Casualties of the 9th Infantry Brigade

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: 938 Phillip Edgar WILLIAMS

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43rd BATTALION - 9th Machine Gun Company - 35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 938 Phillip Edgar WILLIAMS

Born: 3rd October 1897. Mintaro, South Australia, Australia. 

Died: 4th October 1917. Killed in Action Zonnebeke, Belgium.

Father: Phillip Williams. 

Mother: Julia Esther Williams. 

INFORMATION

Phillip Edgar Williams enlisted on the 17th February 1916 at Kadina South Australia and embarked on board HMAT A70 "Ballarat" on the 12th August 1916 from Adelaide, South Australia with the 2nd Reinforcements 43rd Battalion AIF. 

Phillip was transferred to the 9th Machine Gun Company attached to the 35th Battalion AIF.

18th February 1918.

Informant: Private: 1525 Henry Raymond Gerrard BUCKLEY. (A Company No:1 Platoon, 33rd Battalion AIF) "I saw him killed at Zonnebeke. He was caught by shell fragments which hit him about the head and body, death being instantaneous. He was working the gun at the time of the casualty. I knew him very well, he came from  N.S.W. I was attached to the 9th M.G. Coy, at the time. We were relieved soon after, and I cannot give any details of burial, and I cannot refer to anyone, but we held the ground and I feel sure he would be buried somewhere near place of casualty."

3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital

Dartford, England. 

Victory Medal:44366 938 PTE P E WILLIAMS 3b BN AIF was listed for sale August 2024and again in November 2024

Phillip was killed in Action at was killed in Action at Zonnebeke, Belgium and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Menin Gate War Memorial.

Menin Gate Memorial

Family Information

Phillip was a single 18 year old Labourer from Mintaro, South Australia upon his enlistment with the AIF. Served with Area 79A for 18 months CMF Militia. Phillip was educated at the Mintaro and Prospect State Schools.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 04/09/2024-18/09/2024.

Private: 1481 Evan Archibald DAVIES.

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35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1481 Evan Archibald "Archie" DAVIES.

Born: 1897. Aberdare, South Wales, United Kingdom 

Died: 7th June 1917. Killed in Action, Messines, Belgium.

Father: George Davies. (1874-1942)

Mother: Beatrice Davies. nee: Ashman. (1877-1958) 

INFORMATION
Evan Archibald Davies 14th Infantry Militia prior to his enlistment with the AIF on the 7th December 1915 and was allocated to the Machine Gun Section 35th Battalion AIF on the 3rd March 1916 at Broadmeadow Army Camp.

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 on the 9thJuly, the Battalion spent the next four months in training. It crossed into France on the 21st of  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.

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. 

Evan was Killed in Action on the 7th June 1917 and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Menin Gate. He was recorded on the Memorial Cross at Messines for the fallen from the 35th Battalion AIF.

35th Battalion Memorial for those fallen at Messines 7th June 1917

Corporal: 2600 George Smith HOLLIDAY. 35th Battalion AIF. (Photo of him at Memorial Cross)

Northern Times (Newcastle), 30 June 1917

22nd October 1917.

Informant: Corporal: 406 George Thomas DONNELLY (B Company Head Quarters 35th Battalion). I saw Private: 1481 Evan Archibald DAVIES dead at Messines. He had been caught by a shell and very badly mutilated. I knew him well he was the only man of that name in the Company. I do not know place of burial and I cannot refer to anyone in particulars.

London, England.

3rd January 1918. 

Informant: Private: 1491 Ivor LEWIS. 35th Battalion. Private: 1481 Evan Archibald DAVIES was with me in Lewis Gun Section on the 7th June at Battle of Messines, he suffered from Shell Shock in the morning and in the afternoon a shell burst and killed him outright. He was with the gun at the time. 

No:4 Australian General Hospital.

Randwick, N.S.W.

6th March 1918.

Informant: Sergeant: 1506 William Ernest TAYLOR. 35th Battalion. Private: 1481 Evan Archibald DAVIES was hit in the head by a shell and killed instantly. I took his identity disc. I feel sure he was buried.

London, England. 

Newcastle Morning Herald, 7 June 1920

 

Family Information
Evan was a single 18 year old Labourer/Blacksmith's Striker at Richmond Main and previously a Teacher at the local Methodist Sunday Scholl and lived at "Maudville" Cessnock Street, Kurri Kurri, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF.

Memory of Evan Archibald Davies. Kurri Kurri Cemetery.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 24/06/2024-07/08/2024.

Lance Corporal: 2138 Claude Ernest RILEY

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35th BATTALION AIF

Lance Corporal: 2138 Claude Ernest "Ernie" RILEY.

Born: 21st April 1894. St Albans via Wisemans Ferry, New South Wales, Australia. 

Died: 27th June 1918. Killed in Action. Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Father: Joseph William Reilly. (1853-1908) Died at Wyong Creek, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13517/1908

Mother: Elizabeth Kathleen Reilly. nee: Butler. (1871-1943) Nambucca Heads Private Hospital, Macksville, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:31114/1943

 INFORMATION

Francois Somme

Through the fields of the Somme, the light of a new day rises radiant on millions of poppies that grow between the rows of thousands of white graves behind which stand in silence, proud and solemn the ghosts of a whole generation of young men who, far from home, on these sacred soils of northern France, alongside their mates, their brothers in arms, united around the same causes, served with pride and did their duty with bravery in the trenches in which they shared the pains and the sufferings but side by side, moved forward through the fire, on soil scarified and bruised by the barbed wire in which they were caught without being able to escape and were mowed down in waves under the shells and the deadly fire of the machine guns that swept the battlefields under hail of bullets. They were young and together they fought for what was right, they gave their today and their lives in the mud on which their blood was shed which was the price of freedom and peace. Together they marched and fell among the poppies which carry with them the memory of these young men who, with care and respect, will always be kept strong and alive and over whom I will always watch with gratitude so that they are never forgotten, so that their names live forever.
Today, it is with the deepest gratitude and with the utmost respect that I would like to honour the memory of one of these young men who fell too early and who, for our tomorrow gave his today. I would like to pay a very respectful tribute to Lance Corporal number 2138 Claude Ernest Riley who fought in the 35th Australian Infantry Battalion, B Company, 9th Brigade, 3rd Australian Division, and who was killed in action 106 years ago, on June 27, 1918 at the age of 24 on the Somme front.
Claude Ernest Riley, who was most affectionately known as "Ernie", was born on April 21, 1894 in Wisemans Ferry, New South Wales, and was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Riley, of Wyong, New South Wales. Claude was educated at the Public School then after graduation, served for 18 months in the Militia in Wyong and worked as a labourer.
Claude enlisted on August 4, 1915 in Liverpool, New South Wales, as a Private in the 35th Australian Infantry Battalion, B Company, 3rd Reinforcement, battalion whose nickname was "Newcastle's Own Regiment" and whose motto was "Fidelis Et Paratus" (Faithful And Ready). After a period of one year of training, he embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on August 24, 1916 and sailed for England.
On October 11, 1916, Claude arrived in England and was disembarked at Devonport, was taken on strength on November 11 and proceeded overseas from Southampton for France on November 21.
On November 22, 1916, after a quick journey on the English Channel, Claude was disembarked in France. Two months later, on January 7, 1917, he was detached from his unit for railway construction work in the field and joined the 35th Australian Infantry Battalion on February 10.
On June 4, 1917, Claude was admitted to the 9th and then to the 10th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from boils, joined his unit on June 16 and the following month, from July 1 to 7, fought courageously in Messines, Belgium, where with his comrades occupied support trenches and were mainly employed in the digging and improvement of communication trenches then on the evening of July 7, were relieved by the 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion and moved into billets at Neuve-Eglise where they remained until July 11.
At 2:00 a.m. on July 11, Claude and the 35th Battalion moved back to the Messines front line where they relieved the 43rd Australian Infantry Battalion and occupied a line of support between the Douve River and St Ignast Farm where they repelled several German raids and were finally relieved on July 29 by the 41st Australian Infantry Battalion and moved to the River Douve Camp where they had a brief period of rest.
On August 3, 1917, the 35th Battalion left the River Douve Camp and marched via Neuve-Eglise, Steenwerck for Vieux-Berquin and arrived at Le Verrier then moved to Bailleul Railway Station on August 15 from where they embarked for Wismes (Pas-De-Calais) where they followed a period of training until September 17.
On September 18, 1917, Claude and the 35th Battalion left Wismes for Tardinghen where the men, for a day, could relax and swim then moved back to Wismes, marched for Renescure on September 27, Eecke on September 28, Winezeele on September 29 and Zonnebeke, in the Ypres salient on September 30 where they relieved the 13th Battalion of the King's Own Royal Regiment and fought in this sector until October 4.
On October 5, 1917, Claude, alongside his comrades marched for the Winnezeele Camp then for the Cavalry Farm Camp, near Ypres on October 11 and October 12, were thrown into the terrible battle of Passchendaele.
By 5 October 1917, the British attempt to push back the German line east of Ypres in a series of "bite and hold" operations had met with some success. However, this had come at a great cost. While the weather held, the British had been able to bring up supplies and the all-important artillery. Artillery was the essential ingredient of the "bite and hold" tactics for if the "creeping barrages" could not protect the advancing British infantry they would be at the mercy of the enemy machine gunners. After 4 October 1917 the rain poured down and the battlefield, and all the approaches to it, became a sea of mud. To successfully bring up heavy war equipment under these conditions proved impossible. However, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, the British commander-in-chief ordered the battle to continue.
On 9 October 1917, British divisions, with the Australians in support, attacked in terrible conditions towards Passchendaele village. In the mud and rain the effort proved futile but the high command thought that enough ground had been gained to order a fresh assault on 12 October. Spearheading this attack were the Australian Third Division and the New Zealand Division, with the Australian Fourth Division in support. As predicted, the shells of the support bombardment mostly exploded harmlessly in the mud and little cover was available from that source. Men had to press forward in the quagmire against the German pillboxes armed only with grenades, rifles and light machine guns.
A few Australians reached the edge of Passchendaele. However, they were not strong enough to hold the ground and were eventually forced to fall back and give up their gains. Australian losses for 12 October were 3,000 casualties for the Third Division and 1,000 for the Fourth Division for no gain. The Canadian Corps moved into the battle area on 18 October to replace the exhausted Australians. The Canadians, in five attacks between 26 October and 10 November, captured Passchendaele, and with their success the Third Battle of Ypres ended.
On October 27, 1917,for his courage during the battle of Passchendaele, Claude was appointed Lance Corporal and on November 9,the battalion moved back to Wismes then marched to Le Touquet on November 21,Pont-De-Nieppe,near Armentieres on November 29,relieved the 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion and defended this sector until December 13.
On December 15, 1917, the 35th Battalion marched to Waterlands Camp, near Armentieres and was placed for the defence of the town. A few days later, on December 19, they moved to "Square Farm" and "l'Epinette" where they relieved the 10th Battalion of the South Wales Borderers and remained in this sector of the front until the end of the month.
On January 1, 1918, Claude and the 35th Battalion were relieved by the 2/7th Battalion of the King's Own Liverpool Regiment and moved back to Waterlands Camp then marched to Vieux-Berquin from where they embarked by bus for Outtersteen and had a new training period which ended on January 23 and then the next day, marched through Outtersteen, Clapbank, Meteren, Bailleul, and arrived in Kortepyp (Belgium) on January 31.
On February 1, 1918, the 35th Battalion moved to Kortepyp Camp in particularly cold weather and were mainly employed here in working parties but also in physical and sports exercises including rugby and football matches and then on February 25, were sent in an area called the "Catacombs" near Ploegsteert Wood and launched several raids in the Warneton area including one involving 300 men on March 3 which was successful despite the loss of 50 men during the attack, another was carried out with the same success on March 5 despite stronger resistance from the German lines and were relieved on March 7 by the 23rd Australian Infantry Battalion.
On March 8, 1918, the 35th Battalion moved back to Kortepyp Camp, marched to Henneveux (Pas-De-Calais) the next day where they remained until March 20, but the next day the German army launched its spring offensive, the last German offensive of the war which was intended to break through the Anglo-French lines between Arras and St-Quentin and to take the vital and strategic railway junction of Amiens so on March 28th the 35th Battalion was sent to Bonnay, in the Somme to stop the Germans.
On March 28, 1918, Claude and the men of the 35th Battalion arrived in the Somme, in the small village of Bonnay then the battalion assembled and organized itself in Corbie then marched for Cachy on March 30 and the next day, received the order to enter the front line between Villers-Bretonneux and Warfusee and were involved in an Australian counterattack at Hangard Wood and helped to defeat a major drive on Villers-Bretonneux on 4 April. The desperate nature of the fighting at this time is revealed by the fact that the 35th Battalion suffered nearly 70 per cent casualties during these operations.
On April 30, 1918, the battalion moved to the Morlancourt sector where they fought fiercely and successfully until May 10, then were relieved the next day by the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, marched for La Houssoye then for Rivery, near Amiens where they remained until May 21 and the following day, moved back to the trenches of Villers-Bretonneux where unfortunately, a month later, on June 27, 1918, Claude met his fate and was killed in action, he was 24 years old.
Today, Lance Corporal Claude Ernest Riley rests in peace alongside his friends, comrades and brothers in arms at Aubigny British Cemetery, Somme, and his grave bears the following inscription: "Dearly loved, sadly missed."
After Claude's death, several articles concerning him were published in the "Gosford Times" as follows:
"The news reached the creek last week of the death of Private E.Riley. "Killed in action", the message ran, which brings the horrors of the war closer to our peaceful parish. Another sacrifice made-another distinction for Wyong Creek. The best wished of the district are extended to his family. The Australian flag was hoisted half mast at the local school (where he learnt his lessons) as a mark of respect to his memory."(Gosford Times,1st August 1918).
"B Company,35th Battalion, France 1st July,1918.
Dear Mrs Larvey, I regret having to write to you to say that Lance Corporal C.E.Riley was killed in action on the night of June 27th.He was firing his gun when he was engaged by an enemy gun and was hit through the head by a bullet. He lived for a few minutes, but was not in pain. He was buried in Doors Australian Military Cemetery, France (the former name of the Aubigny British Cemetery),and a cross has been erected showing where he lies. Riley was an "old hand" in the company, a good soldier, and a very efficient Lewis Gunner. He will be greatly missed by us all. He had also been recommended for a promotion to the rank of Corporal. I will ask you to accept my very deep sincere sympathy .
(Gosford Times,29th August 1918).
Private: 420 William Joseph EARL, of Wyong, writing home regarding the death of Lance Corporal Ernie Riley, who was killed in action on 27th June last says:
"Ernie was an old school mate of mine, and we have always been like brothers to each other. We have fought side by side ever since the 35th Battalion came to France. He was a good soldier and man, and was well respected by all who knew him. We buried him in an Australian cemetery in a little village a good distance behind the firing line, our chaplain reading the burial service. We erected a cross with his regimental number and rank on it and placed some artificial flowers and green violets on his grave. Since then a few of us Wyong boys have clubbed together and bought a very nice artificial cross composed of all coloured beads, and erected same on his last resting place."
Mrs Larvey has received the following letter from the chaplain:
France, July 4,1918
Dear Mrs Larvey, I expect that you will have already heard before you get this letter that your son, Lance Corporal E. Riley, fell in action a few days ago near Villers-Bretonneux. He was in the front line when he was shot by machine gun fire, and death must have been instantaneous. The colonel wishes me to assure you of his deep sympathy with you in your great loss, and I trust and pray that God will give you comfort and strength to bear it. Your son's body was buried in a military cemetery near the line and I read the burial service at the grave side. With kind regards and sympathy, I am, yours sincerely,
Ernie, brave and in the prime of your life, it is with honour and courage that you did your duty for Australia, for your loved ones and for us who have the privilege of living in a world in peace for which you have fought and for which you gave your today alongside your brothers in arms in the trenches of the Great War, among the poppy fields of the Somme on which the blood and tears of a whole generation of heroes and exceptional men who left behind their youth and their innocence and who stood admirably alongside their brothers and mates in this hell on earth which claimed the lives of thousands of young men who, proud and dedicated, charged bayonets forward on the no man's land, under deluges of bullets and hails of shells and who, in tight lines in their khaki uniforms and their slouch hats, advanced with unfailing bravery in the mud and the fire, in the madness and the fury of the battlefields and which, one after the other, fell into the barbed wire and the craters of clay which became mass graves in which, a few minutes before, friends and enemies killed each other who were caught in the chaos and the terror of a world gone mad but who with extreme courage did what was right and side by side, gave their lives for peace and freedom on the sacred soils of the Somme, in a battle that was the deadliest of the great war and which marked the beginning of the bloodiest century in history. Young and brave, in the face of this endless nightmare, they remained united in the darkness that surrounded them and found in friendship, in camaraderie and fraternity, the hope and humanity that were swept away in the brutality of the battles.
Side by side they shared the burden they carried without ever complaining as they were shattered by fatigue and tormented by hunger, gnawed by the cold and the bite of lice. Knees deep in the mud, they shared their lives with the rats who at night, prevented them from sleeping and remained standing alongside their friends who were their only comfort and families in this hell and behind their guns, without anywhere to hide, were the nameless witnesses of horrors who remained engraved in their eyes and in their hearts under the mournful symphony of artillery that shattered the sky and shook the earth and saw helpless, their comrades who died praying to god and their mothers on the battlefield, they heard the terrible complaints of the horses who, exhausted by the pains, drowned in the mud, they saw and lived with the death that awaited, sly and dreadful in these putrid mires on which nothing could live except the inhuman monster that was this war that never stopped and that should soon face new waves of young men who, in the endless wait for a new attack, did everything they could to keep a smile and a sense of humour, to keep in them the light of humanity and brought with them the hope of a better world. Determined and driven by unfailing courage, to the sound of whistles, they all came out of the trenches and moved forward behind their officers, alongside their friends, they passed the parapets and the lifeless bodies of their fathers, their brothers and faced the crossfire of machine guns, the barrages of steel and fire but never took a single step back, they went forward, towards the enemy lines, towards their destinies and thousands fell among them, they crossed the threshold of death and found eternal peace alongside their comrades who still stand together and proud among the poppies, behind their white graves and over whom I will always watch with utmost respect, with care and gratitude to keep strong and alive the memory of the Australian soldiers, our Diggers, our sons, my boys of the Somme so that their sacrifices, their courage are never forgotten so that their names live forever. Thank you so much Ernie, for everything. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him, we will remember them.
(Bill Durant: July 2024) 
Grave of Lance Corporal: 2138 Claude Ernest RILEY
Aubigny British Cemetery, Somme,
Family Information
Claude served for 18 months with the militia at Wyong, New South Wales and was a single 22 year old Labourer from Wyong, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF.
.
Elizabeth Reilly. nee: Butler. (1871-1943) - Joseph William Reilly. (1853-1908)
Elizabeth was Illiterate. 
Military Records

Under Construction: 04/07/202430/07/2024.

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: 584 Joseph DOWD.

by

33rd BATTALION - 2nd BATTALION AIF

Private: 584 Joseph DOWD.

Born: 30th June 1893. Cassilis, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:10556/1893.

Died: 29th October 1917. Died of Wounds, Belgium.

Father: John Dowd. 

Mother: Rose Dowd. 

INFORMATION

Joseph Dowd enlisted with the AIF on the 28th December 1915 at Armidale, New South Wales where he went into camp before he was transferred to the Rutherford Camp where he was allocated to B Company 33rd Battalion AIF and en trained from Farley Station for Sydney where the Battalion embarked on board HMAT A74 "Marathon" on the 4th May 1916 and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 9th July 1916. Joseph was marched in to the 9th Training Battalion with the 33rd Battalion where they settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine.

On the 16th September 1916 Joseph was transferred to the 2nd Battalion and commenced training with the 1st Training Battalion and proceeded overseas for France on the same day and was marched in at Estaples the next morning. Joseph went into billets for the next few days before he was marched out to the lines where he was Taken on in Strength with the 2nd Battalion on the 29th September and detached for duty with the Mining Battalion at Bazentin on the 11th December until the 21st December 1916. 

Joseph was treated by the Australian Field Ambulance on the 23rd January 1917 and was evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station suffering from Rheumatism and then on to the 11th Stationary Hospital at Rouen on the 29th where he remained until the 5th February 1917 when he was transferred to the 2nd Convalescent Depot at Rouen. Upon his discharge Joseph was marched in the Estaples and re-joined his unit on the 18th March. 

On the 7th July Joseph was treated by the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance and was transferred to the Casualty Clearing Station and was taken off strength and upon his discharge he re-joined his unit on the 12th of July. On the 27th August 1917, Joseph was Charged with Disobedience of Orders in that he was absent from parade 21:30 25.08.17. Award 2 Days Forfeit Pay.

Joseph was Wounded in Action on the 20th September 1917 and was treated by the 2nd Australian Field Ambulance for a Gunshot Wound to his Left Hand "Slight" and made his own way to the Dressing Station where he received further treatment and was discharged to duty on the 24th and re-joined his unit on the 25th September. On the 4th October, Joseph was Wounded in Action; 2nd occasion but remained at duty before he was granted leave to the U.K. from the 10th October until the 24th October. He was only back in the lines for a few days when he was Wounded in Action; 3rd occasion on the 27th October and was treated by the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance who evacuated him from the lines on stretcher.

He was admitted to the No:2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station the same day and Died of Wounds on the 29th October 1917  and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Lijssenthoek, Belgium.

Grave of Private: 584 Joseph Dowd (1893-1917) Plot 21 Row DD Grave 1

Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Lijssenthoek, Belgium

War Graves Project

Family Information

Joseph was a single 22 year old Cook employed at the Schofield's Post Office Hotel in Peel Street, Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. His mother was recorded as his next of kin who lived at Werris Creek, N.S.W.

Brothers. Private: 56 Allan Francis Dowd. 1st Battalion AIF. - Private: 3040 Edward Dowd. 26th Battalion AIF. - Private: 2812 Paul Dowd. 2nd Pioneer Battalion AIF

Military Records

Under Construction: 01/06/2024.

Private: 6821 Herbert Gwydor “Dawson” RIX.

by

18th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 6821 Herbert Gwydor "Dawson" RIX

Born: 1898. Warialda, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:35478/1898 .

Died: 29th August 1918. Died of Wounds. France.

Father: Robert Rix. (1842-12/03/1904) Died at Warialda, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:3521/1904.

Mother: Mary Ann Rix. nee: Bolstridge. (1853-13/07/1904) Died at Warialda, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:11439/1904.

INFORMATION

Dawson Rix enlisted with the AIF on the 29th March 1917 at Warialda, New South Wales and was allocated to the 20th Reinforcements, 18th Battalion AIF and embarked from Sydney on the 16th June 1917 on board HMAT A72 "Benalla" for England and disembarked at Plymouth on the 25th August 1917 where he was marched in to the 5th Training Battalion at Rollestone. Dawson proceeded overseas for France on the 1st January 1918  and disembarked at Fovant where he went into billets for the night before being marched out to the lines where he was Taken on in Strength with the 35th Battalion AIF on the 7th of January.  

4th-5th April 1918

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

The Strength of the 9th Infantry Brigade was about 2,250 but their casualties during the 2 days of fighting numbered 30 Officers and 635 men either killed in action or missing.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.4th-5th April 1918

33rd Battalion. AIF 3 Officers 82 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 5 Officers 120 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 9 Officers 282 Other ranks (including 44 missing)
36th Battalion. AIF 12 Officers 133 Other ranks (including 1 missing)
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 1 Officer 18 Other ranks (including 4 missing)

Dawson was subjected to an ongoing barrage of Enemy Artillery using Gas to cause as many casualties as possible and he was treated by the Australian Field Ambulance on the 17th April as a result of Gas Poisoning and evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment.

Casualty Clearing Station, Gassed men of the 9th Infantry Brigade

Dawson was admitted to the 47th Casualty Clearing Station where he received treatment and after he was stabilised he was transferred to the 5th General Hospital at Rouen before he was invalided to England on the 27th of April on board the  "Carisbrook Castle" He was admitted to the 1st Southern General Hospital at Edgbaston on the 28th April 1918. After he recovered and was discharged he was transferred to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital on the 6th May where he was granted a furlo on the 10th May 1918.

Monday 13 May 1918

Mr. Stuart S. Dight, who went to Sydney a week ago for medical treatment for the effects of an abscess in his face, has recovered and is returning home today. Private J. Wisdom, who was on the staff of the Commercial Bank at Bingara when he enlisted last year, has been killed in action. The marriage was celebrated at the Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane, last Wednesday week, of Mr. James Murray, son of the late Mr. W. J. Murray, of Armidale, and Miss Louise Hawke, younger daughter of Mr. F. R. Hawke of Inverell. The bridegroom was at one time a clerk in the Australian Bank of Commerce, Inverell, but is now a surveyor in North Queensland. Mrs. F. Bailey received word last week that her brother, Private "Dawson" Rix, had been gassed while in action. Mrs. C. Williams, of Warialda, received word last week that her brother, Private W. Ward, had been wounded for the fourth time, and a second brother, Private H. Ward, who had been wounded on four occasions, had been gassed. The former's injury was slight and he continued on duty.

Warialda Standard and Northern Districts' Advertiser (NSW : 1900 - 1954), Monday 13 May 1918, page 2

Dawson was marched in to the No:4 Command Depot after his furlo on the 24th May and proceeded overseas for France on the 24th July 1918 and re-joined his unit in the field on the 30th July 1918. 

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)

22nd August 1918.

4.45 am. Operation commences, vide report on operation (B.M.33/259/2) of 23.8.1918) vide Appendix 10. Enemy counter attack commences and continues with the result that the English troops on our left (47th Division) and 12th Division farther to the North retreated before the enemy who was making only a half-hearted attempt to gain ground on their front. The Enemy's attitude during this advance was one of hesitation. He was apparently surprised at the English withdrawal for no apparent reason and seemed to suspect it as being somewhat in the nature of a ruse to draw him on. This is the observation of the C.O. Right Battalion who viewed the course of the action from his command post at L.18.a.2.3. The result of these operations was to leave the left flank of the Brigade entirely "in the air" as the English troops became very demoralized during the process of the counter attack - App.10

2.30 p.m. Verbal Orders received from 3rd Australian Division for the Brigade to undertake an operation involving the capture of Bray-sur-Somme and the subsequent exploitation to the Western bank of the Somme running North and South through Squares L.18. and 24.

4.p.m. Above operation postponed until tomorrow morning for the following reasons - Our line is within 150 yards of the Western outskirts of Bray which are known to contain many machine guns. The ground on which our front line lies is a graces slope running Eastwards towards the village. Any movement of even an individual in the vicinity of our front line and for some distance in rear of our front line immediately provokes enemy small arm fire. It would be impossible to rush BRAY without a barrage. It would be equally impossible to barrage the Western outskirts of BRAY without the same time bombarding the area in which our front line lies.

If the operation were performed during the hours of daylight out troops emerging from the Eastern outskirts of the village would come under the direct observation and fire of all arms from the high ground in L.11. L.17. and L.23. and would undoubtedly be held up in the low ground in L.16.a.&c. There would be no advantage in holding a line in L.16.a.& c. and our troops would in all probability be compelled to evacuate it after having suffered many unnecessary casualties.

This operation is now to be undertaken tomorrow morning early under cover of darkness and with the assistance of an artillery barrage which will start on the Western outskirts of BRAY and creep through to the Eastern outskirts whilst the high ground in L.17. and L.23. is being bombarded by Heavy Artillery. The 11th Brigade will co-operate by conforming to our advance on our Northern Flank. This operation finally cancelled owing to enemy counter attack referred to in Appendix 10.

9th Infantry Brigade War Diary.

28th August 1918

Fargny Wood, Curlu. "The tape used had been used as a jumping off tape by the Battalion on 22/8/18 and again on 24/8/18 by the 37th Battalion. It was laid by Lieutenant: 918 Thomas Edward THOMPSON and the Battalion was in position. Private:6821 Dawson RIX, D Company Runner, hit through the back by shrapnel from H.E. Shell in the early morning during the hop over". 

Dawson was Wounded in Action as he was running a message through the lines and was evacuated by stretcher bearers to the Casualty Station where he Died of Wounds at 4:00am at the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, Daours, Picardie, France

Monday 16 September 1918

Serg. J. Doak, who was one of the first to enlist from Warialda and who returned to Australia some months back, spent last week amongst his friends at Warialda. Sergeant Doak, whose arm still shows the serious nature of his wounds, had nearly four years service (3 years and 355 days according to his certificate of discharge). He holds the Belgian Croix de Guerre as evidence of the good services rendered.

Word has been received that Pte. Archie McClymont, son of Mrs. I. McClymont of Manuka, Mt. Russell, will be home shortly. Pte. McClymont has been away nearly two years, and received severe injuries whilst fighting in France. Mrs. F. Bailey has received the sad news that her brother, Pte. Dawson Rix, who enlisted at Warialda, died of wounds on 29th August last. Dr. H. A. E. Noble has been appointed Medical Officer of the Warialda Hospital. He has taken up his residence in the premises recently occupied by Dr. Roseby.

Warialda Standard and Northern Districts' Advertiser (NSW : 1900 - 1954), Monday 16 September 1918, page 2

Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, Daours, Picardie, France

18th November 1918. 

Informant: Lieutenant Colonel: 53rd Casualty Clearing Station. "This man Private: 6821 Dawson RIX was admitted to the Casualty Clearing Station suffering from "Shell wound shoulder "Right" and died 4:00am 29.8.18. He was buried in the Military Cemetery at Daours near Amiens.

London, England

21st April 1919.

Informant: Private: 1237 Leslie Gerald SPENCER. D Company 35th Battalion AIF. " I saw Private:6821 Dawson RIX, D Company Runner, hit through the back by shrapnel from H.E. Shell at Curlu 28th August in the early morning during the hop over and soon after we moved off. It penetrated from shoulder to shoulder. I took him back to Dressing Station behind Curlu but I don't know where he died or was buried."

Le Havre, France.

Family Information

Dawson as a single 19 year old Labourer from Kelly's Gully, Warialda, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. His brother Sydney was listed as his next of kin who worked at the Warialda Railway  Station. 

Robert Rix immigrated to Australia 17th January 1853 aged 11 with his parents and brothers and sisters and married Mary Ann Bolstridge on the 18th September 1871 in Queensland,  Australia. They had 17 children together from 1872 until 1898.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 18/05/2024-22/05/2024.

Lance Corporal: 771 Bertram FRANCIS.

by

35th BATTALION AIF

Lance Corporal: 771 Bertram FRANCIS.

Born: 1892. Durham, England.

Died: 1st September 1918. Killed in Action, France

Father: Frederick Francis.

Mother: Jane Francis. nee: 

INFORMATION

Bertram Francis enlisted with the AIF on the 3rd December 1915  and was marched in to the Broadmeadow Camp allocated to C Company 35th Battalion AIF at Newcastle. 

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. The Battalion disembarked at Plymouth England on the 9th July 1916 and  spent the next four months in training at the Durrington Army Camp with the 9th Training Battalion.

Bertram proceeded overseas for France on the 21st November 1916 but their first major action was the battle of Messines, launched on the 7th June

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. 

C Company 35th Battalion AIF 1917.

30th March 1918

2:00 am, Arrived at CACHY and billeted in Aerodrome. 9:00 am, assembled for counter-attack and remained in formation till 5:00 pm then returned to billets. 10:00 pm, received instruction to move into the line.

(35th Battalion Diary)

4th April 1918.

North of the railway cutting Sayers Company of the 35th Battalion advanced with equal success. The Germans immediately ahead of it numbered not more than 100. As the company approached some of them ran. Lieutenant: Thomas Edward THOMPSON was wounded by a German at fifteen yards range.

(BEAN; History of World War 1 Vol V page 345) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

4th-5th April 1918

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

The Strength of the 9th Infantry Brigade was about 2,250 but their casualties during the 2 days of fighting numbered 30 Officers and 635 men either killed in action or missing.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.4th-5th April 1918

33rd Battalion. AIF 3 Officers 82 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 5 Officers 120 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 9 Officers 282 Other ranks (including 44 missing)
36th Battalion. AIF 12 Officers 133 Other ranks (including 1 missing)
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 1 Officer 18 Other ranks (including 4 missing)

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)

Bertram was killed in Action on the 1st September 1918 by a Shell Blast and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

October 1918.

Informant: Captain: 1167 Richard  Valentine  LATHLEAN. "This N.C.O. Lance Corporal: 771 Bertram FRANCIS was killed outright by a 4.2 Ground Shrapnel Shell and a piece of shrapnel entered his head and killing him instantly. He was buried by Padre, Chaplain: John OSBORN and a cross was erected over his grave". 

O.C. C Company 35th Battalion AIF.

Grave of Lance Corporal: 771 Bertram FRANCIS (1892-1918)

Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, Peronne, Picardie, France

Commonwealth War Graves Project

War Graves Photographic Project

19th November 1918.

Miss Ethel  Gilbertson of Kline Street, Weston, N.S.W enquired regarding personal effects and the Will of Bertram Francis. Francis and Ethel may have been in a relationship prior to his departure. 

Family Information

Bertram was a single 23 year old Miner from Kline Street, Weston, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. His father was recorded as his next of kin who lived at Ivy House, Onslow Terrace, Langley Moor, Durham, England.

Great Niece of Bertram Francis, Jayne Seward.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 04/05/2024-05/05/2024.

Private: 25 John BURNLEY

by

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 25 John "Jack" BURNLEY. (Bugler)

Born: 16th November 1888. New Lambton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:33209/1888.

Died: 12th October 1917. Killed in Action. Battle of Passchendaele.

Father: Arthur Burnley. (1853-1906) Died at New Lambton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. 

Mother: Sarah Ann Burnley. nee: Patterson. (1854-1924)

INFORMATION

Let us remember a Fallen soldier of The Great War memorialised at Sandgate Cemetery.
On the 12th October 1917, Private John Burnley, referred to as Jack, 34th Battalion (bugler, Reg No-25), sewer man (Public Works Department), from Regent Street, New Lambton, New South Wales, was Killed in Action by an enemy artillery shell, 1st Battle of Passchendaele, age 29.
http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1677640/- Roll of Honour.
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1484849/- Red Cross Wounded and Missing.
Born at New Lambton, New South Wales on the 16th November 1888 to Arthur (died 10.7.1906, New Lambton, N.S.W., age 53 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136222153, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136223479, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136221108, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136217913, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178430872/arthur-burnley), and Sarah Ann Burnley (died 25.6.1924, New Lambton, N.S.W., age 70 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137632396, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137641592, https://www.findagrave.com/.../178430886/sarah_ann_burnley), Jack enlisted on the 8th January 1916 at Lambton, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137097529 - report that a presentation will be given to Jack.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137095846 - report of a presentation to Jack and 2 other Lambton boys and fellow workman at the Coronation Hall, Lambton.
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Wednesday 12 April 1916, page 5

LAMIBTON. The members of what is generally known as Brown's gang, in connection with the sewerage works at Lambton, entertained three of their fellow workmen who had enlisted, in the Coronation Hall, on Monday evening. Mr. George Errington, of New Lambton: presided, and was supported later in the evening by the Mayor of New Lambton, Alderman Goad, and Recruiting-Sergeant Luffnam. The chairman said that they were present to do honour and make presentations to three of their -number who had volunteered to fight for the Empire. They were Privates W. Hawson, J. Burnley, and M. Lynn. These men had worked in the trenches in New Lambton and Lambton and he felt sure they would be very useful when they got to the front. When the idea of a presentation was suggested by Mr. Brown, the gang had responded readily and generously. He had been informed that when approached not one member of their gang had demurred at paying his quota towards the object. Mr. W. Brown, in making the presentation of a gold medal a money belt, and a pocket wallet to each of the privates, expressed the hope that they would return safely, and be again entertained by. their old comrades. Patriotic addresses were given by the Mayor of New Lambton and Sergeant Luffnam, and responded to by Private Lynn. Songs were rendered by Messrs. E. Clarke, J. Burnley, G. Armstrong, and others. Mr. E. Clarke accompanied the performers. Refreshments were provided before the gathering dispersed. A meeting of the Lambton Citizens' Soldiers' Send-off and Reception Committee was held in the council chambers on Monday, evening, the Mayor, Alderman l. Charlton, presiding. Miss Dorothy Charlton presented the balance-sheet in connection with the recent euchre party, which showed a profit of £6 17s Sd. Arrangements in regard to an orchestral recital were discussed. A vote of sympathy was accorded the Longworth family in their. recent bereavement. Two members of the family, Misses May and Millie Longworth, have always been ready to offer their services in the. cause of charity: Sergeant Nicholls and Privates C. Cameron, V. Allsop,' and E.' Richmond were the. recipients of pocket wallets from the citizens' committee on the evening of their departure for the front. 'The Empired Vaudeville Company", with Musical Mascots as a special  feature, will appear at the Coronation Hall on Friday night.

Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A20 Hororata on the 2nd May 1916.
Admitted to hospital 9.1.1917 (bursitis), 21.1.1917 (inflamed patella, severe).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123515383 - report that Jack is in hospital with an injured kneecap.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133756449 - report that Jack was ill in hospital.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133754958 - the 272nd Australian Casualty list, N.S.W., ILL, Bugler J. Burnley (New Lambton), seriously.
Reported Missing in Action 12.10.1917.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138747075 - report that Jack is missing.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138742988 - the 358th Australian Casualty list, N.S.W., MISSING, J. Burnley (New Lambton), 12/10/1917, previously reported seriously ill.
Reported Killed in Action 21.2.1918.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138160862 - Jack now reported KIA.
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Wednesday 6 March 1918, page 5

DISTRICT CASUALTIES KILLED IN ACTION. .. BUGLER BURNLEY.-Mrs. A. Burnley, of Regent-street, New Lambton, has been notified from headquarters that her son, Bugler, J. Burnley, previously reported missing on October 12th, 1917, was killed in action on that date.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140977544 - report of a letter sent from the front, dated France, 1st February 1918, to mother Sarah Ann Burnley about her very gallant son.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137493914 - Roll of Honour, 1918.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140074773 - Roll of Honour, 1919.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140087873 - Roll of Honour, 1920.
Jack’s name has been inscribed on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 23), Belgium.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11983534/john_burnley.
Place of Association - New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.
Mr. Burnley’s name has also been inscribed on the Lambton and New Lambton Roll of Honor, New Lambton War Memorial Gates - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123515864, New Lambton Public School Roll of Honour, Newcastle Surf Club & Life-Saving Brigade Honor Roll - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140986841 and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.
I have placed poppies at the memorialised Burnley gravesite in remembrance of the service and supreme sacrifice of their son Jack for God, King & Country. GENERAL-02. 20.
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: March 2024.
17th October 1917.
Informant: Private: 2081  John Gustaf HARVEY (Bugler) I didn't see  Private: 25 John "Jack" BURNLEY killed, but I saw him after. He lived at Lambton. We trained together in England at Fovant, near  Salisbury, and we were both buglers and came over to France together about the 2nd September 1917. He was tall, fair, clean shaven, and had a very bad knee. We were at Passchendaele on the 12th October 1917 when we went over the top and BURNLEY got hit by a shell and was killed instantly. I didn't see him hit but I passed him after he was killed and saw him lying dead. I know no more.
Hospital Ship.
28th June 1919.
Informant: Lance Sergeant: 127 Edward MESSENGER. Private: 25 John "Jack" BURNLEY and I were both original members of A Company; I knew him well. He was rather dark complexion and about 5'8" in height. At Ypres I saw him killed, we were on our way to the line to take up our positions for the Passchendaele stunt. I was about 50 yards away when I saw him hit and killed outright be a shell. I saw him lying on the ground where he fell, we passed on and I never saw him again.
Anzac Buffet. Sydney.
Family Information
John "Jack" was a single sewer man from New Lambton, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. He worked for the Department of Public Works.
Arthur Burnley. (1853-1906) - Charles Abraham Burnley (1881-1901) - Sarah Ann Burnley. nee: Patterson. (1854-1924)
Sandgate Cemetery, New South Wales.

John "Jack" Burnley (1888-1917) Memorialised Sandgate Cemetery

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 24/03/2024-20/04/2024.

Private: 3409 Carrington John WESTAWAY

by

35th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 3409 Carrington John WESTAWAY

Born: 10th July 1886. Raymond Terrace via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. 

Married: 20th June 1906. Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. 

Wife: Amy Beatrice Fanny Westaway. nee:  Kefford. (1886-1966)

Died: 22nd August 1918. Killed in Action. The Somme, France.

Father: John Westaway. (1838-1904)

Mother: Elizabeth Westaway. nee: Cheers. (1848-1936)

INFORMATION

Carrington John "Carrie" Westaway enlisted  with the AIF at Newcastle, New South Wales on the 14th March 1917 and was marched in the the Broadmeadow Army Camp before being transferred to the Liverpool Army Camp and embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A28 "Miltiades" on the 2nd August 1917 and disembarked at Glasgow, Scotland on the 2nd of October 1917. The Reinforcements were en trained to England were they were marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp. 

Carrie was admitted to the Parkhouse Military Hospital on the 10th of October suffering from Mumps where he remained for the next 3 weeks and was discharged on the 30th of October and returned to the 9th Training Battalion Hut No:13 at Larkhill. He was appointed Acting Lance Corporal 7th of February to complete their establishment before the Reinforcements were to proceed overseas for France via Southampton on the 31st of March and Carrie reverted back to Private before they marched out to the lines on the 1st April 1918.   

4th April 1918.

North of the railway cutting Sayers Company of the 35th Battalion advanced with equal success. The Germans immediately ahead of it numbered not more than 100. As the company approached some of them ran. Lieutenant: Thomas Edward THOMPSON was wounded by a German at fifteen yards range.

(BEAN; History of World War 1 Vol V page 345) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

4th-5th April 1918

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

The Strength of the 9th Infantry Brigade was about 2,250 but their casualties during the 2 days of fighting numbered 30 Officers and 635 men either killed in action or missing.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.4th-5th April 1918

33rd Battalion. AIF 3 Officers 82 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 5 Officers 120 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 9 Officers 282 Other ranks (including 44 missing)
36th Battalion. AIF 12 Officers 133 Other ranks (including 1 missing)
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 1 Officer 18 Other ranks (including 4 missing)

16th April 1918.

’On the 16th April, the rumours of a new German Offensive against Amiens seemed to be definitely confirmed. A German prisoner, taken by the French, volunteered the that Villers Bretonneux was to be attacked the next day. The 5th Australian Division, which had come line on the night of the 6th/7th April, and held the sector from Villers Bretonneux (inclusive) to the Somme canal was warned to be ready to retake the town, if captured by attack from the north ; and other preparations and counter-preparations were made. About 4 A.M. on the 17th, Villers Bretonneux, Bois d'Aquenne, to the west of it and the village of Cachy, to the south, were heavily drenched for three hours with phosgene, mustard and irritant gasses. But no assault followed. As soon as possible the local garrison, consisting of the 6/London(58 Devon) and the 33rd Australian Battalion, was got out of the shelters in the town into the trenches around it. The gas shelling was repeated in the evening from 4 to 7 P.M., next morning and on the following days, being increased so as to include Bois I'Abbe, but with greatly reduced results. Nevertheless it was impossible for anyone to move that area without feeling some ill-effects from the mustard gas, and there were, in all, 1,074 gas casualties.’

’The gassing of Villers Bretonneux seemed to point to the probability of its not being attacked, but by this time air photographs had revealed the signs of imminent operations; an increase in the number of enemy batteries had also been noticed, while the roads were being registered by German artillery. There were, however, also indications that the Albert sector might be the objective of an attack which might extend to Arras and Vimy Ridge. On the 21st there was much air fighting near the Somme, and the famous airman Richthofen was brought down. That night a man of the 4th Guard Division, captured by the 8th Dvn, disclosed the fact that his formation had just relieved the 9th Bavarian Reserve Division in front of Marcelcave , and would attack Villers Bretonneux at 3 A.M. on the 23rd. Counter-preparations were continued, and the German railway centers were bombed, particularly Chaulnes .2 'No infantry assault materialized on the 23rd, two deserters came in from the 77th Reserve Division, just arrived from Russia, which had entered the line on 20th, south of the 4th Guard Division, opposite Cachy, and the French captured a gunner of the Guard Ersatz Division opposite Hangard. All these men said that the relief of the line divisions by " storm " divisions had been completed the infantry were ready to advance; the bombardment would begin early on the 24th and. last two and-a -quarter hours: and the attack would be assisted by new German tanks, which were already in position near the front line. It is from the fact that tanks were used to punch a hole in the British line on either side of Villers Bretonneux, and that, in consequence, the Germans gained possession of the town and ground on either side for a short time, that the fighting on the 24th derives its interest.’

24th April 1918.

3:30 am Heavy Bombardment heard on front. 10:30 am Instructions received to be ready to move immediately. 12:00 noon Instructions are now to move on 1 hours notice. Enemy attacked at Villers-Bretonneux at 6:30 am and at 1:00 pm. Was in position of the town and the ground to the South as far as HANGARD. By midnight the 13th and 15th Brigades and re taken the lost ground and captured 1200 Prisoners, 100 Machine Guns and 2 Field Guns.

25th of April 1918.

"Dull in the morning, but fine in the Afternoon. Owing to most of the fit men being on guard or other duties, no parade was held. A number of men are still sick with gas. Enemy seems to be very quiet on this front. Further South at Villers-Bretonneux the 15th Brigade, A.I.F who counter-attacked last night repulsed a strong enemy counter-attack. The counter-attack was very successful, the captures being roughly 1000 prisoners, 100 machine-guns, a field gun and 2 tanks. This is the first time we have heard of the enemy using tanks."

(35th Battalion War Diary)

Carried was transferred to the 33rd Battalion AIF on the 27th April 1918 

8th May 1918.

A, C and D Companies attached 34th Bn, B Company attached 35th Bn. At 6 a.m. C Company was ordered to stand in J.23a in reserve. D Company received orders at 4 a.m. to report to 34th Bn and was placed in position in the old front line from J.18.c.10.25 to J.23.d.50.00. A Company of the 34th Bn, relieved D Company at 9 a.m. and the Company moved to a position J.18.c.10.25.c.25.45.

The remaining 2 platoons of A Company No: 1 an 4 dug a Communication Trench 4'6" by 2' from J.23.b.25.10 to J.23.d.50.95 during the night. D Company supplied a carrying party for R.E. stores to the 34th Bn Front Line. 33rd  "B" Teams under Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK with a strength of 5 Officers and 105 other ranks relieved C Company of 34th Bn at 1.30 a.m. on the 9th.  The remainder of the nucleus garrison reported back to the company's during the evening. 

Lieutenant: 129 Walter Gillian MASON and a runner whole returning from guiding the composite Company into position encountering 8 Bosche, with a 10th Brigade Machine Gunner, about 1000 yards behind our Front Line. The Bosche and Lieutenant: 129 Walter Gillian MASON without wounding him and he ran to a post near by and with their assistance captured the Bosche after having wounded 3 of them They had been relieved in their own Lines and then lost their way so staying into our Lines.

(33rd Battalion War Diary)

8th August 1918.

The approach was made in two stages. The 33rd Battalion moved from VIEW SECTOR on the night of August 6th/7th to AUBIGNY and rested there for 24 hours. On the night of August 7th/8th the Battalion passed the starting point at C.3.C.70.20 at 10.20 pm. "A" track was used. The marking of the route was not sufficient, consequently it was picqueted by 30 men, including the band, under an officer. The march was made without incident or interruptions and we suffered no casualties. the head of the column reached the jumping-off line at 1.10 am. The march discipline throughout was excellent.

"A" track was laid to our left flank, consequently a tape line was laid to the centre of the Battalion front. "A" and "B" Company's wheeled in single file to the right, and "C" and "D" Company's to the left. As shown in the attached map, the jumping line was in rear of our outpost line in places. There was plenty of room in the front line (BARRABOOL TRENCH) for the whole Battalion to be under cover. The original plan was to remain in this trench until zero minus 5 minutes. But the situation was so quiet that the Companies were able to take up their dispositions in their ordered formation, and so rest in the open.

This assembly was completed at 2.10 am. We had no casualties before zero hour. Lieutenant: 129 Walter Gilligan MASON. (A Company Scout Officer) had charge of laying the tapes and did this work very well. Six direction tapes each 100 yards long were laid, one on each flank of the Battalion and one in the centre of each platoon front. These proved of the greatest value owing to the fog. The 33rd Battalion Scouts relieved those of the 38th Battalion who were holding the sector at 10.00 pm. At 10.30 they encountered an enemy post at P.21.B.30.20; the enemy threw bombs and wounded five of our men. Ten minutes later the 38th Battalion had an Officers patrol in NO MAN'S LAND but no further trace of the enemy could be found.

The Assault at about 4.00 am, as a dense fog arose, so dense was it that it was impossible to see more than 10 feet ahead. The whole artillery opened fire with great precision, and the barrage was very accurate. The fog made it extremely difficult to keep direction and to maintain formation, consequently the advance resolved itself into small parties moving on their own initiative. Only the first of the special ACCROCHE WOOD Signals could be seen, the smoke accentuated the fog. Even the barrage could not be seen.

ACCROCHE WOOD was strongly garrisoned and contained an abnormally large number of machine guns, but the garrison offered no resistance and readily surrendered. The attack was quite unexpected, and the fog was certainly to our advantage. The enemy remained in his dugouts during the bombardment. He gave us very little occasion to use bombs as he readily came forward with his hands extended above his head, one would almost think this was one of his favourite P.T. exercises.

Most of the guns in LONE VALLEY got away they were aided by the fog and all that we could do was to open fire on them. We captured only three guns in this valley, three 4.2's south of RAT WOOD. HAZEL WOOD was captured without difficulty. The GREEN LINE was reached according to schedule and consolidation immediately commenced. On the left protective barrage at 8.20 am when the 4th Division passed through us to the second phase of the attack, this line was re-sited and ran from Q.25.B.40.80; to Q.20.A.40.10; We were in touch with the 35th Battalion on our left and the 18th Battalion who did not occupy their allotted front. The sector was organised into four Company Sub Sectors each with two Platoons in the front line and two in support. Battalion Headquarters were established at P.23.D.50.50; The re-organisation and refitting of the Battalion was carried out without delay.

The barrage was excellent, not a single short being reported. All ranks are most enthusiastic in their appreciation of the exceedingly fine work of our artillery. The movement forward of our batteries to assist in the second phase was splendidly carried out. Special mention too must be made to the good work of the 10th and 9th A.L.T.M. Batteries and the 5th and 6th A.M.T.M. Batteries. One expected to see many more enemy dead in the area, not more than 50 were seen. The enemy's resorting to deep dugouts and his good form in athletics accounted for this.

The enemy's artillery was surprisingly feeble. At no time was his fire effective. When he eventually did learn something of the situation he lost no time in beating a hasty retreat. In the early stages the tanks were no assistance, being behind our troops most of the time. When the visibility allowed the tanks to go forward they did excellent work. Only one tank reached the green line with our troops. When they did get in front they were handled to great advantage. Their effect on the enemy's moral greatly delighted our men. The supply tank formed our dump 300 yards in rear of our line. The value of getting such large supplies forward so early and saving of infantry carrying parties cannot be overestimated.

The work of our machine guns could only be heard. Their fire appeared to be well concentrated and undoubtedly must have been accurate. Only one means of communication was possible, namely runners, and they had very great difficulty in finding their way; On the fog lifting viability and telephonic communication was established. The liaison patrols with the 5th Brigade on our right did not function.

Seven officers, 500 other ranks were captured. This is a conservative estimate and much below the totals submitted by the Companies. 457 can be definitely accounted for these having passed through Battalion Headquarters. 4 x 4.2 Howitzers and 6 x 77 MM Guns. These were captured by Lieutenant: 3072 Frank Albert HUTCHINGS M.C. and party and were marked and tagged. This party worked in the Second Division's area and captured these guns just north of LA MOTTE-en-SANTARRE. On returning in the afternoon to ascertain the number they found, that the guns had been taken away. The remaining there were captured at LENA WOOD. 30 machine guns. Of these 16 have been sent to the HAMELET dump. We have not the numbers of the remaining 14, but the total of 30 is a low estimate. a number of our guns were removed by other units which did not take part in the attack. 1 x Anti-Tank gun. 10 light Minenwerfers, 2 medium minenwerfer, 1 horse, 2 typewriters, large quantity of shells, rifles, equipment, documents and war material.

Casualties 10 Killed in Action, 50 wounded.

(33rd Battalion Unit Diary)

21-22 August 1918.

"Zero Hour, August 21st, at thick fog lay across the front. The allied 3rd Army's Guns were clearly audible to the north. As reports filtered to the waiting Diggers, they learned that the Germans had been surprised, all objectives had been achieved and 2,000 prisoners had been taken. Because of the comparative ease of the victory of that first phase, it was decided to extend the second phase of the objectives. Gellibrand issued orders to continue the assault if the British 47th, on the Australian left flank, were successful and Bray was cleared. Unfortunately these orders, being last-minute, did not arrive at all units.

For the Australians their first active involvement in the action was planned for dawn on the 22nd August, at 4:45 am. Zt 2:20 am the Germans, possibly anticipating an attack, opened up with a barrage of artillery which went for an hour. The 33rd was being held in old trenches near Tallis Wood. It was a bright moonlit night, and officers and scouts laying tapes to mark the jumping off point could plainly see the advancing Battalions 800 yards away. A second enemy barrage fell at 4:00 am. This time the 33rd were caught on the Meaulte-Etinechem Road where they had assembled. The men flattened themselves as shells landed around them on the road., continually showering them with dirt. For some reason a forward German post asked their Gunners to lift their range, to the great relief of the 33rd, but it wasn't such a good move for the 3rd Division Machine Gunners who were formed up in the rear ready to cover the flanks, nor for the reserve 11th Brigade. Both reported casualties from the shelling. The 33rd had been lucky to receive only twenty casualties, the 35th a mere six.

The road, well behind the forward posts, had been chosen as the starting point for the simplicity's sake. These posts were withdrawn just before the opening barrage, which began on schedule. From there the 'creep' was slow, the barrage advancing only a hundred yards in four minutes. A number of phosphorous shells were dropped along the way to form a smoke screen, and this, combined with the dust and early morning mist, cut visibility to only ten yards. The enemy counter barrage was fired within two minutes of the opening, but before the area was taken the Germans had cleared out. The 33rd met with a few enemy Machine-Gun posts in the valley bottom, but these were quickly outflanked and subdued. A forward German Battalion Headquarters, of the 124th Imperial Reserves , was also captured, along with its commander, liaison officers, forty men and four Machine-Guns.

Shortly afterwards our own wounded commenced to arrive at the Dressing Station and the Regimental Medical Officer Captain: William Johnstone BINNS. and staff commenced to get busy. He was assisted by Battalion Padre Chaplain: 12991 Walter Emra Kingscote BIRKITT who was an old field ambulance man. Lieutenant: 2559 Robert Horner FLETCHER- wounded by an aerial bomb - was the first officer to appear and he was able to give us some idea as how things were going. About this time word was received that Captain: Thomas William TOLLIS of C company and Lieutenant. Alfred Gordon FARLEIGH of B Company had been killed by shots from our own barrage".

(Never a Backward Step; Edwards 1996)

Carrie was Killed in Action on the 22nd of August 1918 and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Bray Military Cemetery.

Bray Military Cemetery

5th November 1918.

Informant: Lance Corporal: 736 Hector William CLARKE. (C Company 12th Platoon 33rd Battalion AIF) "Private: 880 Robert SUTHERLAND also of (C Company 12th Platoon 33rd Battalion AIF). On the 22nd of August about 9 o'c in morning on Bray Corbie Road. We were digging in after our advance. SUTHERLAND was killed outright by Machine Gun fire, hit in the head and chest. I was along side of him at the time, I was in burial party. He had been a mate of mine for 15 years nick name Bob, came from Ashford, N.S.W. Private: 3409 Carrington John WESTAWAY of (C Company 12th Platoon 33rd Battalion AIF) was killed alongside him and was buried in a separate grave at the same spot. Personal effects were handed in the Battalion Headquarters".

1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital. Harefield.

Family Information

"The National Advocate" Bathurst. 21st June 1906.

Wedding, Westaway - Kefford.

At the Baptist Church yesterday afternoon, Mr Carrington John Westaway, Public, of Keppel Street, Bathurst School Teacher at Hollybrook, Clear Creek and  only son of Mr John Westaway of Newcastle was married to Miss Amy Beatrice, Eldest daughter of Mr Jonas Kefford of Kepple Street, Bathurst. The ceremony was performed by Reverend W Coller. 

The bride who was given away by her brother Arthur looked well in a dress of chiffon. She wore the customary wreath and veil. She carried a shower bouquet and this together with a gold cross were gifts of the bridegroom. Miss Leonie Westaway, sister of the bridegroom and Miss Rebecca Grimasone were the bridesmaids.

Miss Westaway was dressed in a cream taffeta voile with silk spots and she also wore a white chiffon hat trimmed with pink roses. Miss Grimasone was attired in white muslin trimmed with tiny frills and valenciennes lace, she wore a white chiffon hat trimmed with pink roses. Each bridesmaid received a gold cross from the bridegroom. 

Mr Charles Coleman was best man.

The Wedding breakfast was served at the residence of the bride's parents and the happy couple received many congratulations and a number of useful and valuable presents were received by the bride.  

 Carrie was a married 30 year old Town Clerk from Bathurst New South Wales upon his enlistment in the AIF. He failed to mention if he had ever been convicted by a civil power. Carrie was appointed as the Warren Council Town Clerk in November 1915 but was later convicted and charged with embezzling the sum of  149 pounds 2 shillings 3 pence from the Municipality of Warren. After he was discharged from custody he enlisted with the AIF. 

Warren Council Appointment. 5th November 1915. C.J. Westaway. Town Clerk. 

Carrington was sent to Goulburn Gaol on the 17th August 1916 after being convicted at Dubbo Court on the 27th June with Embezzlement and was sentenced to 12 months Hard Labour.  

Carrington John "Carrie" Westaway. Goulburn Gaol Photo 17th August 1916.

Amy Beatrice Fanny Westaway. nee: Kefford. (1886-1966)

Military Records

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