35th Battalion

35th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Corporal: 3124C John Gladstone Finlay SIMMONS.

Born: 1898. Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:19251/1898.

Married: 1920. Waverley, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:8969/1920.

Wife: Marjorie "Ada" Simmons. nee: Lewis. (1898-1981)

Died: 

Father: William Stephen Finlay Simmons. (1873-1915)

Mother: Elizabeth "Bessie" M Simmons. nee: Fitzgerald. (18..-)

INFORMATION

John Simmons enlisted with the 7th Reinforcements, 35th Battalion AIF on the 23rd of October 1916 and left Sydney on board HMAT A68 "Anchises" on the 24th of January 1917 and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 27th March 1917.

John was marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp at Larkhill where he continued with his training and was later appointed to the training staff and promoted to Acting Lance Corporal on the 1st July. john remained at Larkhill until the 27th May 1918 when he proceeded overseas for France at Fovant and was Taken on in Strength with the 34th Battalion in the field. 

THE "GREAT PUSH" OF AUGUST

1918. The Battalion moved on 2nd August to La Neuville, where Lieutenant Colonel. Ernest Edward MARTIN., Major: Francis George GRANT., and Lieutenant: Arthur Francis COOLAHAN. Adjutant, attended a Brigade Conference. Later the Company Commanders attended a conference on the coming Operation. The next few days were spent in reconnaissance, preparation of Maps and Conferences to the Attack on 8th August. On 6th full details of the operation were received, indicating the Battalion's role as follows:- "C" and "A" Companies to be in support of the 33rd Battalion. "D" and "B" in support to the 35th Battalion. In the event of serious opposition occurring from Accroche Wood, "C" and "D" Companies to move around the North and South fringe of the Wood and then mop up from the Eastern side. On arrival at 1st Objective (Green Line) the Battalion to reorganize a Support Line.

Operations 8-12 August 1918.That evening a farewell dinner was given to the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel: Ernest Edward MARTIN. D.S.O. who was leaving the Battalion to return to Australia. The Company and Platoon Commanders, having made a reconnaissance of the ground to attack in the Accroche Wood Sector and also the route of the Approach March, fully explained the operation to every member of the Battalion, who were in wonderful spirit and confident of success.

Commanding Officer of the 34th Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel: Ernest Edward MARTIN. D.S.O.

Lieutenant Colonel: Ernest Edward MARTIN. visited all the Companies and addressed the men, wishing them farewell and success and handing over command to Major: Francis George GRANT. The Colonel felt the parting from his men, as there was a genuine attachment between them and him, more especially as having passed through trying times with them, he was now leaving when they appeared to be entering the final sphere of operations.

On the 7th August 1918 the weather cleared and a strong wind dried the ground considerably, much to the relief of all. That night after the men had been given a special hot meal, the Battalion commenced the march to the Assembly Point, at 10:20 pm. "A" and "B" Companies taking "A" Track, "C" and "D" Taking "C" Track. The assembly Point was reached and the Battalion was in position by 3:20 am without suffering any casualties. at about 4:00 am on 8th August a dense for arose, which made it impossible to see more than a few yards ahead.

When the barrage opened at 4:20 am the men went to the assault with great dash, notwithstanding the great difficulty in keeping direction in the fog and smoke. The tanks, which were to assist in the attack also had great difficulty in finding their way in the fog. Very little resistance was offered by the enemy, even in Accroche Wood, and a large number of prisoners were captured. The objective was reached with very light casualties and at 8:20 am the 12th Brigade passed through to commence the second stage of the operation. By 10:15 am the Battalion was on its Objective Line and consolidation was being completed. The cookers were brought up and a hot meal was provided at midday. The total number of prisoners taken by the Battalion was 7 Officers and 200 Other Ranks. In addition to 21 Machine Guns and large quantities of stores, many valuable documents were captured.

As the enemy shelled the position, after the meal, the men moved down to old dugouts and shelters in the gully. The next day was spent repairing roads and collecting large quantities of material. Enemy Planes were bombing very heavily but only one casualty resulted. The morning of 10th August broke fine and clear and advance parties were sent to the area held by the 46th Battalion, which was relieved by the Battalion that night, amidst a rain of bombs but without casualties.

At 3:30 am on 11th August the Battalion was to attack and capture Proyart. This operation was dependent upon the success of a silent operation by the 10th Brigade, timed to commence some hours earlier. At 4:15 am word was received from Brigade cancelling the operation, owing to the failure of the 10th Brigade attack. Fortunately, our Companies had not become involved and were recalled to their former positions. Enemy Planes continued their heavy bombing during the night, wounding Lieutenant: Stanley Herbert DELVES. and several Other Ranks.

On the 12th of August the Battalion was relieved by the 12th Manchester Regiment and was marched to Vaire sous Corbie. The enemy was busy dropping bombs but the march was accomplished without loss. The weather was fine and hot and the men spent the time resting and swimming in the River Somme. On the 14th, information was received that the Battalion would move to the Wiencourt area on the following day and advance parties proceeded to that area. However, Orders were received later cancelling the move. As the enemy planes were now heavily bombing the village, the men were moved out into the fields where shelters were provided.

On the 16th August the 49th Battalion in the Liason Force was relieved on the north of the River Somme. There were numbers of enemy dead still on the Bray-Corbie Road. The march was carried out under heavy shelling and there were some casualties. A London Regiment was on our left and the 131st U.S.A. Regiment on our right. On the 17th the Line was advanced during the night, resulting in Lieutenant: 10480 Robert WIGHT. and 7 Other Ranks being wounded. On 19th the enemy kept up a harassing shell fire most of the day, and that night the Scouts carried out a small raid. Identification was required for Brigade information and Lieutenant: 561 Stanley Arthur SMITH and his men captured a Machine Gun, compass and rifle and brought back the required information.

During the heavy bombardment Captain: Edmund BEAVER. was wounded but remained on duty. On 20th our fighting patrols were very busy over the whole area. The enemy machine gun fire and shelling however, was very severe. Our casualties were Lieutenant: 927 Vincent Charles CALLEN. M.M. and 20 Other Ranks killed in action, and Lieutenant: 7 George BARCLAY. and 14 Other Ranks wounded. On 22nd August the Battalion less one Company "B" became Brigade Reserve to the 35th and 33rd Battalions plus our "B" Company who were to advance the Line. The enemy now commenced to shell our area with guns of every calibre, Battalion Headquarters and the Regimental Aid Post getting their full share as well as the Transport bringing up the ammunition.

At 7:10 pm the Battalion was orders to move forward, as the Imperial Troops were reported to be retiring on the left flank, under pressure of an enemy counter attack. The 33rd Battalion which was holding the Front Line, sent back for further assistance and "C" Company was sent up, the other two Companies remaining in support. In the meantime Captain: Norman Sydney CAIRNS., O.C. "B" Company, who had been doing good work by organising a number of the Imperial Troops and reinforcing the left flank, repulsed the counter attack, inflicting very heavy losses on the enemy. Later "C" and "D" Companies made a contact with "B" Company.

The position at this point was obscure and the men were badly in need of a meal after their strenuous work. At midnight the Ration Limbers arrived at Battalion Headquarters with a hot meal which was sent forward to where the men were holding the line. With Sergeant: 841 William Samuel MUDFORD. acting as guide, this was delivered, in spite of heavy shell and machine gun fire, to the men, who had a hot meal whilst actually holding the enemy at bay. The Limbers had a rough trip going back to their quarters through a heavy barrage directed on the road. Later all objectives were gained and the Companies linked up and formed a Front Line. In the operation 2 Officers and 40 Other Ranks of the enemy were taken prisoner. These were used as stretcher bearers to assist our own in their heavy work.

Being relieved on the 23rd August by the 39th Battalion, the Companies marched out independently to a reserve position in the vicinity of Sailly le Sac. A hot meal was waiting for the men on arrival, who rested the next day. Next day Orders were received to move forward the following day at short notice. Two days were spent standing by awaiting the movement Order. On 27th August the 44th Battalion was relieved in the vicinity of Vaux Wood, where the men were subjected to heavy shell fire and an intense machine gun barrage from the enemy. The 28th opened with drizzling rain, but it cleared later on. Orders were received to move through the 35th Battalion who were attacking at Curlu. These however were later countermanded, as the Imperial Troops on the left were failing to keep up with the advance.

On 29th August the Battalion relieved the 35th Battalion in the Front Line and at 5:00 am pushed out strong Patrols to gain contact with the enemy, from whom slight opposition was met. The 10th London Regiment was still lagging behind in the attack and a defensive left flank had to be established. The Australian Light Horse having reconnoited the position during the afternoon, another advance was made at 4:00 pm under a light barrage, with slight casualties. This operation resulted in an advance on a front of 1500 yards to a depth of 5000 yards. Again the London Regiment failed to keep up with the advance and defensive flanks had to be established in order to cover the gap. About 30 or 40 of the enemy were killed and 75 prisoners and machine guns captured. At 10:00 pm instructions were received to again attack the enemy position, two objectives being give.

The attack was made before dawn, without a barrage. The first objective was reached with few casualties, in spite of heavy machine gun fire. The advance was continued but owing to the intensity of machine gun fire and the fact that the troops on either flank were held up, it was not possible to completely take the objective. The Battalion consolidated its position and on the left flank, owing to the extremely gallant conduct of Lieutenant: 9152 Alexander John GRUNSELL.M.M who was later killed in action, a strong point was established which played havoc with the enemy in Marriere Wood. At 7:00 am a request was made for a barrage to assist in the complete capture of the position, but it was decided to postpone the operation until the following morning.

The troops subjected to intense machine gun fire and severe shelling throughout the day and during the afternoon, about 50 rounds from our own 4.5 Howitzers fell 1500 yards behind our own Front Line. The enemy troops holding this portion of their Line were from their Second Guards Division and the intensity of machine gun fire may be gauged from the fact that the 33rd Battalion renewed the attack the next morning 100 machine guns were captured on that Sector. During the operation, which gained 1500 yards on a 100 yard frontage, Captain: Alexander Warren MACDONALD. Lieutenant: 9152 Alexander John GRUNSELL. and 15 Other Ranks killed in action whilst Captain: Edmund BEAVER. Lieutenant: 11334 Leslie John Bentley HARTSHORN. and 45 Other Ranks were wounded.

On 31st August the 33rd Battalion having passed through to the attack, our Battalion was relieved by the 11th Brigade. From 1st to 5th September the men spent resting and going to the baths, and also to a Concert at Suzanne, in spite of active bombing by enemy planes. Whilst here the Battalion was standing by awaiting orders for a further move forward. Heavy rain set in on the 8th and continued until the 10th.

Brigadier General: Henry Arthur GODDARD.

Brigadier General: Henry Arthur GODDARD. inspected the Transport on this day and during the evening the "Blue Gum" Party gave a concert.

On 12th September the Battalion moved up to a position north-west of Halle, where the men were given their packs and blankets and made comfortable. The men were kept busy improving Dugouts, cleaning equipment, training and holding bath parades at Peronne. Enemy planes were very active during the night dropping bombs. On one occasion two were brought down in flames by one of our fighters.

On 15th September the Prime Minister of Australia Mr William M HUGHES, attended a Church Parade and gave a short address. Late in the evening of 17th a heavy thunderstorm broke over our area, accompanied by strong winds, which un roofed some of the Dugouts and wrecked the Cookhouse shelters. On 18th the men attended a performance by the 1st Division "Sentimental Blokes", which was highly appreciated by all. During this period a cricked and football match were played near Mt St. Quentin and also against to 33rd near Peronne. On 21st a Battalion Sports Programme was carried out and the men generally were having a good time. On 27th the Battalion paraded in Battle Order and the men were informed of the coming operation, after which they moved to Capron Corpse and bivouac ed for the night.

During the march bombs were frequently dropped along the line, the Transport and Quarter Master's Store receiving special attention at the rear of the column. Whilst proceeding up the gully in the Copse, planes came over flying low and dropping parachute lights over the moving column, enabling them to drop their bombs and use machine guns freely. The following day the Battalion moved across to Ronssoy Road, where it rested and received orders to move the next day. On the morning of 29th September a move was made to Z Copse, where the Transport and Quarter Master's Stores remained. The Battalion moved forward to follow in support of the American Battalions which were to make their first stage of attack on the Hindenburg Line.

After the capture of this by them, our Battalion was to leap frog through them to the Le Catelet Line. Th Americans got through the the opposition after a hard fight but failed to mop up the area, with the result that our Battalion, following in support, came under very severe machine gun fire in the vicinity of Gillemont Farm, where there were a number of casualties, including the C.O. Lieutenant Colonel: Walter Arnold LeRoy FRY. Major: Francis George GRANT. then assumed command. The Battalion pushed forward and occupied a position on the knoll just behind and to the left of Bony, where the whole situation remained very obscure.

During the advance rain fell very heavily making the going extremely difficult. Our casualties were 27, including Lieutenant: 1422 James SNEDDEN. who was wounded.

Lance Corporal: 2069 Robert GALLEGHAN.

On 30th September the Battalion moved to Potts Lane and Duncan /avenue to carry out operations in rear of the 11th Brigade which moved forward at 6:00 am. Headquarters were at Cat Post. Lieutenant: Sydney Rodgers NICKLIN. with "B" company joined the 42nd Battalion to assist mopping up in the vicinity of Bony Avenue. This being completed "B" Company remained at Stave Trench. Owing to the rain and intense darkness, difficulty was experienced in getting the rations forward during the advance. They were taken up by pack mules over shell-torn ground with wire lying in all directions, making the track circuitous. The men, however were given hot meals in the trenches and shell holes which they were holding.

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 rejoined by "B" Company and bivouac-ed for the night. The next day the men marched back to Cat Copse and bivouac-ed 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 de trained they marched to billets in Frucourt. 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.

Lieutenant Colonel: Arthur Raft WOOLCOCK. D.S.O. Commanding Officer 34th Battalion AIF.

Captain: James Egbert Arthur FLORANCE. having left to proceed to Australia, Captain: Frank William BAULCH. the former Quarter Master, rejoined the Battalion to again assume control of the Q.M. Store.

On the 11th November 1918, news was received that Armistice terms had been signed. However, there was very little demonstration on receipt of the news as the men could hardly relies that the War was for at least some time, actually over.

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 realize 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 neighboring 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.

On 9th December the Battalion marched out of Frucourt to billets at Buigney, which were not very satisfactory and neither was the weather. After a week here a new Billeting Area was found at Miannay and the Battalion moved into this town on 17th December, where the men made themselves quieter at home; some enjoying the luxury and comfortable beds. The local people were very friendly, which contributed to a very merry time being spent on the first "Peace" Christmas Day.

Whilst awaiting demobilization training was very limited. Short Parades being held and Lectures given in connection with the A.I.F. Education Scheme to assist the men on their return to civil life. Books were supplied and classes held covering almost every profession and trade. Quite a number availed themselves of the opportunity of obtaining practical instruction at depots in England and France, whilst a few went to workshops in Belgium.

Sports, football matches and recreation of every kind were carried out and everything possible was done for the comfort of their men. Lieutenant: 7245 Frank Furneaux HEBBARD. had charge of the Educational Lectures. Whilst here, Major: Harry Lambert Edward Dixon WHEELER. left the Battalion for Le Havre.

Major: Harry Lambert Edward Dixon WHEELER.

Captains; Captain: Herbert Henry PERCY. , Captain: Henry Thomas HICKS. "Harry", Captain: Henry Cecil Llewellyn BENNETT., Lieutenants; Lieutenant: Augustus Gibson FARLEIGH., Lieutenant: Patrick FLANNIGAN., rejoined the Battalion.

John embarked for England on the 22nd February for return to Australia where he was discharged from the AIF on the 12th June 1919.

Medals were  auction in March 2009 and I was the under bidder and unable to secure for the Harrower Collection.

Family Information

John was a 18 year old single Clerk from 25 Ocean Street, Bondi, N.S.W. upon enlistment. John served with the Senior Cadets 41st Infantry (Bathurst) and received the Commonwealth Cadet Medal 1912-13.

3rd October 1923 • Canterbury, NSW

NSW Police Gazette. 3 10 1923. P 513 . Deserting Wives & Families. Canterbury. Warrant issued for arrest, charged with failure to support his child. 25 yrs, 6ft, thin, dark b hair, etc. Drapery salesman.

Marjorie "Ada" Simmons. nee: Lewis. (1898-1981)

Military Records

Under Construction 10/03/2009.

18th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION

34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Second Lieutenant: 3996 Lester Phillip BIDDULPH.

Born: 1st November 1891. Bourke, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:7591/1890.

Married 1: 1919. Canowindra, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:8566/1919.

Wife 1: Edna Alice Biddulph. nee: Blatchford. (1898-1920)

Married 2: 1924. Orange, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:7829/1924.

Wife 2: Ruby Marian Biddulph. nee: Baker. (18..-1965) 

Died: 5th January 1974. New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:40472/1974.

Father: Phillip James Biddulph. (1859-1921)

Mother: Lillian Laura Biddulph. nee: Daniell. (1967-1947)

INFORMATION

Lester Phillip Biddulph served with the King's School Senior Cadets prior to his enlistment with the 9th Reinforcements 18th Battalion AIF with the rank of Acting Sergeant on the 27th of July 1915 and left Sydney on board HMAT A54 "Runic" on the 20th of January 1916 and was promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1919, he returned to Australia on the 27th of April 1919.

His promotion warrant was acquired in August 2004 and is now in the Harrower Collection.

His brother Captain: Lindon Helton BIDDULPH. M.C. 35th Battalion AIF.

Lester also served during World War 2, his service number was N385984. He enlisted at Cowra, N.S.W. and served with the Citizens Military Forces.

Family Information

Lester was a Farmer from Canowindra, New South Wales prior to enlistment. His father was his next of kin who lived at "Cremona", Everton Road, Strathfield, New South Wales. Phillip James Biddulph and Lillian Laura Daniell were married in 1889 in Bourke, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:3951/1889 and had 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl. Lindon Helton Biddulph born in 1890 in Bourke, N.S.W. Birth Cert:7479/1890 and married Jean G.M.Robertson in 1914 at Wollahra, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:2295/1914. He re-married in 1919 to Phyllis M Richardson in Sydney, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:11638/1919 and died in 1916 at North Sydney, N.S.W. Death Cert:27413/1963. Lester Phillip Biddulph born in 1891 at Bourke, N.S.W. Birth Cert:7591/1891 and married Edna A Blatchford in Canowindra, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:8566/1919. He re-married in 1924 to Ruby M Baker at Orange, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:7829/1924. Lester died in 1974 (location not recorded) Death Cert: 40472/1974. Hereward Tregenna Biddulph born in 1893 at Bourke, N.S.W. Birth Cert:7501/1893 and married Martha M Robin in 1914 at Canterbury, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:2413/1914.(no death records in N.S.W.)Marcia Biddulph, born in 1896 at Bourke, N.S.W. Bith Cert:11253/1896. (no further records) Quentin Ashley Biddulph born in 1902 at Bourke, N.S.W. Birth Cert:13736/1902 and married Kathleen Morgan in 1927 at Hunters Hill, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:3070/1927 and died in 1957 at Armidale, N.S.W. Death Cert:15546/1957.

Lester was cremated at the Norther Suburbs Crematorium, East Terrace 2 Wall 19.

Military Records

Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 31/01/2007-22/08/2020.