE 36th Battalion was also killed. Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. 36th Battalion supervising the assembly was knocked down by a shell but continued to command. Captain, Chaplain: Charles MURPHY was also wounded.

(BEAN; History of World war 1 Vol IV p911) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Only one Australian Division, the 3rd, was wholly employed in the days offensive. but the division was to capture Passchendaele an in spite of the depressing conditions, it was eager to achieve the distinction of doing so. One unit carried the Australian flag, to be planted in Passchendaele, and although officers and men in general were not enthusiastic concerning such "stunts" the Commander-in-Chief had been informed, and had told General: MONASH that, when this flag was planted, the news would be immediately cabled to Australia.

Some keen spirits looked on the operation simply as a dash for Passchendaele. One young company commander of Monash's reserve battalion, the 33rd, in face of a strict prohibition, led on his company as soon as the barrage fell. Starting from a line 350 yards in rear of the general alignment, the 3rd Division was out of touch with its neighbours from the outset. The heavy shelling on the tapes had made orderly disposition there almost impossible, as German Machine-Guns, undisturbed by the barrage now opened immediately, no opportunity offered of restoring proper formation.

The 9th Brigade went forward in the utmost confusion and a terrible mix up as reported by Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON D.S.O 35th Battalion at 6:40 am and "Great Confusion" was the description given by Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion. Even on the ridge, the mud was difficult, the hope, if there ever was one, of catching up before the quick barrage finished.

The 9th Infantry Brigade's intended direction lay not along the ridge and the Passchendeale road, but diagonally across them, and parallel to the railway, which most of the brigade could not see. As the jumping-off line was practically at right angles to the ridge, the brigade tendered to advance alone the heights. The Machine-Gun fire at the start came, on the 9th Brigade's right, from the ruined house near Defy Crossing; on its center from, "Hillside Farm"; and on its left from Augustus Wood.

The pillbox opposite the center was supported from the rear by a trench in which were Germans with Machine-Guns, and here occurred a delay which threatened to wreck to whole attack. it was not until an hour after the program time that these places were rushed by the neighbouring portion of the line under Captain: Henry Vince CARR and Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O of the 35th Battalion. The trench contained 35 Germans and 4 Machine-Guns. Part of the line was also held up by a pillbox close to Passchendaele road near the highest point of the ridge.

Here there was practically no shelter from attack, but Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. of the 34th Battalion managed to organise a party, with Sergeant: 21 James BRUCE and another N.C.O Corporal: 2036 Vere Cummings STEVENSON and a dozen men, and outflanking it, charged the place from the rear, capturing 25 Germans and 2 Machine-Guns. These actions set free the advance. The pillbox captured by Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. being not far short of the first objective, the 34th Battalion dug in there.

Great loss had been uncured; the 34th Battalion had only three officers left and there were wide gaps in the line. The right flank had swung far away from the railway, along which the 4th Division was attacking, but on the left Captain: Telford Graham GILDER M.C. of the 34th Battalion who had been wounded by a Machine-Gun bullet, but was carrying on found the 10th Brigade digging in slightly to his left under Captain: LATCHFORD, 38th Battalion, and fell back seventy yards to join it.

The Advance to the second objective was to begin at 8:25, the low clouds had opened, and fleecy cirrus with patches of blue were widening overhead and the sun had come out. The 9th Brigade had been so late in reaching the first objective that, while most of the 34th Battalion dug in, the 35th Battalion, allotted for the second phase, moved straight on. Standing on the Passchendaele road, Captain: Henry Vince CARR and Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O of the 35th Battalion endevoured to decide where the barrage then was; at first Carr thought it may be behind them, but finally decided that it was ahead.

The confusion at the start had split the brigade into mixed parties of all battalions and many of the 34th went on with the 35th, the main body of which, about 100 in all, now advanced along the south-eastern side of the ridge in order to catch the barrage. The hour was probably a little before that for the second advance. A German Machine-Gun in the gap between the brigade's right and the railway immediately opened with deadly effect.

Major: John Bruce BUCHANAN 36th Battalion, the senior forward officer was killed. At this critical juncture Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. of the 34th Battalion, again accompanied by Sergeant: 21 James BRUCE, led out a few men from the first objective and made for the gun. it was shooting in short bursts, and he was able to work up fairly close. Seizing a moment when it was firing to the north, he and his men rushed at it from the west. It was switched round, killing him, and sending his men to the ground.

But when its fire eased they worked round it, rushed the position, seized 25 Germans and 2 Machine-Guns. This gallant and effective action Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for removing the chief danger to the advance along the crest, but as soon as the 35th Battalion crossed to the eastern side of the hill it became the target of a number of field and heavy guns which, from the hedges and other cover in various parts of the landscape, fired over open sights.

After passing a corpse on its right, the 35th Battalion settled down on what its officers took to be the second objective, although on the extreme right they were actually short of the first. Captain: Henry Vince CARR, now the senior officer on the spot, reported; 8:35. On objective, with about 100 Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. DSO and three officers. Casualties 25 or 30 per cent. Captain: Henry Charles Dight CADELL M.C   Lieutenant: Charles Teesdale MAIN   Lieutenant: Keith Maitland DAY reported killed and Lieutenant: Frank HORNE   Lieutenant: Christopher Kyffin MEARS  Lieutenant: Charles John HENRY were wounded. Prisoners sent back 400-500. Contact on flanks uncertain, being heavily shelled.

Three posts were established under surviving officers, right Lieutenant: Norman Beade D'ARCY M.C centre Lieutenant: Joseph Francis ADAMS left Lieutenant: Harold Sydney WYNDHAM. In this brigade the battalion for the final objective was the 36th, and a report came along that it had gone through. Actually, it had advanced with the 35th, but, on the left, penetrated to the second objective, which bad been reconnoitered during the previous halt by the commander of the company Captain Robert Austin GOLDRICK. M.C.

He went up the road towards Passchendaele. The barrage, he said afterwards was no hindrance to him, although he left the line lying as close to it as possible "or where he thought it was." He was unable to detect the intensification of the barrage for the second phase, but led his men forward at the proper hour.

As no other battalion was there, he now established the line with its left on the road 600 yards from the church, about the point reached by the 66th Division's troops on October 9th. In front of the position Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK. M.C. and Lieutenant E.H FLEITER (39th Battalion) found hidden in a shell hole men of the 66th Division. One had a broken arm, the other trench-feet. They took the Australians at first for Germans. When reassured, "we knew the Australians would come," they said, 'We prayed hard."

From the direction of the church, which lay straight down the highway, no fire came. two Germans ran up the road and surrendered. South-east of the village, along the Moorslede road, were the Germans who seemed "very windy," and near the road two 5.9-inch howitzers began to blaze at the troops digging in.

The 9th Brigade had taken its second objective and the 10th its first, but the position of the officers in charge of these advanced lines was full of anxiety. On the eastern slope Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion, the senior officer in this part of the 9th Brigade's front, could see the 4th Division somewhat ahead of its right, and by 10:55 he had discovered that the 36th was on the left, but farther left than the 10th Brigade was far behind on its first objective . The German Guns ahead were sniping with dreadful accuracy. Carr on the western slope, sent back for instructions: "what am I to do?"

Word of the true situation reached headquarters slowly. As on the 9th, the first news was all encouraging. General: MONASH in the Ypres ramparts heard shortly after 7 that both brigades were "well away"; but by 8:26 he had ample evidence that the first objective was taken. At 9:25 the intelligence officer examining prisoners (Lieutenant: Frederick Morley CUTLACK Official War Correspondent) reported having heard from the wounded men that the second objective had been reached.

At 10:28 headquarters was informed of a statement of a wounded man, that the 38th Battalion had gone through. A further report that Australians had been seen at Crest Farm although quickly contradicting but probably true nevertheless. Which confirmed Monash's impression that his division was succeeding. Concerning the New Zealand brigade on his left, however, there was no word until, at 10:50, there arrived the tragic information that the New Zealand Division was stopped by the enemy alone the entire front.

Monash has already heard at 9:55 that the 10th Brigade was held up by fire from Bellevue Spur. Believing that his division was still advancing, he asked that every gun that the New Zealand Division could spare should be turned upon that ridge to suppress the fire. Meanwhile, he would order the reserve (39th) battalion of the 10th Brigade to be ready to assist in holding the ground already won. The reserve battalion the (33rd) of the 9th Brigade he was still keeping back to assist in the capture of Passchendaele.

Shortly after noon news of the true situation arrived. Lieutenant Jackson of the 40th Battalion had established at Waterfields pillbox near the Ravebeek a forward report-centre from which a series of messages, admirably accurate, was flashed by lamp to the headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Lord of the 40th Battalion. Thus Brigadier General McNicoll of the 10th Brigade was able to inform Monash of the precise position of Giblin's Line. He added that the situation was very serious and the casualties very heave. At the same time from the front line of the 9th Brigade arrived a pigeon message, sent by Captain: Richard GADD of the 36th Battalion.

We are on the Blue Line (second objective) with composite force all three battalions, both flanks in the air.

The New Zealand Division was to make a second attempt at 3:00 pm, and Monash was of the opinion that from the 9th Brigade, well forward on the ridge, patrols might still work northward around Crest Farm. His reserve, the 33rd Battalion (9th Brigade), was accordingly ordered to attempt this at 4:30 pm and the 10th Brigade's forward line being meanwhile reinforced by its own reserve, the 39th Battalion.

These orders went out, but none of them were fulfilled. The New Zealand Division had been defeated by obstacles which no hastily renewed bombardment could have overcome. no infantry in the world could have crossed the Ravebeek mud, penetrated the dense wire, and attacked the crowded pillboxes of Bellview with the assistance of a barrage which did not even screen the advance. No blame can attach to the artillery. Its commander, according to the New Zealand official history, had reported on the previous day that his guns might be unable to give efficient support.

This magnificent division, which lost nearly 3,000 men, had been held up in almost exactly the same position as the 49th three days before-the left brigade penetrating half-way to the first objective, the right stopped almost at the start. The Germans were reinforcing. The New Zealand battalion commanders knew that their men had no chance of succeeding by renewed attack, and the order was eventually cancelled.

As for the Australians, of the two battalions that MONASH had now ordered to participate, the 39th had already to a large extent been involved in the fighting, and the 33rd, endevouring to reach its position of readiness for outflanking Passchendaele, had suffered great loss. No less than 6 of its Officers were killed or mortally wounded. Captain: Wilfred Frank HINTON in command of the forward company, Lieutenant Leonard Rockley BROWNLOW  Lieutenant: Thomas Acheson ARMSTRONG   Lieutenant: Albert George KILPATRICK  Lieutenant William REES-REYNOLDS and Lieutenant: Norman Francis GOBLE.

By the time Lieutenant Colonels Henderson DSO 39th Battalion and MORSHEAD attempted to carry Monash's orders, they found that the attacking force of both brigades was back almost at its starting point. What had happened was as follows.

Neither Major: GIBLIN near the Ravenbeek nor Captain: Henry Vince CARR on the ridge had received their messages sent several hours earlier. The 9th Brigade's line was still being battered by the German Guns. Captain: Richard GADD 36th Battalion, whose troops were being wiped out, informed Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion that Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O 36th Battalion had now come forward to Hillside Farm. CARR accordingly sent Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O with GADD to explain to Milne the desperate nature of their situation. Milne said that he would try to get their troops relieved after dark, but till relieved they must hold on.

(BEAN; History of Word War 1 Vol IV page 921) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Meanwhile, however, the German artillery was annihilating some parts of their line. All leaders of Carr's three posts were out of action. Lieutenant: Joseph Francis ADAMS was Killed in Action and Lieutenant: Norman Beade D'ARCY M.C and Lieutenant: Harold Sydney WYNDHAM were wounded. Of the remaining officers of the 36th Battalion, Major: John Bruce BUCHANAN and Lieutenant: Fredrick William PUTNEY had been Killed in Action and Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK M.C wounded. Farther back Lieutenant: Sydney COOK had been Killed in Action and Lieutenant: William WAND and Lieutenant: Herbert Reginald MAILER were wounded.

At 3 o'clock rain began to fall steadily. at 3:15 pm Captain: Richard GADD 36th Battalion, thought agreeing with  Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion that to hold on meant annihilation, refused, in view of his Colonel's orders, to retire. Carr consented to wait while Gadd again sent word to Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O. Carr himself at 12: 30 had sent Captain Robert Derwent DIXON.  D.S.O to the headquarters of the 35th Battalion at " Seine", from which no word had been received all day.

At 3:45 pm, no reply having come from Milne, and Dixon not having returned as he had been kept at 35th Battalion headquarters awaiting the arrival of an order from brigade headquarters concerning the projected operation by the reserve battalion, Gadd agreed to withdraw and Carr sent along the line a note: The 35th Battalion will retire.

When visiting Gadd, Carr had warned the troops of the probable order to withdraw, and he now saw that the left had already begun to retire. He told men whom he passed to get back as fast as they could to the 34th Battalion (which he believed to be on the first objective). Captain: William James GORDON M.C 36th Battalion, strongly dissatisfied with the order, went straight to Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O urged that the forward position was tenable, and with Milne and Major: John Martin HAWKEY M.C rushed out to stop the withdrawal. But it was too late.

The 34th was not, as Captain: Henry Vince Carr 35th Battalion, believed, on the first objective. The Commander of the line, Captain: John William RICHARDSON 34th Battalion, on hearing of the extreme weakness of the force at the second objective, had reinforced it. He and his only remaining officer's Lieutenant: James Clement BURGES  Lieutenant: Bruce Gray McKENZIE   Lieutenant: John Abbott LONGWORTH had all been Killed in Action while organising on the first objective, and the first objective now lay empty. The retiring troops, being without orders as to the position to be taken up, streamed back past Milne's headquarters.

All that Hawkey, Gordon, Gadd, and others could then do was to lead a fraction of them forward again to the first objective, where they remained during the night. Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON.  D.S.O. with Captain: John Grieve PATERSON adjutant of the 35th, went up to organise the 35th there, but could find none of it's men. When eventually re-formed the remnant of the 35th was temporarily attached as a Company to the 33rd Battalion.

9th-12th October 1917 saw the 3rd Division, 9th and 10th Infantry Brigade in action during the Battle of Passchendaele, which saw massive losses and suffering in the Australian ranks. The casualties numbered 3,199 men in 24 hours during the height battle. The 34th Battalion lost every officer that day, either killed or wounded including their Medical Officer, Major: Gother Robert Carlisle CLARKE and some of his staff were killed while dressing the wounded. The spirit of some of the wounded is illustrated by the case of Corporal: 3170 Winsleigh Alexander MURRAY   35th Battalion, (formerly a Methodist Minister from Newcastle) gave up his place in a queue waiting for stretcher bearers and was never heard of again.

The Battle of Passchendaele saw 60 Officers and 1,322 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 11 Officers 273 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 15 Officers 323 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 18 Officers 296 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 15 Officers 383 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 1 Officer 36 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. - Officer 11 Other ranks

13th October 1917.

Received instructions to take command of the front line. Issued instructions to C.O's 34th and 35th Battalions to re-organize at dawn and to hold as follows; 35th Battalion Right Battalion. 36th Battalion Centre Battalion. 34th Battalion Left Battalion. This was done and consolidation proceeded with shelling of our position immediately in rear of it was at times very heavy. 5.9-4.2 and 77 mm being used. Our bombardment of enemy points appeared to be very light and our barrages throughout the battle much lighter than any yet experienced by this battalion.

On the other hand the Boche bombardment was the heaviest I have ever experienced and only the very soft ground smothering the shell bursts very few men would have got through it. This Battalion was relieved by the 44th Battalion 11th Bde A.I.F. Relief commenced about 7:00 pm and was complete about 11:00 pm. The Battalion moving back along Railway Line to BOSTON FARM. The Battalion to up a shell hole position near JACOB'S HOUSE. All ranks very exhausted.

11th January 1918.

Informant: Sergeant: 356 Leslie John AVERY. Left of Railway cutting Ypres, Zonnebeke. Killed by a shell, I saw Private: 7283 Albert Henri MENERE'S body but I don't know where buried Pay Corporal Corporal: 3524A Thomas John "Jack" Jordan CLARKE. was in charge of burying at the time.

Ward 39 Harefield, England.

8th August 1918.

At about 1:00 am a halt was made a few hundred yards in rear of the assembly tape and hot cocoa was served out to the men. The approach march was over and the Battalion on the tape, which had been ably laid by Lieutenant WARLAND and his scouts by 2.30 am. The enemy was very quiet and we suffered no casualties before Zero hour which was at 4:20 am when the barrage opened and the advance commenced as per App 11. At 6:45 am the objective was reached by the most advanced troops and consolidation commenced. Tanks from the rear came forward and and formed up at the rear with the 4th Australian Division in artillery formation. At 8:20 am as the barrage lifted the whole line went forward through us as if on parade.

(35th Battalion War Diary)

Recommended for Distinguished Conduct Medal that was down graded to the Military Medal. 

13th August 1918.

MILITARY MEDAL

Temporary Company Sergeant Major: Sergeant: 356 Leslie John AVERY. "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations against enemy positions South of the SOMME East of HAMEL on 8th August 1918. During the attack on ACCROCHE WOOD and afterwards C.M.S. AVERY displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in assisting his Company Commander to reorganise the Company during a very difficult advance and keep them together. He carried a spare Lewis Gun throughout the advance though heavily loaded with other stores. Throughout the entire operation he displayed fine leadership and by his bravery and fine fighting spirit inspired all with whom he came into contact."

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 17 June 1919 on page 1015 at position 23

London Gazette: 11 February 1919 on page 2143 at position 2

Leslie was detached to Cadet Training and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant  and then Lieutenant and transferred to the 34th Battalion on the 2nf February 1919 before returning to Australia on the 27th April 1919.

Family Information

Leslie was a single 24 year old Labourer from Lansdowne, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF.

Leslie was cremated at the Beresfield Crematorium and his ashes are in the Drive Wall A1/321. Hilda was also cremated at the Beresfield Crematorium and his ashes are in the Drive Wall A1/322 next to her husband.

Grave of George Robert Avery (1832-1916) -  Eliza Ann Avery. nee: Crittenden. (1844-1940)

Lansdowne Cemetery, Mid North Coast, New South Wales.

The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW) Saturday, 3rd August, 1940. Page 4

Obituary of Eliza Ann Avery. nee: Crittenden. (1844-1940)

Military Records

Under Construction: 28/11/2024.

Private: 41A Herbert Copeland BUTCHER.

by

36th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 41A Herbert Copeland BUTCHER.

Born: 18th October 1893. Hamilton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:16666/1893.

Married: 2nd August 1919. Windlesham, Surrey, England, 

Wife: Rose Butcher. nee: Hall. (1899-1947) 

Died: 19th July 1973. Concord Repatriation Hospital. Concord, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:4440/1973.

Father: Sidney Frank Butcher. (1850-1937) Died at Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:15806/1937.

Mother: Mary Jane Butcher. nee: Coles. (1857-1947) Died at Fivedock via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:19134/1947.

INFORMATION

 

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.

36th Battalion AIF on Parade at the Liverpool Army prior to travelling to  Sydney

The 36th Battalion embarked from Sydney on the 13th May 1916 on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 9th July  1916 where they were march in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp where the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. The 36th Battalion embarked for France on the 21st November 1916.

22nd November 1916.

Larkhill. Troops en trained at Amesbury Station in three trains. 1st Train 7:47 am Compliment-Officers 11 and 327 others, 19 horses, 8 hand carts, 3 4 wheeled wagons and 9 bicycles. Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON. Officer Commanding. A Company Lieutenant: Herman Augustus ARNOLD. B Company Lieutenant: 3 Harry WOODHAMS. C Company Lieutenant: James Michael JULEFF.

2nd Train 9:15 am-Compliment-Officers 11 and 327 others. 20 horses, 2 two wheeled, 5 four wheeled vehicles. Major: Archibald Clifford BLACKLOW. Officer Commanding. A Company Lieutenant: Richard Henry DOYLE..

3rd Train 11:am- Compliment-Officers 10, 326 other ranks, 20 horses, 2 two wheeled, 5 four wheeled vehicles. Major: Archibald Leeson PRINCE. Officer Commanding. B Company Lieutenant: 1376 William James GORDON.

Embarked "Caesarea" 24 Officers, 811 others. Embarked "African Prince" 8 Officers 168 others, 59 horses, 15 four wheeled vehicles, 12 two wheeled vehicles and 9 bicycles. Total 32 Officers, others 979 left Southampton 6:00 pm. 1 Officer 75 others detailed as sentries and boat guard. 1 Sergeant, 1 Corporal and 20 detailed as Firing Party. 5 Sanitary Police and 10 men as Sanitary Party.

23rd November 1916.

Arrived at La Havre 1:40 am. Disembarked 7:25 am. Marched via town to No:1 Rest Camp arrived 11:40 am. Remained at Rest Camp, Le Harve, till 6:30 am 24th November 1916.

24th November 1916.

36th Battalion, less 8 Officers 250 Other Ranks marched via town to point 3 Railway Station, Le Harve at 8:00am. En trained and left Le Harve at 10:30 am. Proceeded via Montcrolier Buchy, Abbeville 6:10 am. 10 hours late via Boulogne Calais and Bailleul. Arrived at Bailleul at 4:25 pm 25th November 1916.

25th November 1916.

Detrained at Bailleul marched to billets at Merris district. Arrived at billets 10:45 pm. Quartered in 12 billets. Headquarters at Hameur Farm.

26th November 1916.

4 Officers 100 men "A" Company arrived at Merris at 8:30 am. Remainder of Battalion arrived at Merris 4:00 pm. Hostile aircraft shelled overhead 2:15 pm.

27th November 1916.

8 N.C.O's detailed to attend Gas School for 4 days. All Officers instructed in Box Respirator by Divisional Gas Officer. General: Alexander John GODLEY and General: Sir John MONASH visited billets at Hameur Farm at 2:30 pm. Captain: John Martin HAWKEY. and 1 N.C.O. per Company visited forward billets at Armentiers.

28th November 1916.

Battalion left for Armentieres in 16 Motor Lorries. Whole Battalion reported in billets at Armentieres at 5:30 pm. Headquarters established at 6:00 pm Rue De Strasburg.

29th November 1916.

Whole Battalion still in billets-supply Working Parties Only.

30th November 1916.

Visited the front line on left sector of Defences at Armenteriers.

1917.

22nd January 1917.

Armenteries. Enemy started light shelling at 10:00 am. At 2:00 pm locality 16 & 17 was heavily bombarded also locality 14 which ended in a box barrage being put on at 4:10 pm and an attack by the enemy from Pimple Salient. They entered our trenches but were only in 10 minutes. Our casualties 11 killed, 36 wounded, 4 missing. It is quite possible the 4 missing have been buried by Minnies.

Killed in Action; Lance Sergeant: 11 Francis Anthony ANGELINETTA. (A Company) - Corporal: 937 John Jack WILDRIDGE (A Company) - Private: 172 Charles SLOCOMBE. (A Company) Private: 183 Denis Alfred STINSON. (A Company)

Wounded in Action; Private: 33 Ralph Albert ASH.

Missing in Action; later confirmed Killed in Action;  Private: 180 William Lionel STALKER. (A Company) - Private: 1706 Andrew WILLIAMS. (A Company) 

Informant; Private: 176 Oscar Norman SMITH "On the 22nd January 1917 at Houplines, Armentieres the German bombarded out trenches heavily before raiding them Private: 180 William Lionel STALKER and another Private: 1706 Andrew WILLIAMS were missing for several days after the bombardment. We then found their bodies buried in a shelter and frozen in the ground and up to the time of my being wounded on the 6th of February their bodies had not been but out owing to the frost. There can be no doubt at all as to the identity of these men. I am surprised they have not been reported killed.

(36th Battalion War Diary)

27th May 1918.

Informant: Private: 41 Herbert Copeland BUTCHER. A Company 36th Battalion AIF. Lance Corporal: 60 William John CHURCHLAND was in A Company No: 2 Platoon. Corporal of the Bombers, called "Jack". I saw him knocked by a shell at Passchendaele on the crest of a hill while going over. I also saw him on a stretcher and he said to me "I've got it this time". He had a leg off, and died about 12hrs later from loss of blood. He died while being taken from the Dressing Station to the Casualty Clearing Station. I don't know where he was buried.

London.

Family Information

Herbert was a single 22 year old Carpenter from Smith Street, Orange, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. He was a member of the Burwood Rifle Club. His father Sidney was recorded as his next of kin who lived at Station Street, Leura, New South Wales.

Military Records

Under Construction: 26/11/2024.

Lance Corporal: 2657 Frederick John SCALES

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34th BATTALION AIF

Lance Corporal: 2657 Frederick John SCALES

Born: 10th June 1893. Scarborough, Yorkshire, England.

Married: 1927 Scone, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:9014/1927.

Wife: Edith Harriett Scales. nee: Wilton (1904-1986) Death Cert:100792/1986.

Death: 24th April 1942.  Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:10154/1942.

Father: George Scales. (1864-1902)

Mother: Alice Scales. nee: Snowden (1864-1928)

INFORMATION

Frederick John Scales enlisted with the AIF on the 18th September 1916 at the Rutherford Army Camp where he was allocated to the 5th Reinforcements 34th Battalion AIF with the rank of private. Fred marched in to Farley Station with the 5 Reinforcements where they en trained to Sydney on the 16th of November and stayed overnight at the Sydney Showground Camp before proceeding overseas for France the next day from Woolloomooloo Wharf in Sydney on board "Port Napier". The reinforcements disembarked at Devonport, England on the 29th January 1917 and were marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp.

The Reinforcements proceeded overseas for France via Folkstone on the 3rd of May and were marched in at Estaples the next morning. Fred was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on the 2nd December 1917 in the field and was later granted leave to England from the 13th February 1918 which may have been when he was painted by Alfred Crowdy Lovett whist he was on leave. Fred re joined his unit in France on the 3rd of March 1918 at Warneton and went straight into action supporting the raiding party into enemy trenches.

3rd March 1918.

9:00 am. Weather dull and very cold. Our Artillery fairly active throughout the day, Enemy Artillery quiet. 11:45 am. 9th Infantry Brigade Raiding Party of 300 strong racked enemy trenches opposite 33rd Battalion Sector on our right. Raid very successful 1 Officer 11 other ranks being brought back prisoners. 34th Battalion casualties in the raid were 1 other ranks Killed 3 other ranks Wounded. There was no Artillery retaliation on our Sector.

Lance Corporal: 2597 John Henry JOHNSTON.

At 11.45 pm on the 3rd March a combined 9th Brigade Raid took place, which proved most successful. One Officer and 11 Other Ranks were brought back as prisoners. Our casualties were 3 wounded. The following night the brigade Raiders again entered the enemy Trenches and succeeded in killing 40 of the enemy. Strength of Raiding Party - 15 Officers 300 other ranks.

Private: 7533 Walter Godfrey SMITH. 34th Bn AIF. Killed in Action 05/03/1918 France.

This Raid however was not so successful as the previous night. The Battalion losing one of its efficient Officers Captain: 717 Benjamin Greenup BRODIE. These Raids were well organised and the men, who had been especially trained, were well equipped. On the second night 100 men of the Battalion took part. The object of the Raid was to blow up Dug Outs and Tunnels. The Assembly Point was in the front of the 33rd Battalion Outpost near No: 7 Post in the front of the Sugar Refinery. Our men were in "C" Company of the Raiders, with Captain: 717 Benjamin Greenup BRODIE in charge. Lieutenant Colonel John Alexander MILNE, 36th Battalion was in charge of the Brigade Raid. Each man carried three of four Bombs. Some were Rifle Grenadiers, others Lewis Gunners, some Bombers and also Bayonet Men. Most were dressed in Tommy Uniforms. The Demolition Party carried special charges and detonators. It rained heavily during march to the Assembly Point and the men enjoyed the hot Cocoa and Coffee supplied by the Y.M.C.A on the way up.

THE "END of HOSTILITIES"

On 1st October the weather cleared and the Battalion moved into reserve at Benjamin Post, with the exception of "B" Company, which was still patrolling Bony Avenue and stave Trench. During the day a number of H.E. and gas shells came over, but only one casualty resulted. On 2nd the Battalion moved back to Capron Copse, where it was re-joined by "B" Company and bivouacked for the night. The next day the men marched back to Cat Copse and bivouacked for two days, where the C.O. held an Inspection.

at 1:30 pm on the 5th the Battalion moved out by light railway and arrived at Peronne at 6:00 pm, where hot coco and biscuits were served out to the troops by the Y.M.C.A. When leaving Cat Copse four men were wounded by an explosion of cartridges in a fire around which they were standing on the road. At 10:00 pm the same evening the troops en trained for Armiens and arrived there at 6:00 am on 6th October. Having en trained they marched to billets in Fricourt. The Transport and Quarter Master's Store came by road. The village and billets were comfortable compared with the conditions of recent months.

Whilst here training was carried out in the morning and sports were held during the afternoon. Lectures on all subjects in connection with the A.I.F. Education Scheme were given. Schools were opened up where men could experience which would help them in various trades, and occupations on return to civil life. Many went to Farm Schools in the Divisional Area. Organised sports with Companies, Battalions and Brigades were carried out. Debating classes were held and some pleasant and interesting evening events.

Soon after settling down, Brigadier General: Henry Arthur GODDARD. inspected the billets and complimented the Transport on their smart appearance. A Battalion Parade was held and the Brigadier spoke of the past eight months' operations on the Somme and of the gallant part the 9th Brigade had played. He urged the men to guard their good name whilst they remained overseas and take it back to Australia. The weather for the first two weeks was stormy, with the usual amount of mud in evidence, but everything was done for the comfort of the men. Picture shows were provided and concerts were given by Battalion and visiting concert parties, which were greatly appreciated.

Church Parades were held by Padre Captain: Chaplain 3rd Class: John CALDER. Whilst here Lieutenant Colonel. Arthur Raft WOOLCOCK. D.S.O. of the 11th Brigade, assumed command of the Battalion. In the course of his remarks during an address to the Officers of the Battalion, he said that in donning the Colours of the 34th Battalion he intended also to absorb the spirit of the Battalion and to continually study the welfare and comfort of the men, which he eventually did in no uncertain manner.

ARMISTICE SIGNED

We could now tell by the news in the papers that the war was practically over although we (The Third Division) was told to hold ourselves in readiness to proceed to the line again, the 1st, 4th, and 5th Australian Divisions being already on their way back to the line. On Monday 11th November 1918 (the day the Armistice was signed) we marched to Alleray for a hot steam bath and on passing through Airaines found all the houses decorated with tricolours and the church bells pealing and the Frenchies running about like madmen. We wondered what was wrong and halted in the main street for a rest. The Captain then told us (he had interviewed the Mayor who had received a telegram saying that the Armistice was to be signed) that the Armistice was to be signed at 11 a.m. that morning it was then about 10 a.m. We gave three cheers and could scarcely realise that the war was over. When we arrived back at Warlus the news had already reached there and the town was decorated &c. Next day we had a holiday from drill to celebrate Peace. The bells of the old French church chimed day and night for several days. Most of us attended the Victory Mass at the Roman Catholic Church and we also had a great Thanksgiving service out on the parade ground. Some of the men broke camp and went to the neighbouring cities and some got as far as Paris. Many were "pinched" and put in clink (gaol) as they had no leave passes, others were caught and sent back to the Battalion.

Fred was again granted leave to England from France on the 8th February 1919 and re joined his unit on the 24th of February and spent the next few months in France before he was allocated to Quota 34 on the 15th of April and embarked from Havre, France on the 21st of April for Codford, England. Fred embarked from England on board the "Themistocles" on the 12th June 1919 and arrived in Melbourne, Australia on the 28th July 1919. Fred attended to the Anzac Buffet on the 11th August in Sydney where he declared he had no disability from War Service and was fir and well before he was discharged from the AIF on the 18th September 1919.

Brigadier General: Alfred Crowdy Lovett CB-CBE-MID (1862-1919) Watercolour Painting of Lance Corporal: 2657 Frederick John Scales who served with the 34th Australian Infantry Battalion WW1

Find a Grave

 

Jacob Boston Fine Art

Water Colour painting by Alfred Crowdy Lovett (1862-1919) was acquired in November 2024 for the Harrower Collection from the Jacob Boston Fine Art in England. Lovett was a military artist best known for his watercolours and other images of the varied uniforms of the different armies of British India. As his work continued over the next several decades, this designation would change, right up to Colonel and then Brigadier General.

This painting of Private F Scales of the 34th Battalion is the only known paining by this artist to members of the 34th Battalion AIF. 

Family Information

Fred was a single Bootmaker from Scone, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. Fred immigrated to Australia from London on the 27th April 1911 arriving in Sydney, Australia aboard the "Osterley". Fred served with the Territorials in England.  He married Edith Harriett Scales. nee: Wilton in 1927 at Scone, New South Wales, Australia. They moved to Kurri Kurri, New South Wales. 

Kurri Kurri Cemetery

Grave of  Fred Scales (1893-1942)

Military Records

Under Construction: 30/10/2024-1/11/2024

Lieutenant: Charles Richard SCANLON.

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7th General Service Reserve - 34th BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant: Charles Richard SCANLON.

Born: 8th January 1884. Manchester, England. 

Married: 19th June 1915. Drummoyne, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:14170/1915.

Wife: Ann Scanlon. nee: Davidson. (1892-1971) Died in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 

Died: 5th February 1973. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:44304/1973.

Father: John Scanlon. (1860-1900) Died in Manchester, England.

Mother: Mary Ann Scanlon. nee: Barratt. (1860-1897)

INFORMATION

Charles Richard Scanlon enlisted with the AIF on the 21st February 1918 after serving with the Australian Military Forces, Instructional Staff. He had previous service in England with the British Regular Army for 12 years prior to immigrating to Australia on the 6th February 1914. Charles embarked for England from Sydney on board the "Feldmarschall" with the 7th General Service Reserves, and disembarked in England on the 26th August 1918. 

The Reinforcements were marched in to the 12th Training Battalion on the 27th August and Charles was marched in the the Drill School at the Kandahar Barracks on the 9th September before proceeding overseas for France on the 28th of November via Southampton and disembarked at Havre the next morning where Charles was allocated to the 34th Battalion. Charles was marched in to relieve returning soldiers and was promoted to Lieutenant on the 3rd February 1919. Charles was returned to England on the 26th of June and returned to Australia on board the "Nestor" on the 1st November 1919 and attended to Anzac Buffet in Sydney on the 16th December 1919 and had his appointed terminated from the AIF on the 8th January 1920. 

Single Entitlement only issued to Lieutenant: Charles Richard Scanlon. AIF

Family Information

Charles was a married 34 year old Soldier from Drummoyne, New South Wales when he enlisted with the AIF. Charles was buried at the Church of England Cemetery, Northern Suburbs, New South Wales, Australia. 

Military Records

 

Under Construction: 19/09/2024.

Acting Sergeant: 2896 Hector Francis YOUNGSON.

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34th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Acting Sergeant: 2896 Hector Francis YOUNGSON.

Born: 16th October 1882. England, 

Died: 30th March 1918. Killed in Action. Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Father: James R Youngson. 

Mother: Frances Youngson. 

INFORMATION

Hector Francis Youngson enlisted with the AIF on the 20th April 1916 at the Dubbo Sports Ground and was appointed to Acting Sergeant on the 6th June before he was marched in to the No:4 Officers School at Duntroon until the 30th October and was allocated as Acting Sergeant, 6th Reinforcements 34th Battalion AIF on the 31st October 1916. Hector embarked for England from Sydney on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" on the 25th November 1916 and disembarked at Devonport England on the 29th January 1917. 

Hector proceeded overseas for France via Southampton, England on the 19th March 1918 and disembarked at Havre, France the next morning and was marched out to the lines transferred to the 33rd Battalion AIF on the and Taken on Strength on the 24th March 1918.

30th March 1918.

COUNTER ATTACK OPERATION. AFTERNOON AND EVENING MARCH 30TH, 1918.

33RD BATTALION A.I.F

At 10;30 a.m. on March 30th the 33rd Battalion moved from billets in CACHY to a position of readiness on the south Western edge of the BOIS D'AQUENNE. The enemy shelled CACHY from 10 a.m. but we suffered no casualties. At 2;15 p.m I reported to you at the Brigade Report Center at H.33,0,35,40 and received your orders to capture and establish a line from the Copse immediately South of the first c in MARCELCAVE to AUBERCOURT, and to capture AUBERCOURT which was in possession of the enemy. The 33rd would work in conjunction with the 12th Lancers, who were 400 strong, and would have the 34th in support.

The following orders were issued by me verbally to Company Commanders at 2;45 P.M. "B" Company Lieutenant: 5017 John Graham Antill POCKLEY will establish a line from the Oppue just South of the first C in MARCELCAVE to a point 100 yards east of the Crossroads to V.14.b. "A" Company Captain: John Lovelock FRY will establish a line from 100 yards East of the Cross Roads in V.14.b. to V.20.b.20.00. "D" Company Captain: James William SHREEVE. will capture AUBERCOURT and establish a line on the Eastern and Southern sides of the village. As DEMUIN is held by the enemy particular attention is to be paid to the roads loading over to do LUCE from BEMUIN and COUXCELLES. "C" Company Captain: Walter John Clare DUNCAN will be in reserve in the valley South East of the BOIS DE HANGARD and to be ready to capture DEMUIN.

Battalion Headquarters will be the Reserve Company "D" Teams, according to S.S. 156, will not take into action but will be sent to BLANCY TRONVILLE. At 3;10 p.m the Battalion marched under the command of Major: Francis George GRANT. from BOIS D'AQUENNE and moved across country to the West of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - AUBECOURT road in U.12. This position was reached at 4;35 p.m. At 3;00 p.m I sent forward two patrols from the Platoon of the 9th Corps Cyclists to reconnoitre North and South of the wood East of BOIS DE HANGARD and then as far forward towards AUBERCOURT and MARCELCAVE as possible. I regret to report that the Platoon Commander Lieutenant: Phillip Charles GRATWICKE was killed.

Phillip Charles Gratwicke

Lieutenant: Phillip Charles GRANTWICKE. 9th Corps, Cyclist Battalion. Killed in Action 30th March 1918.

The 12th Lancers proceeded the Battalion and reached the wood East of BOIS DE HANGARD at about 4;15 p.m.(This wood was in future be referred as LANCERS WOOD) My Adjutant, Scout Officer and Cavalry Liaison Officer went ahead with the Cavalry and reconnoitre the position. On our way to LANCER WOOD we passed several bodies of troops particularly had recklessly entrenched in queer places and large parties of stragglers. On reaching the wood we found the whole front line garrison East of LANCER WOOD withdrawing although there was no hostile fire of any kind and no signs of attack. I met two Brigadiers and a Battalion Commander in the wood and informed them what was happening at once. This they promised to do. The Cavalry Commander also helped in this matter by sending a Squadron dismounted to re-establish the line. The infantry went forward with the cavalry but in a reluctant manner. During the whole time we sore forward men constantly leaving the line. The seemed to be no effort to check this straggling.

It was a proud privilege to be allowed to work with such a fine Regiment as the 12th Lancers. Their approach march instilled in the mementos confidence and enthusiasm and I am glad to say greatly counteracted the effect of so much straggling. They lost no time in effectively clearing LANCERS WOOD and get there just in time as the enemy had obtained a footing on the southern and South Eastern edges. The Lancers protected the edges and allowed us to move forward to the attack. On seeing the cavalry there the enemy shelled LANCER WOOD very heavily, chiefly with 5.0s. paying particular attention to our fringes. Fairly heavy casualties to horses were inflicted there, the horses were soon led from the wood to a position West of the VILLER-BRETONNEUX - AUBERCOURT Road. The discipline during the heavy shelling was a subject lesson. During the attack the cavalry protected both our flanks, the left with two Machine Guns. They withdrew at about 7.00 p.m.

All ranks were eager to give every possible help to us, throughout there was whole hearted cooperation. The experience gained in this our first operation with cavalry was invaluable. One was able too judge of the splendid work they are doing for the Army at this present time and they cannot be too highly praised. The 33rd Battalion moved forward from the position of assembly at 3:00 p.m. The formation adapted by Companies was as follows; One Platoon in extended order, followed by two Platoons in line in Artillery formation; the fourth Platoon in reserve also in Artillery formation.

"B" Company moved along the Northern edge of LANCER WOOD and widened its front on clearing the wood. "A" Company moved throughout the wood. Owing to enemy shelling while moving through, the whole company was extended into three lines and resumed normal formation on clearing the wood. No casualties were sustained in the wood. "B" Company worked in single file along the brindle track near the Southern edge of the wood and formed up under cover of the terraced bank on the South East edge. Three casualties were sustained on entering the wood. "C" Company formed up on the sunken road in U.18.a. and not where was first ordered, owing to the hostile shelling.

The movement forward was splendidly carried out. On the right slight opposition was en counted but easily disposed of. no real opposition was not until we were about 200 yards clear of the wood when all three Companies came very heavy machine gun and rifle fire. They deployed at once and moved forward without flinching. All ranks displayed the greatest determination and eagerness to get to the Bosch with the bayonet, this eagerness was to some extent responsible for the heavy casualties as the principle of advancing under covering fire was not sufficiently observed. On the Left most progress was made in spite of heavy losses, and the enemy hurriedly retired but on discovering later in strength he reformed.

30th March 1918

The enemy was well entrenched and in strong force as we had no artillery support his fire was consequently extremely heavy and unfortunately very accurate. Owing to such strong opposition we were not able to reach our objectives. The attached map shows approximately the line we established. The line is well sited and is a very good defensive position. With determined troops the enemy could easily be held, and any advance he attempted would be very expensive. Owing to casualties and to the wide front the Reserve Company to reinforce the right flank. This Company made good the gap between the right and center Companies. At the same time I requested the 34th Battalion which was in support in U.18.a. and U.12.c. West of the VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - AUBERCOURT Road, to send a Company to reinforce the left flank. I instructed Company Commander Captain: Telford Graham GILDER. to reconnoitre the position first and then move forward at 6.00 p.m. This Company advanced in two lines of two Platoons each and took the newly-made enemy trenches about 250 yards East of the line then held by us, capturing two light machine guns one of which was damaged, and four prisoners belonging to 91st Oldenburg Regiment.

Wilhelm CONZE; Company-Leader in the 91st Infantry-Regiment (03 Apr 1917-14 Oct 1917) Wounded, in Reserve Hospital in Gotha (23 Mar 1918-22 May 1918) Transferred to the Replacement-Battalion of the 91st Infantry-Regiment (22 May 1918-01 Jul 1918) Company-Leader in the 91st Infantry-Regiment (01 Jul 1918-30 Sep 1918) In French Captivity (30 Sep 1918-14 Feb 1920) Released from Captivity and back with the Processing-Office of the 91st Infantry-Regiment (14 Feb 1920-29 Mar 1920)

Captain GILDER withdrew and made good the gap between the left and center Company's. At 10:00 p.m. I requested the C.O. 34th Battalion to send two company's forward, one to the sunken road in U.18.a the other to a position 300 yards North East of LANCER WOOD. At 11:00 p.m. the enemy attempted a local counter attack against my left company but was repelled. Heavy rain fell from early in the afternoon till late at night. Walking over the ploughed fields under such conditions affected the Lewis guns and rifles. Every man was drenched to the skin and very cold, but this did not dampen his ardour. All maps were soon rendered useless and the writing of messages was extremely difficult. Our flanks were somewhat in the air, on our left the Warwicks were about 600 yard behind. The 66th Division were on our right, but touch with them was not obtained.

In order to secure my right flank the right Support company, of the 34th Battalion supplied a Platoon for patrolling and also to establish a post South of LANCER WOOD on the VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - AUBERCOURT Road. Our front was well protected by Vickers and Lewis Guns. We had five Vickers guns from the 9th Australian Machine Gun Company - two covered either flank and one the center, and we had 25 Lewis guns. We were relieved by the 10th ESSEX and the ROYAL WEST SURREY Regiment of the 18th Division this morning; the relief Battalion Headquarters were established at V.7.d.30.95. The Pre-arranged position was unatonable.

Lieutenant Colonel: Leslie James MORSHEAD.

Commanding 33rd Battalion A.I.F.

Hector was Killed in Action on the 30th October 1918 and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.

Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.

Hectors War Medal:54240 to A/Sgt 2896 H.F. YOUNGSON 33 BN AIF was acquired in September 2024 and is now in the Harrower Collection.

Family Information

Hector served with the Royal Navy prior to immigrating to Australia. He enlisted on the 22nd March 1900 and served with the Royal Marine Light Infantry. Plymouth Division, service number 10248. Hector served for 12 years and was discharged when his time was served in 1912. Hector was a single 30 year old Waiter from Sydney, New South Was upon his enlistment with the AIF. His mother Francis was recorded as his next of kin who lived at 89 Croxted road West Dulwich, London, England. Sister Clare Blaxland

Military Records

Under Construction: 11/09/2024.

Private: 59 James Edward DWYER

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34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 59 James Edward DWYER

Born: 1896. Tasmania, Australia. 

Married: 1916. West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:1401/1916. 

Wife: Rhoda Amelia Dwyer. nee: Beatty. (1897-25/11/1953) Died at Mayfield, New South Wales. Death Cert:29601/1953.

Died: 17th January 1974. Mayfield via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:80179/1974.

Father: James Dwyer.

Mother: Mary Dwyer. nee: 

INFORMATION

James Edward James enlisted with the AIF at West Maitland on the 7th January 1916 and was allocated to A Company 34th Battalion AIF and was an original member of the Battalion. 

34th Battalion AIF. Church Parade.

On 1st May 1916, the Battalion left by Train from Farley Station for the Showground in Sydney, equipped with kit bags and necessary clothing, and was reviewed in Moore Park by General: Gustave Mario RAMACCOTTI. On the following morning, 2nd May 1916 the men embarked on the transport HMAT A20 "HORORATA" and sailed at 4:00 pm".

HMAT A20 "HORORATA"

Devonport was reached on the 23rd June, the Battalion disembarked at Plymouth at 1:00 pm and en trained during the afternoon for Amesbury, arriving at midnight and marching to hutments at No: 1 Camp, Larkhill. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine.

James proceeded overseas for France on the 23rd August 1917 to reinforce the 34th Battalion prior to the stunt at Passchendaele. 

12th October 1917

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE I

At 1:30 am rain showers began. By 2:30 am it was raining lightly but steadily, by 3:30 fairly heavily. the infantry moved through the pitch dark in single file. In some battalions each man held on to the equipment of the man ahead of him; if touch was broken, those in front had to come back. The news that the line as reported by the 66th division was not held only just reached the incoming troops. Accordingly, in the right brigade (9th) the leading Company Commanders Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. and Captain: Telford Graham GILDER M.C. both of the 34th Battalion stopped their men at the entrance to Broodseinde railway cutting, and themselves went to make sure that their column might not run into the enemy.

At Keerselaarhoek Cemetery they found the tape duly laid, and met the officer of the 36th Battalion who had laid it, and by 3:00 am the time set, the 34th battalion was extended on its jumping-off position. But during the previous halt and afterwards, as it lay on the tape, the battalion was persistently shelled and suffered many casualties.

The first shell killed three signallers. Lieutenant: Albert Leslie WATSON. a signal officer of the 34th Battalion, a brave and enterprising leader who also was at the head of the column was severely wounded and all his staff hit. After establishing a forward command post Lieutenant: Thomas Fraser BRUCE 36th Battalion was also killed. Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. 36th Battalion supervising the assembly was knocked down by a shell but continued to command. Captain, Chaplain: Charles MURPHY was also wounded.

(BEAN; History of World war 1 Vol IV p911) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Only one Australian Division, the 3rd, was wholly employed in the days offensive. but the division was to capture Passchendaele an in spite of the depressing conditions, it was eager to achieve the distinction of doing so. One unit carried the Australian flag, to be planted in Passchendaele, and although officers and men in general were not enthusiastic concerning such "stunts" the Commander-in-Chief had been informed, and had told General: MONASH that, when this flag was planted, the news would be immediately cabled to Australia.

Some keen spirits looked on the operation simply as a dash for Passchendaele. One young company commander of Monash's reserve battalion, the 33rd, in face of a strict prohibition, led on his company as soon as the barrage fell. Starting from a line 350 yards in rear of the general alignment, the 3rd Division was out of touch with its neighbours from the outset. The heavy shelling on the tapes had made orderly disposition there almost impossible, as German Machine-Guns, undisturbed by the barrage now opened immediately, no opportunity offered of restoring proper formation.

The 9th Brigade went forward in the utmost confusion and a terrible mix up as reported by Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON D.S.O 35th Battalion at 6:40 am and "Great Confusion" was the description given by Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion. Even on the ridge, the mud was difficult, the hope, if there ever was one, of catching up before the quick barrage finished.

The 9th Infantry Brigade's intended direction lay not along the ridge and the Passchendeale road, but diagonally across them, and parallel to the railway, which most of the brigade could not see. As the jumping-off line was practically at right angles to the ridge, the brigade tendered to advance alone the heights. The Machine-Gun fire at the start came, on the 9th Brigade's right, from the ruined house near Defy Crossing; on its center from, "Hillside Farm"; and on its left from Augustus Wood.

The pillbox opposite the center was supported from the rear by a trench in which were Germans with Machine-Guns, and here occurred a delay which threatened to wreck to whole attack. it was not until an hour after the program time that these places were rushed by the neighbouring portion of the line under Captain: Henry Vince CARR and Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O of the 35th Battalion. The trench contained 35 Germans and 4 Machine-Guns. Part of the line was also held up by a pillbox close to Passchendaele road near the highest point of the ridge.

Here there was practically no shelter from attack, but Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. of the 34th Battalion managed to organise a party, with Sergeant: 21 James BRUCE and another N.C.O Corporal: 2036 Vere Cummings STEVENSON and a dozen men, and outflanking it, charged the place from the rear, capturing 25 Germans and 2 Machine-Guns. These actions set free the advance. The pillbox captured by Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. being not far short of the first objective, the 34th Battalion dug in there.

Great loss had been uncured; the 34th Battalion had only three officers left and there were wide gaps in the line. The right flank had swung far away from the railway, along which the 4th Division was attacking, but on the left Captain: Telford Graham GILDER M.C. of the 34th Battalion who had been wounded by a Machine-Gun bullet, but was carrying on found the 10th Brigade digging in slightly to his left under Captain: LATCHFORD, 38th Battalion, and fell back seventy yards to join it.

The Advance to the second objective was to begin at 8:25, the low clouds had opened, and fleecy cirrus with patches of blue were widening overhead and the sun had come out. The 9th Brigade had been so late in reaching the first objective that, while most of the 34th Battalion dug in, the 35th Battalion, allotted for the second phase, moved straight on. Standing on the Passchendaele road, Captain: Henry Vince CARR and Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O of the 35th Battalion endevoured to decide where the barrage then was; at first Carr thought it may be behind them, but finally decided that it was ahead.

The confusion at the start had split the brigade into mixed parties of all battalions and many of the 34th went on with the 35th, the main body of which, about 100 in all, now advanced along the south-eastern side of the ridge in order to catch the barrage. The hour was probably a little before that for the second advance. A German Machine-Gun in the gap between the brigade's right and the railway immediately opened with deadly effect.

Major: John Bruce BUCHANAN 36th Battalion, the senior forward officer was killed. At this critical juncture Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. of the 34th Battalion, again accompanied by Sergeant: 21 James BRUCE, led out a few men from the first objective and made for the gun. it was shooting in short bursts, and he was able to work up fairly close. Seizing a moment when it was firing to the north, he and his men rushed at it from the west. It was switched round, killing him, and sending his men to the ground.

But when its fire eased they worked round it, rushed the position, seized 25 Germans and 2 Machine-Guns. This gallant and effective action Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for removing the chief danger to the advance along the crest, but as soon as the 35th Battalion crossed to the eastern side of the hill it became the target of a number of field and heavy guns which, from the hedges and other cover in various parts of the landscape, fired over open sights.

After passing a corpse on its right, the 35th Battalion settled down on what its officers took to be the second objective, although on the extreme right they were actually short of the first. Captain: Henry Vince CARR, now the senior officer on the spot, reported; 8:35. On objective, with about 100 Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. DSO and three officers. Casualties 25 or 30 per cent. Captain: Henry Charles Dight CADELL M.C   Lieutenant: Charles Teesdale MAIN   Lieutenant: Keith Maitland DAY reported killed and Lieutenant: Frank HORNE   Lieutenant: Christopher Kyffin MEARS  Lieutenant: Charles John HENRY were wounded. Prisoners sent back 400-500. Contact on flanks uncertain, being heavily shelled.

Three posts were established under surviving officers, right Lieutenant: Norman Beade D'ARCY M.C centre Lieutenant: Joseph Francis ADAMS left Lieutenant: Harold Sydney WYNDHAM. In this brigade the battalion for the final objective was the 36th, and a report came along that it had gone through. Actually, it had advanced with the 35th, but, on the left, penetrated to the second objective, which bad been reconnoitered during the previous halt by the commander of the company Captain Robert Austin GOLDRICK. M.C.

He went up the road towards Passchendaele. The barrage, he said afterwards was no hindrance to him, although he left the line lying as close to it as possible "or where he thought it was." He was unable to detect the intensification of the barrage for the second phase, but led his men forward at the proper hour.

As no other battalion was there, he now established the line with its left on the road 600 yards from the church, about the point reached by the 66th Division's troops on October 9th. In front of the position Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK. M.C. and Lieutenant E.H FLEITER (39th Battalion) found hidden in a shell hole men of the 66th Division. One had a broken arm, the other trench-feet. They took the Australians at first for Germans. When reassured, "we knew the Australians would come," they said, 'We prayed hard."

From the direction of the church, which lay straight down the highway, no fire came. two Germans ran up the road and surrendered. South-east of the village, along the Moorslede road, were the Germans who seemed "very windy," and near the road two 5.9-inch howitzers began to blaze at the troops digging in.

The 9th Brigade had taken its second objective and the 10th its first, but the position of the officers in charge of these advanced lines was full of anxiety. On the eastern slope Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion, the senior officer in this part of the 9th Brigade's front, could see the 4th Division somewhat ahead of its right, and by 10:55 he had discovered that the 36th was on the left, but farther left than the 10th Brigade was far behind on its first objective . The German Guns ahead were sniping with dreadful accuracy. Carr on the western slope, sent back for instructions: "what am I to do?"

Word of the true situation reached headquarters slowly. As on the 9th, the first news was all encouraging. General: MONASH in the Ypres ramparts heard shortly after 7 that both brigades were "well away"; but by 8:26 he had ample evidence that the first objective was taken. At 9:25 the intelligence officer examining prisoners (Lieutenant: Frederick Morley CUTLACK Official War Correspondent) reported having heard from the wounded men that the second objective had been reached.

At 10:28 headquarters was informed of a statement of a wounded man, that the 38th Battalion had gone through. A further report that Australians had been seen at Crest Farm although quickly contradicting but probably true nevertheless. Which confirmed Monash's impression that his division was succeeding. Concerning the New Zealand brigade on his left, however, there was no word until, at 10:50, there arrived the tragic information that the New Zealand Division was stopped by the enemy alone the entire front.

Monash has already heard at 9:55 that the 10th Brigade was held up by fire from Bellevue Spur. Believing that his division was still advancing, he asked that every gun that the New Zealand Division could spare should be turned upon that ridge to suppress the fire. Meanwhile, he would order the reserve (39th) battalion of the 10th Brigade to be ready to assist in holding the ground already won. The reserve battalion the (33rd) of the 9th Brigade he was still keeping back to assist in the capture of Passchendaele.

Shortly after noon news of the true situation arrived. Lieutenant Jackson of the 40th Battalion had established at Waterfields pillbox near the Ravebeek a forward report-centre from which a series of messages, admirably accurate, was flashed by lamp to the headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Lord of the 40th Battalion. Thus Brigadier General McNicoll of the 10th Brigade was able to inform Monash of the precise position of Giblin's Line. He added that the situation was very serious and the casualties very heave. At the same time from the front line of the 9th Brigade arrived a pigeon message, sent by Captain: Richard GADD of the 36th Battalion.

We are on the Blue Line (second objective) with composite force all three battalions, both flanks in the air.

The New Zealand Division was to make a second attempt at 3:00 pm, and Monash was of the opinion that from the 9th Brigade, well forward on the ridge, patrols might still work northward around Crest Farm. His reserve, the 33rd Battalion (9th Brigade), was accordingly ordered to attempt this at 4:30 pm and the 10th Brigade's forward line being meanwhile reinforced by its own reserve, the 39th Battalion.

These orders went out, but none of them were fulfilled. The New Zealand Division had been defeated by obstacles which no hastily renewed bombardment could have overcome. no infantry in the world could have crossed the Ravebeek mud, penetrated the dense wire, and attacked the crowded pillboxes of Bellview with the assistance of a barrage which did not even screen the advance. No blame can attach to the artillery. Its commander, according to the New Zealand official history, had reported on the previous day that his guns might be unable to give efficient support.

This magnificent division, which lost nearly 3,000 men, had been held up in almost exactly the same position as the 49th three days before-the left brigade penetrating half-way to the first objective, the right stopped almost at the start. The Germans were reinforcing. The New Zealand battalion commanders knew that their men had no chance of succeeding by renewed attack, and the order was eventually cancelled.

As for the Australians, of the two battalions that MONASH had now ordered to participate, the 39th had already to a large extent been involved in the fighting, and the 33rd, endeavouring to reach its position of readiness for outflanking Passchendaele, had suffered great loss. No less than 6 of its Officers were killed or mortally wounded. Captain: Wilfred Frank HINTON in command of the forward company, Lieutenant Leonard Rockley BROWNLOW  Lieutenant: Thomas Acheson ARMSTRONG   Lieutenant: Albert George KILPATRICK  Lieutenant William REES-REYNOLDS and Lieutenant: Norman Francis GOBLE.

By the time Lieutenant Colonels Henderson DSO 39th Battalion and MORSHEAD attempted to carry Monash's orders, they found that the attacking force of both brigades was back almost at its starting point. What had happened was as follows.

Neither Major: GIBLIN near the Ravenbeek nor Captain: Henry Vince CARR on the ridge had received their messages sent several hours earlier. The 9th Brigade's line was still being battered by the German Guns. Captain: Richard GADD 36th Battalion, whose troops were being wiped out, informed Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion that Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O 36th Battalion had now come forward to Hillside Farm. CARR accordingly sent Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O with GADD to explain to Milne the desperate nature of their situation. Milne said that he would try to get their troops relieved after dark, but till relieved they must hold on.

(BEAN; History of Word War 1 Vol IV page 921) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Meanwhile, however, the German artillery was annihilating some parts of their line. All leaders of Carr's three posts were out of action. Lieutenant: Joseph Francis ADAMS was Killed in Action and Lieutenant: Norman Beade D'ARCY M.C and Lieutenant: Harold Sydney WYNDHAM were wounded. Of the remaining officers of the 36th Battalion, Major: John Bruce BUCHANAN and Lieutenant: Fredrick William PUTNEY had been Killed in Action and Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK M.C wounded. Farther back Lieutenant: Sydney COOK had been Killed in Action and Lieutenant: William WAND and Lieutenant: Herbert Reginald MAILER were wounded.

At 3 o'clock rain began to fall steadily. at 3:15 pm Captain: Richard GADD 36th Battalion, thought agreeing with  Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion that to hold on meant annihilation, refused, in view of his Colonel's orders, to retire. Carr consented to wait while Gadd again sent word to Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O. Carr himself at 12: 30 had sent Captain Robert Derwent DIXON.  D.S.O to the headquarters of the 35th Battalion at " Seine", from which no word had been received all day.

At 3:45 pm, no reply having come from Milne, and Dixon not having returned as he had been kept at 35th Battalion headquarters awaiting the arrival of an order from brigade headquarters concerning the projected operation by the reserve battalion, Gadd agreed to withdraw and Carr sent along the line a note: The 35th Battalion will retire.

When visiting Gadd, Carr had warned the troops of the probable order to withdraw, and he now saw that the left had already begun to retire. He told men whom he passed to get back as fast as they could to the 34th Battalion (which he believed to be on the first objective). Captain: William James GORDON M.C 36th Battalion, strongly dissatisfied with the order, went straight to Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O urged that the forward position was tenable, and with Milne and Major: John Martin HAWKEY M.C rushed out to stop the withdrawal. But it was too late.

The 34th was not, as Captain: Henry Vince Carr 35th Battalion, believed, on the first objective. The Commander of the line, Captain: John William RICHARDSON 34th Battalion, on hearing of the extreme weakness of the force at the second objective, had reinforced it. He and his only remaining officer's Lieutenant: James Clement BURGES  Lieutenant: Bruce Gray McKENZIE   Lieutenant: John Abbott LONGWORTH had all been Killed in Action while organising on the first objective, and the first objective now lay empty. The retiring troops, being without orders as to the position to be taken up, streamed back past Milne's headquarters.

All that Hawkey, Gordon, Gadd, and others could then do was to lead a fraction of them forward again to the first objective, where they remained during the night. Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON.  D.S.O. with Captain: John Grieve PATERSON adjutant of the 35th, went up to organise the 35th there, but could find none of it's men. When eventually re-formed the remnant of the 35th was temporarily attached as a Company to the 33rd Battalion.

9th-12th October 1917 saw the 3rd Division, 9th and 10th Infantry Brigade in action during the Battle of Passchendaele, which saw massive losses and suffering in the Australian ranks. The casualties numbered 3,199 men in 24 hours during the height battle. The 34th Battalion lost every officer that day, either killed or wounded including their Medical Officer, Major: Gother Robert Carlisle CLARKE and some of his staff were killed while dressing the wounded. The spirit of some of the wounded is illustrated by the case of Corporal: 3170 Winsleigh Alexander MURRAY   35th Battalion, (formerly a Methodist Minister from Newcastle) gave up his place in a queue waiting for stretcher bearers and was never heard of again.

The Battle of Passchendaele saw 60 Officers and 1,322 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 11 Officers 273 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 15 Officers 323 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 18 Officers 296 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 15 Officers 383 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 1 Officer 36 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. - Officer 11 Other ranks
After the action at Passchendaele James attended the Casualty Clearing Station suffering from a Disability "Shell Shock" and was transferred to the10th Stationary Hospital for further treatment before being invalided to England on the 16th of November where he was admitted to the Horton War Hospital.
3rd December 1917
Informant: Private: 59 James DWYER. (A Company) 34th Battalion AIF. Informant states the Private: 73 Thomas GILLONS (not GIBBONS as in list) he was certain about this a he knew is No: and Christian name, he was killed by a shell in an attack at Passchendaele on 12th October 1917 when they were going over to top at 3:00am
Horton Hospital, Epsom, England. 
James was discharged from Hospital and marched in to the No:2 Command Depot for his return to Australia. He embarked from England on the 12th March 1918 as Medically Unfit for Active Service and disembarked in Australia on the 22nd May 1918 before he was discharged from the AIF on the `0th August 1918.
Family Information
James was a married 20 year old Miner from Telarah Lodge, Telarah via West Maitland upon his enlistment with the AIF. James and Rhoda lived at 21 Neville Street, Mayfield . Rhonda died in 1953 and James in 1974. James ashes were scattered at the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance, Rookwood Cemetery via Sydney, New South Wales. 
Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 29/07/2024-06/08/2024.

Private: 73 Thomas GILLONS.

by

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 73 Thomas GILLONS.

Born: 27th December 1876.  Cardiff, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:17256/1877.

Died: 20th November 1917. Killed in Action. Ploegsteert Wood, Messines.

Father: Thomas Gillons. (1835-1890) died at the Lambton Company's middle pit when a boiler exploded killing him.

Mother: Sarah Ann Gillons. nee: Walters. (1840-1904)

INFORMATION

Let us remember a Fallen soldier of The Great War awaiting memorialisation at Sandgate Cemetery.
On the 7th June 1917, Private Thomas Gillons, 34th Battalion (Reg No-73), labourer or bookmaker's clerk from the Empire Hotel, Kurri Kurri, New South Wales or Belford, N.S.W., was killed by enemy artillery shell fragments about 3 a.m. or GSW to thigh in No Man's Land, near Ploegsteert Wood, Battle of Messines, age 40.
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1730746/- Roll of Honour.
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1490541/- Red Cross Wounded and Missing.
Born at Cardiff, New South Wales on the 27th December 1876 to Thomas (died tragically 28.6.1890, Church Street, New Lambton, N.S.W., age 55, buried Old Wallsend Cemetery - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138936872, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138936873, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138936933, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138936870, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138936938, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230607994, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13792220, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138939722, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138941389, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138934439, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138941483, 
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231148361/thomas-gillons), and Sarah Ann Gillons nee Walters (died 23.9.1904, 34 Queens Road, New Lambton, N.S.W., age 64, sleeping here - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136389919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136384932, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136384977, https://www.findagrave.com/.../179572620/sarah-anne-gillons); Half-brother to Selina Groves (Grose) nee Seres (died 26.4.1931, Wallsend, N.S.W., age 61, sleeping here - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137687442, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137709510, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139634580, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179692681/selina_groves) from 34 Queens Road, New Lambton, N.S.W., Tom enlisted on the 31st December 1915 at Cessnock, N.S.W.
11th April 1916.
NEW LAMBTON On the occasion of the concert and presentation on Saturday evening to departing soldiers, Mrs. P. Seres, of Teralba, presented Private Thomas Gillons with a luminous wristlet watch on behalf of her husband and self.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137100043 - report that Tom had been presented with a luminous wristlet watch.
Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A20 Hororata on the 2nd May 1916.
Admitted to hospital 2.2.1917 (scabies).
Reported Wounded in Action 10.6.1917.
Reported KIA 20.11.1917.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134869456 - the 318th & 319th Australian Casualty lists, N.S.W., KILLED IN ACTION, Private Thomas Gillons (New Lambton).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138742143 - report that Tom is missing.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138739007 - Tom now reported KIA.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137500828 - report of the presentation of a certificate to Tom's relatives at the New Lambton Mechanics' Institute.
Mr. Gillons’s name has been inscribed on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 23), Belgium.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12047304/thomas_gillons.

Menin Gate War Memorial

Place of Association – New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.
Tom’s name has also been inscribed on the Lambton/New Lambton Municipal District Roll of Honor, New Lambton War Memorial Gates, New Lambton Public School Roll of Honour and New Lambton Mechanics' Institute certificate. Name not inscribed on the Kurri Kurri Methodist Church Roll of Honor or the Kurri Kurri Soldiers' Memorial.
Unfortunately, there is no memorial inscription on the Gillons headstone to tell us of the loss of her son during The Great War, and I am unable to erect a Memorial cross, so I have placed poppies at the gravesite in remembrance of Tom’s service and supreme sacrifice for God, King & Country. METHODIST 1 (WESLEYAN) D NE. 5.
Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.
For more detail, see “Forever Remembered“.
http://www.commemoratingwarheroes.com/cemetery-main-search/.
Lest We Forget.
Gary Mitchell: July 2024.

10th November 1917.

Informant: Sergeant: 11 Archie Harold BELL. A Company No: II Platoon 34th Battalion AIF. "I have made many enquiries about Gibbons? Private: 73 Thomas GILLONS but cannot trace him beyond the dressing station in Ploegsteert Wood. Our Chaplain, Captain McCOOK, told me that he saw and talked to Gibbons in that dressing station on the morning after the attack. Gibbons never got to his objective, he had only got 700 or 800 yards when he was wounded in the thigh. He was my pal, I think he was a coal miner before he joined up. He came from Lambton, and he joined up on the Wallaby March, Branxton. He was in II Platoon, A Company.

5th Southern General Hospital

Portsmouth, England.

3rd December 1917
Informant: Private: 59 James Edward DWYER. (A Company) 34th Battalion AIF. Informant states the Private: 73 Thomas GILLONS (not GIBBONS as in list) he was certain about this a he knew is No: and Christian name, he was killed by a shell in an attack at Passchendaele on 12th October 1917 when they were going over to top at 3:00am
Horton Hospital, Epsom, England. 
12th December 1917. 
Informant: Captain/Chaplain: Adam Stuart McCOOK. "This should be Private: 73 Thomas GILLONS not GIBBONS. I do not recollect the conversation with Sergeant: 11 Archie Harold BELL but most likely he is correct. I have an entry in my books of GILLONS being wounded but no further particulars nor can I remember any information. 
No: 3 Command Depot.
Hurdcott, England. 

Family Information

Thomas was a single 38 year old Labourer from Lambton, New South Wales, Australia. His parents Thomas and Sarah Ann Walters were married on the 26th January 1871 at Newcastle. New South Wales, Australia. His father Thomas was killed on the 28th June 1890.
Report of Thomas Gillons' fatal accident at the Lambton Company's middle pit (The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 Jul 1890).

Letter to the Editor by Sarah Ann Gillons (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate, 24 Jul 1890).

Thomas Gillons Admission to Maitland Gaol 9th May 1895

Empire Hotel, Kurri Kurri, New South Wales

Sarah Ann Gillons. nee: Walters. (1840-1904)

Sarah Ann Gillons. nee: Walters. (1840-1904)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 18/07/2024-30/07/2024

Private: 229 Thomas Henry BURNS.

by

35th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 229 Thomas Henry BURNS.

Born:  Wickham via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:14437/1895.

Married: 22nd January 1916. Wickham, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:2341/1916.

Wife: Bertha Mary Burns. nee: Parry. (18..-1965) Died at Macksville, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:22709/1965.

Died: 1 June 1955. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13865/1955.

Father: Thomas "Paddy" Tavis Burns. (1867-1948) Died at Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13765/1948.

Mother: Mary Burns. nee: Sault. (1870-1943)  Died at Newcastle Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:29049/1943.

INFORMATION

Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery.
69 years ago today, on the 3rd June 1955, Private Thomas Henry Burns, referred to as Sonny, 34th Battalion (Reg No-229), wheeler (Australian Agricultural Company (A. A. Company) Sea Pit, Bull Street, Cooks Hill, N.S.W., closed Friday 20.10.1916 due to exhausted reserves), from William Street, Smedmore, New South Wales, father of three (Tom, Marie, Evie), was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 60. ANGLICAN 2-123. 68.
Born at Merewether, New South Wales on the 9th March 1895 to Thomas (Paddy) Tavas, died 5.4.1948, Newcastle, N.S.W., age?, buried at ANGLICAN 1-49. 28 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134335420, https://www.findagrave.com/.../178431021/thomas-tavis-burns, from 29 Downie Street, Smedmore, N.S.W., and Mary Burns nee Sault, died 3.12.1943, Newcastle Hospital, N.S.W., age?, sleeping at ANGLICAN 1-49. 28 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133426565, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133416218, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178430983/mary_burns, from 29 Downie Street, Smedmore, N.S.W.; husband of Bertha May Burns nee Parry, married 22.1.1916, Wickham, N.S.W., died 1965?, Macksville, N.S.W., Sonny enlisted on the 24th January 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137094810 - report that Sonny had received a gold medal with 11 other Smedmore boys at the Smedmore Mechanics' Institute.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137104341 - report of a farewell to Sonny and 12 other Smedmore boys by the Smedmore Ladies' Social Club.
Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A20 Hororata on the 2nd May 1916.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123518831 - report of a letter from Sonny expressing thanks from the Smedmore boys for the boxes of comforts received on the 31st October 1916.
Wounded in action - 25.1.1917 (GSW head, face, both legs, severe), 5.4.1918 (GSW right wrist).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133748183 - report that Sonny had been wounded in France. (1st occasion).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123515344 - the 273rd Australian Casualty list, N.S.W., Pte. T. H. BURNS, Smedmore, wounded (1st occasion).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138150538 - report that Sonny had been wounded, 2nd occasion.
Invalided to England 11.2.1917.
Admitted to hospital 10.9.1917 (rheumatism).
Granted furlough from 20.12.1917 to 3.1.1918 and 2.5.1918 to 16.5.1918.
Commenced return to Australia 15.9.1918.
Sonny arrived home invalided on the 17th November 1918, being discharged medically unfit (GSW right wrist) on the 3rd March 1919.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137489021 - report of a welcome home on the Friday evening of the 22nd November 1918 for Sonny at the Smedmore Hall.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139653100 - report of impending public welcome home for Sonny.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139652652 - report of a public welcome home for Sonny and 2 other Smedmore boys at the Smedmore Literary Institute.
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Monday 13 January 1919, page 5

SMEDMORE.

A welcome home was tendered to Private: 584 Thomas  Henry BURNS, - Private: 115 William HOLDWAY, and Private: 67910 John. McATEER by a large gathering in the Smedmore Literary Institute on Saturday. The function was arranged by the Smedmore Soldiers' Farewell and Presentation Committee. The hall and tables had been tastefully decorated with flags and foliage. The Mayor of Wickham (Alderman R. J. Bond) welcomed the soldiers, ex pressing his pleasure at having them home again. congratulating them on the part they had played, and the name they had helped to make for Australia. He wished them long life, happiness, and prosperity for the future. The Mayoress then presented the soldiers with gold bars with their battalion's colours attached, the gift from the committee. At the supper tables, the Rev. W. F. James said grace. Private HOLDWAY, in responding to the toast of his health, said 'that he was pleased to be1 home, and thanked the people for their reception. He also thanked the ladies of the comforts fund for parcels received from them while at the front, the contents: being greatly appreciated by them, especially after a hard time in the trenches. Private BURNS also returned thanks.

Privates BURNS and HOLDWAY left with the 35th Battalion, seeing service in France, and have been returned sick and wounded. Private McATEER also thanked the committee, but said he did not 'think he deserved such a reception, as he did not get to the front sailing in the Medic, which was returned by the authorities on the signing o[ the armistice. Private McATEER made other attempts to enlist previous to acceptance, but was turned down, not being up to chest measurement, but after training was passed for foreign service. The toast of "Our Boys at the Front," and "The Allies" was moved by the Rev. T. K. Taylor, and responded to by Private: 115 William HOLDWAY. Songs were rendered be Mrs Jeston, Rev. T. K. Taylor, Miss Camps, and a duet by Mesdames Griffin and Walker all being well received. After a vote of thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress, and t' those who has assisted, the tables were cleared, and dancing occupied the remainder of the evening. Mr. Lacey made an efficient M.C. and Mrs Camps and Miss Deneby (piano and violin) supplied the music.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140073396 - report that Sonny had been presented with a War Certificate.
Mr. Burns’s name has been inscribed on the Tighes Hill Public School Honour Roll, Smedmore Roll of Honour, Wickham Municipal District Roll of Honour Board (1) and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.
I have placed poppies at William’s gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.
https://www.findagrave.com/.../178431020/thomas_henry_burns.
Service record states Died after Discharge, 1/6/1955.
Officially commemorated 2.2.1956– https://connect.dva.gov.au/commemsoawg/commemoration/viewCommemoration.html?commemorationId=NjQ4Nzkx.
Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.
For more detail, see “Forever Remembered “
http://www.commemoratingwarheroes.com/cemetery-main-search/
Lest We Forget.
Gary Mitchell: June 2024.
Family Information
Thomas was a single 21 year old Wheeler in the care of Mr J Laing, William Street Smedmore via Newcastle, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF.  Thomas served with the Senior Cadets with the 15th and 16th Infantry prior to his enlistment. 
Military Records

Under Construction: 11/06/2024.

Sergeant: 58762 James Thomas BLANCE.

by

10th GARRISON RESERVES - 34th BATTALION AIF

Sergeant: 58762 James Thomas BLANCE.

Born: 1st May 1892. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:503/1892.

Married: 1920. Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:17255/1920.

Wife: Elsie Beatrice Blance. nee: McKechie. (1893-1963)

Died: 29th July 1956. Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:20608/1956.

Father: James Menzies Blance. (1856-1930)

Mother: Alice "Annie" Blance. nee: (1861-1903)

INFORMATION

James Thomas Blance was a Soldier with the Instructional Staff and served previously with the 24th Infantry when he enlisted with the AIF on the 15th May 1918 at Sydney with the rank of Sergeant.  James was marched in the the Liverpool Army Camp where he was allocated to the 1st Infantry Depot Battalion unit the 2nd of July when he was allocated to C Company Sergeant. The 10th Garrison Reserved embarked from Sydney on the 17th July 1918 and disembarked in England on the 27th September where he was marched in the the 12th Training Battalion before he was transferred to reinforce the 34th Battalion AIF on the 17th October 1918. 

James was marched in the the No:2 Command Depot and proceeded overseas for France via Codford on the 18th February 1919  and was detached to the AIF Headquarters before he was granter leave and upon his return he returned to England on the 14th May and was granted leave for employment.

James was granted leave to attend Non Military Employment with Anderson and Munro Ltd of 136 Bothwell Street, Glasgow. His nature of employment was; Instruction in Window Blind making where he was paid 6/- per day. His report stated that "Sergeant Blance regularly attended his employment and his work and conduct was to our entire satisfaction. He made very good progress considering he had no previous experience when he came here".

After he had ceased his employment James was on the 137 draft and embarked from England to Australia on the 8th September 1918 on board the "Rarnaga" and disembarked on the 29th October 1919 and attended the Anzac Buffet in Sydney on the 30th October where he declared he was medically fit and well and was discharged from the AIF on the 14th November 1919.

Family Information

James was a single 26 year old Soldier from "Clyde" Lincoln Street, Dulwich Hill via Sydney, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. James married Elsie Beatrice McKechie at Marrickville, New South Wales, in 1920.

Elsie Beatrice Blance. nee: McKechie. (1893-1963)

James and Elsie were cremated at the Woronora Memorial Park and their ashes are at the Memorial Wall Pane 21.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 28/05/2024-10/06/2024.

Private: 881 George ROBINSON.

by

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 881 George ROBINSON.

Born: 1893. Minmi via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:22741/1893.

Died: 20th February 1922. Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:1352/1922.

Father: Walter Robinson. (Dec)

Mother: Hannah Robinson. nee: Waite. (1870-1896) Death Cert:7310/1896 .

INFORMATION

George Robinson enlisted with the AIF on the 15th January 1916 at the Rutherford Army Camp, West Maitland where he was allocated to C Company, 34th Battalion AIF and was an original member of the Battalion.

Rutherford Army Camp 1916

34th BATTALION AIF, MAITLAND SHOWGROUND prior to their departure 

On 1st May 1916, the Battalion left by Train from Farley Station for the Showground in Sydney, equipped with kit bags and necessary clothing, and was reviewed in Moore Park by General: Gustave Mario RAMACCOTTI. On the following morning, 2nd May 1916 the men embarked on the transport HMAT A20 "HORORATA" and sailed at 4:00 pm".

H.M.A.T. A20 "HORORATA

Devonport was reached on the 23rd June, the Battalion disembarked at Plymouth at 1:00 pm and en trained during the afternoon for Amesbury, arriving at midnight and marching to hutments at No: 1 Camp, Larkhill. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. Later the Battalion moved to the No: 25 Camp and finished off their training, which included six days' battle practice and field work at the Bastard Trenches.

34th Battalion marching through Amesbury

34th Battalion marching through Amesbury

On the 23rd October 1916, George was Charged with being AWL from midnight 20.10.16 till 1:00pm 21.10.16. Award 3 Days Pay. Lieutenant Colonel: Malcolm St John LAMB. The 34th Battalion proceeded overseas for France on the 21st November 1916 via Southampton, embarking on the S.S "Arundel". The transport section left by S.S. "Princess Victoria". The Battalion arrived at Le Harve, France on the 22nd November 1916. Disembarkation commenced at 8:00 am and the Battalion marched to No;1 camp on the Hill, arriving at 2:00 pm. The men carried heavy loads, in some cases amounting to miniature Q.M.' Stores. The march over cobblestones was very tiring, notwithstanding the many route marches which had been carried out at Larkhill. However, after bathing their feet and receiving treatment, as well partaking of a good meal, some spent a comfortable night.

7th June 1917.

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES

The 3rd Australian Divisions first major offensive was at Messines Ridge on the 7th June 1917. The Australian 3rd Division was a part of the II Anzac Corps which was allotted to the first assault. The 25th New Zealand, 3rd Australian Division with the 4th Australian Division in reserve. The 4th Division were battle hardened troops who had fought many major battles. The 3rd Australian Division were having problems getting to the "jump off" point. The day before the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades were bombarded by German Gas-Shells around Hill 63 and Ploegsteert Wood. Many of the Aussies were not wearing gas masks, but despite this they pressed on even though they received 500 casualties.

They made it to the "jump off" point but only just with some of the men from the 9th and 10th going straight over the top without stopping. The mines went up and the attack commenced behind a protective barrage. The II Anzac Corps were attacking on the right with their objective being the southern shoulder of the ridge which included Messines, the Dover and St Yves areas as far south to the east of Ploegsteert Wood.

Major General Sir John MONASH's 3rd Division had to contend with a tricky 3 mile approach out of Ploegsteert Wood and after the German gas attack, but they were not deterred. The 9th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General: Alexander JOBSON and the 10th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General W R NICHOLL had just made the jumping off point but some of the men did not stop, going straight into the assault from the approach march.

Their objective lay between St Yves and the Douve. The mines at Trench 127 and Trench 12 at Factory Farm were laid to aid this task. The explosions erupted a few seconds before zero hour and created craters of 200 feet in diameter, completely obliterating the German defence line as the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades went over the top. The mine crates forced the 9th and 10th Brigades to veer to the left and right which caused some confusion with the main assault. It is testimony to the quality of training that every man knew the ground, tasks and objectives so well.

Private: 1804 John CARROLL 33rd Battalion, rushed the enemy's trench and bayoneted four of the German occupants. He then noticed a comrade in difficulties and went to his assistance, killing another German. He then attacked single handed a German Machine Gun Team, killing all three of them and capturing the gun. He later rescued two of his comrades who had been buried alive by German Shell Fire, and in spite of heavy shelling and machine gun fire he dug them out alive and saved them from certain death. John was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The German forward zone was completely engulfed and taken by the main assault. The two supporting battalions of each brigade then passed the leading battalion to continue the advance. The men were constantly re-supplied and the ridge was taken. There were many German prisoners taken during the offensive. The 3rd Division was well ahead with the 9th Infantry Brigade pushing on beyond Grey Farm, and on the right the 10th Infantry Brigade were veering left towards Septieme Barn north of Douve.

The German resistance was heavy but was generally brushed aside by tanks and artillery before the infantry had to become too involved. The 4th Bavarian Divisions Artillery had made little impact, but as the day wore on the 3rd Division and later the 4th Australian Division received many casualties from German artillery. (70% of all casualties during WW1 were from artillery).

By 9:00am nearly 6 hours after the assault began the Germans were in disarray, but there was a major problem as the Australians received less casualties as anticipated and when ordered to dig into the ridge they had so many men, that some could not find shelter. the 35th battalion were dug in around Seaforth Farm.

The second phase of the operation was to take the Oosttaverne Line. The 3rd Australian Division would now be in reserve with the 4th Division attacking. The 9th Infantry Brigade (33-34-35-36Bn) were near Thatched Cottage facing Warneton. The river Lys was to their right and the Ploegsteert Wood was now behind them.

Once their objectives were taken the troops consolidated. A barrage to stop and counter attack was shortened and caught three battalions which had to retire. By 9:00 pm this part of the Oosttaverne Line was abandoned. At 10:45 pm General: Alexander John GODLEY ordered the 3rd and 4th Divisions to retake it. This they did by the early hours of the 8th of June.

The Battle for Messines Ridge during May-June 1917 saw 35 officers and 1,631 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 8 Officers 382 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 10 Officers 378 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 5 Officers 431 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 9 Officers 421 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 2 Officer 17 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. 1 Officer 2 Other ranks

Field Dressing Station, Messines 07/06/1917

FIELD DRESSING STATION, MESSINES 7th June 1917. 

George was Wounded in Action; 1st occasion on the 9th June 1917 at Messines and was treated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance for a  Gunshot Wound to his Right Forearm and was evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment. George was transferred to the 11st Stationary Hospital at Rouen on the 11th June for further treatment and upon his discharge he was transferred to the 2nd and 11th Convalescent Depot.

George was discharged from hospital and was marched back to his unit on the 5th August 1917 and moved into the Passchendaele Sector.

12th October 1917

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE I

At 1:30 am rain showers began. By 2:30 am it was raining lightly but steadily, by 3:30 fairly heavily. the infantry moved through the pitch dark in single file. In some battalions each man held on to the equipment of the man ahead of him; if touch was broken, those in front had to come back. The news that the line as reported by the 66th division was not held only just reached the incoming troops. Accordingly, in the right brigade (9th) the leading Company Commanders Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. and Captain: Telford Graham GILDER M.C. both of the 34th Battalion stopped their men at the entrance to Broodseinde railway cutting, and themselves went to make sure that their column might not run into the enemy.

At Keerselaarhoek Cemetery they found the tape duly laid, and met the officer of the 36th Battalion who had laid it, and by 3:00 am the time set, the 34th battalion was extended on its jumping-off position. But during the previous halt and afterwards, as it lay on the tape, the battalion was persistently shelled and suffered many casualties.

The first shell killed three signallers. Lieutenant: Albert Leslie WATSON. a signal officer of the 34th Battalion, a brave and enterprising leader who also was at the head of the column was severely wounded and all his staff hit. After establishing a forward command post Lieutenant: Thomas Fraser BRUCE 36th Battalion was also killed. Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. 36th Battalion supervising the assembly was knocked down by a shell but continued to command. Captain, Chaplain: Charles MURPHY was also wounded.

(BEAN; History of World war 1 Vol IV p911) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Only one Australian Division, the 3rd, was wholly employed in the days offensive. but the division was to capture Passchendaele an in spite of the depressing conditions, it was eager to achieve the distinction of doing so. One unit carried the Australian flag, to be planted in Passchendaele, and although officers and men in general were not enthusiastic concerning such "stunts" the Commander-in-Chief had been informed, and had told General: MONASH that, when this flag was planted, the news would be immediately cabled to Australia.

Some keen spirits looked on the operation simply as a dash for Passchendaele. One young company commander of Monash's reserve battalion, the 33rd, in face of a strict prohibition, led on his company as soon as the barrage fell. Starting from a line 350 yards in rear of the general alignment, the 3rd Division was out of touch with its neighbours from the outset. The heavy shelling on the tapes had made orderly disposition there almost impossible, as German Machine-Guns, undisturbed by the barrage now opened immediately, no opportunity offered of restoring proper formation.

The 9th Brigade went forward in the utmost confusion and a terrible mix up as reported by Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON D.S.O 35th Battalion at 6:40 am and "Great Confusion" was the description given by Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion. Even on the ridge, the mud was difficult, the hope, if there ever was one, of catching up before the quick barrage finished.

The 9th Infantry Brigade's intended direction lay not along the ridge and the Passchendeale road, but diagonally across them, and parallel to the railway, which most of the brigade could not see. As the jumping-off line was practically at right angles to the ridge, the brigade tendered to advance alone the heights. The Machine-Gun fire at the start came, on the 9th Brigade's right, from the ruined house near Defy Crossing; on its center from, "Hillside Farm"; and on its left from Augustus Wood.

The pillbox opposite the center was supported from the rear by a trench in which were Germans with Machine-Guns, and here occurred a delay which threatened to wreck to whole attack. it was not until an hour after the program time that these places were rushed by the neighbouring portion of the line under Captain: Henry Vince CARR and Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O of the 35th Battalion. The trench contained 35 Germans and 4 Machine-Guns. Part of the line was also held up by a pillbox close to Passchendaele road near the highest point of the ridge.

Here there was practically no shelter from attack, but Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. of the 34th Battalion managed to organise a party, with Sergeant: 21 James BRUCE and another N.C.O Corporal: 2036 Vere Cummings STEVENSON and a dozen men, and outflanking it, charged the place from the rear, capturing 25 Germans and 2 Machine-Guns. These actions set free the advance. The pillbox captured by Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. being not far short of the first objective, the 34th Battalion dug in there.

Great loss had been uncured; the 34th Battalion had only three officers left and there were wide gaps in the line. The right flank had swung far away from the railway, along which the 4th Division was attacking, but on the left Captain: Telford Graham GILDER M.C. of the 34th Battalion who had been wounded by a Machine-Gun bullet, but was carrying on found the 10th Brigade digging in slightly to his left under Captain: LATCHFORD, 38th Battalion, and fell back seventy yards to join it.

The Advance to the second objective was to begin at 8:25, the low clouds had opened, and fleecy cirrus with patches of blue were widening overhead and the sun had come out. The 9th Brigade had been so late in reaching the first objective that, while most of the 34th Battalion dug in, the 35th Battalion, allotted for the second phase, moved straight on. Standing on the Passchendaele road, Captain: Henry Vince CARR and Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O of the 35th Battalion endevoured to decide where the barrage then was; at first Carr thought it may be behind them, but finally decided that it was ahead.

The confusion at the start had split the brigade into mixed parties of all battalions and many of the 34th went on with the 35th, the main body of which, about 100 in all, now advanced along the south-eastern side of the ridge in order to catch the barrage. The hour was probably a little before that for the second advance. A German Machine-Gun in the gap between the brigade's right and the railway immediately opened with deadly effect.

Major: John Bruce BUCHANAN 36th Battalion, the senior forward officer was killed. At this critical juncture Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. of the 34th Battalion, again accompanied by Sergeant: 21 James BRUCE, led out a few men from the first objective and made for the gun. it was shooting in short bursts, and he was able to work up fairly close. Seizing a moment when it was firing to the north, he and his men rushed at it from the west. It was switched round, killing him, and sending his men to the ground.

But when its fire eased they worked round it, rushed the position, seized 25 Germans and 2 Machine-Guns. This gallant and effective action Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for removing the chief danger to the advance along the crest, but as soon as the 35th Battalion crossed to the eastern side of the hill it became the target of a number of field and heavy guns which, from the hedges and other cover in various parts of the landscape, fired over open sights.

After passing a corpse on its right, the 35th Battalion settled down on what its officers took to be the second objective, although on the extreme right they were actually short of the first. Captain: Henry Vince CARR, now the senior officer on the spot, reported; 8:35. On objective, with about 100 Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. DSO and three officers. Casualties 25 or 30 per cent. Captain: Henry Charles Dight CADELL M.C   Lieutenant: Charles Teesdale MAIN   Lieutenant: Keith Maitland DAY reported killed and Lieutenant: Frank HORNE   Lieutenant: Christopher Kyffin MEARS  Lieutenant: Charles John HENRY were wounded. Prisoners sent back 400-500. Contact on flanks uncertain, being heavily shelled.

Three posts were established under surviving officers, right Lieutenant: Norman Beade D'ARCY M.C centre Lieutenant: Joseph Francis ADAMS left Lieutenant: Harold Sydney WYNDHAM. In this brigade the battalion for the final objective was the 36th, and a report came along that it had gone through. Actually, it had advanced with the 35th, but, on the left, penetrated to the second objective, which bad been reconnoitered during the previous halt by the commander of the company Captain Robert Austin GOLDRICK. M.C.

He went up the road towards Passchendaele. The barrage, he said afterwards was no hindrance to him, although he left the line lying as close to it as possible "or where he thought it was." He was unable to detect the intensification of the barrage for the second phase, but led his men forward at the proper hour.

As no other battalion was there, he now established the line with its left on the road 600 yards from the church, about the point reached by the 66th Division's troops on October 9th. In front of the position Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK. M.C. and Lieutenant E.H FLEITER (39th Battalion) found hidden in a shell hole men of the 66th Division. One had a broken arm, the other trench-feet. They took the Australians at first for Germans. When reassured, "we knew the Australians would come," they said, 'We prayed hard."

From the direction of the church, which lay straight down the highway, no fire came. two Germans ran up the road and surrendered. South-east of the village, along the Moorslede road, were the Germans who seemed "very windy," and near the road two 5.9-inch howitzers began to blaze at the troops digging in.

The 9th Brigade had taken its second objective and the 10th its first, but the position of the officers in charge of these advanced lines was full of anxiety. On the eastern slope Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion, the senior officer in this part of the 9th Brigade's front, could see the 4th Division somewhat ahead of its right, and by 10:55 he had discovered that the 36th was on the left, but farther left than the 10th Brigade was far behind on its first objective . The German Guns ahead were sniping with dreadful accuracy. Carr on the western slope, sent back for instructions: "what am I to do?"

Word of the true situation reached headquarters slowly. As on the 9th, the first news was all encouraging. General: MONASH in the Ypres ramparts heard shortly after 7 that both brigades were "well away"; but by 8:26 he had ample evidence that the first objective was taken. At 9:25 the intelligence officer examining prisoners (Lieutenant: Frederick Morley CUTLACK Official War Correspondent) reported having heard from the wounded men that the second objective had been reached.

At 10:28 headquarters was informed of a statement of a wounded man, that the 38th Battalion had gone through. A further report that Australians had been seen at Crest Farm although quickly contradicting but probably true nevertheless. Which confirmed Monash's impression that his division was succeeding. Concerning the New Zealand brigade on his left, however, there was no word until, at 10:50, there arrived the tragic information that the New Zealand Division was stopped by the enemy alone the entire front.

Monash has already heard at 9:55 that the 10th Brigade was held up by fire from Bellevue Spur. Believing that his division was still advancing, he asked that every gun that the New Zealand Division could spare should be turned upon that ridge to suppress the fire. Meanwhile, he would order the reserve (39th) battalion of the 10th Brigade to be ready to assist in holding the ground already won. The reserve battalion the (33rd) of the 9th Brigade he was still keeping back to assist in the capture of Passchendaele.

Shortly after noon news of the true situation arrived. Lieutenant Jackson of the 40th Battalion had established at Waterfields pillbox near the Ravebeek a forward report-centre from which a series of messages, admirably accurate, was flashed by lamp to the headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Lord of the 40th Battalion. Thus Brigadier General McNicoll of the 10th Brigade was able to inform Monash of the precise position of Giblin's Line. He added that the situation was very serious and the casualties very heave. At the same time from the front line of the 9th Brigade arrived a pigeon message, sent by Captain: Richard GADD of the 36th Battalion.

We are on the Blue Line (second objective) with composite force all three battalions, both flanks in the air.

The New Zealand Division was to make a second attempt at 3:00 pm, and Monash was of the opinion that from the 9th Brigade, well forward on the ridge, patrols might still work northward around Crest Farm. His reserve, the 33rd Battalion (9th Brigade), was accordingly ordered to attempt this at 4:30 pm and the 10th Brigade's forward line being meanwhile reinforced by its own reserve, the 39th Battalion.

These orders went out, but none of them were fulfilled. The New Zealand Division had been defeated by obstacles which no hastily renewed bombardment could have overcome. no infantry in the world could have crossed the Ravebeek mud, penetrated the dense wire, and attacked the crowded pillboxes of Bellview with the assistance of a barrage which did not even screen the advance. No blame can attach to the artillery. Its commander, according to the New Zealand official history, had reported on the previous day that his guns might be unable to give efficient support.

This magnificent division, which lost nearly 3,000 men, had been held up in almost exactly the same position as the 49th three days before-the left brigade penetrating half-way to the first objective, the right stopped almost at the start. The Germans were reinforcing. The New Zealand battalion commanders knew that their men had no chance of succeeding by renewed attack, and the order was eventually cancelled.

As for the Australians, of the two battalions that MONASH had now ordered to participate, the 39th had already to a large extent been involved in the fighting, and the 33rd, endevouring to reach its position of readiness for outflanking Passchendaele, had suffered great loss. No less than 6 of its Officers were killed or mortally wounded. Captain: Wilfred Frank HINTON in command of the forward company, Lieutenant Leonard Rockley BROWNLOW  Lieutenant: Thomas Acheson ARMSTRONG   Lieutenant: Albert George KILPATRICK  Lieutenant William REES-REYNOLDS and Lieutenant: Norman Francis GOBLE.

By the time Lieutenant Colonels Henderson DSO 39th Battalion and MORSHEAD attempted to carry Monash's orders, they found that the attacking force of both brigades was back almost at its starting point. What had happened was as follows.

Neither Major: GIBLIN near the Ravenbeek nor Captain: Henry Vince CARR on the ridge had received their messages sent several hours earlier. The 9th Brigade's line was still being battered by the German Guns. Captain: Richard GADD 36th Battalion, whose troops were being wiped out, informed Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion that Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O 36th Battalion had now come forward to Hillside Farm. CARR accordingly sent Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O with GADD to explain to Milne the desperate nature of their situation. Milne said that he would try to get their troops relieved after dark, but till relieved they must hold on.

(BEAN; History of Word War 1 Vol IV page 921) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Meanwhile, however, the German artillery was annihilating some parts of their line. All leaders of Carr's three posts were out of action. Lieutenant: Joseph Francis ADAMS was Killed in Action and Lieutenant: Norman Beade D'ARCY M.C and Lieutenant: Harold Sydney WYNDHAM were wounded. Of the remaining officers of the 36th Battalion, Major: John Bruce BUCHANAN and Lieutenant: Fredrick William PUTNEY had been Killed in Action and Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK M.C wounded. Farther back Lieutenant: Sydney COOK had been Killed in Action and Lieutenant: William WAND and Lieutenant: Herbert Reginald MAILER were wounded.

At 3 o'clock rain began to fall steadily. at 3:15 pm Captain: Richard GADD 36th Battalion, thought agreeing with  Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion that to hold on meant annihilation, refused, in view of his Colonel's orders, to retire. Carr consented to wait while Gadd again sent word to Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O. Carr himself at 12: 30 had sent Captain Robert Derwent DIXON.  D.S.O to the headquarters of the 35th Battalion at " Seine", from which no word had been received all day.

At 3:45 pm, no reply having come from Milne, and Dixon not having returned as he had been kept at 35th Battalion headquarters awaiting the arrival of an order from brigade headquarters concerning the projected operation by the reserve battalion, Gadd agreed to withdraw and Carr sent along the line a note: The 35th Battalion will retire.

When visiting Gadd, Carr had warned the troops of the probable order to withdraw, and he now saw that the left had already begun to retire. He told men whom he passed to get back as fast as they could to the 34th Battalion (which he believed to be on the first objective). Captain: William James GORDON M.C 36th Battalion, strongly dissatisfied with the order, went straight to Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O urged that the forward position was tenable, and with Milne and Major: John Martin HAWKEY M.C rushed out to stop the withdrawal. But it was too late.

The 34th was not, as Captain: Henry Vince Carr 35th Battalion, believed, on the first objective. The Commander of the line, Captain: John William RICHARDSON 34th Battalion, on hearing of the extreme weakness of the force at the second objective, had reinforced it. He and his only remaining officer's Lieutenant: James Clement BURGES  Lieutenant: Bruce Gray McKENZIE   Lieutenant: John Abbott LONGWORTH had all been Killed in Action while organising on the first objective, and the first objective now lay empty. The retiring troops, being without orders as to the position to be taken up, streamed back past Milne's headquarters.

All that Hawkey, Gordon, Gadd, and others could then do was to lead a fraction of them forward again to the first objective, where they remained during the night. Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON.  D.S.O. with Captain: John Grieve PATERSON adjutant of the 35th, went up to organise the 35th there, but could find none of it's men. When eventually re-formed the remnant of the 35th was temporarily attached as a Company to the 33rd Battalion.

9th-12th October 1917 saw the 3rd Division, 9th and 10th Infantry Brigade in action during the Battle of Passchendaele, which saw massive losses and suffering in the Australian ranks. The casualties numbered 3,199 men in 24 hours during the height battle. The 34th Battalion lost every officer that day, either killed or wounded including their Medical Officer, Major: Gother Robert Carlisle CLARKE and some of his staff were killed while dressing the wounded. The spirit of some of the wounded is illustrated by the case of Corporal: 3170 Winsleigh Alexander MURRAY   35th Battalion, (formerly a Methodist Minister from Newcastle) gave up his place in a queue waiting for stretcher bearers and was never heard of again.

The Battle of Passchendaele saw 60 Officers and 1,322 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 11 Officers 273 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 15 Officers 323 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 18 Officers 296 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 15 Officers 383 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 1 Officer 36 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. - Officer 11 Other ranks

George was treated by the 2nd Australian Field Ambulance in the field before he was sent to to 63rd Casualty Clearing Station on the 10th October suffering from Trench Feet after he survived the big push at Passchendaele. George was transferred to the 2nd Australian General Hospital on the 21st before he was invalided to England on the 24th of October 1917 on board the Hospital Ship. George was admitted to the Royal Albert Hospital and after treatment he was discharged and granted a furlo from the 25th of January 1918 until the 8th February 1918 in England. 

After his leave George was marched in the the No:2 Command Depot for overseas deployment and proceeded overseas for France on the 28th of March via Southampton and disembarked at Harve, France the next morning. George went into billets before he was marched at to re join his unit on the 7th of April 1918 and was Wounded in Action; 2nd occasion on the 28th July 1918 and was invalided to England where he disembarked on 9th August 1918 suffering from a Gunshot Wound to his Left Arm and was admitted to the Beaufort War Hospital at Bristol, England.

George was discharged from hospital to attend the Littlemore Camp as a Blood Donor on the 11th September 1918 and was then marched in the Demobilisation Depot for his returned to Australia on board HMAT A30 "Borda" on the 28th June and attended the Anzac Buffet on the 30th June 1919 where he was declared medically fit with no disabilities. George was discharged from the AIF on the 14th August 1919.

Family Information

George was a single 22 year old Miner under the Guardians of Mr and Mrs William Collier Northumberland Hotel, Vincent Street, Cessnock, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF.

Northumberland Hotel, Vincent Street, Cessnock, N.S.W.

George is buried at Cessnock Cemetery, C of E Sect, Port. 23, Plot 17. Loving sister Blanche

Grave of Hanna Robinson nee: Waite (1870-1896)

Minmi Cemetery

18th August 1896.
Newcastle Morning Herald

FRIENDS of Mr. WALTER ROBERTSON
are respectfully invited to attend the
Funeral of his beloved Wife, HANNAH :
To move from his residence, near Bonnie
Doon Hotel, TO-DAY, (Tuesday), at half-
past 4 o'clock, for Minmi Cemetery.
GEO. SMITH, Undertaker.

Walter and Hannah Robertson not Robinson on death certificate and headstone? Hannah Died near Nowra on the South Coast in 1896 and Walter is unknown.

Cessnock War Memorial

Military Records

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