Casualties of the 9th Infantry Brigade

Private: 3292 Archibald DICKSON.

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36th BATTALION AIF

Private: 3292 Archibald DICKSON.

Born: 1896. Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:5565/1896.

Died: 4 April 1918. Killed in Action Villers Bretonneux, France.

Father: Robert Joseph Hastings Dickson. (1856-1943)

Mother: Olive Isabel Dickson. nee: Palmer. (1861-1940) died at Hurstville Private Hospital. 

INFORMATION

This photograph was held by Jean Kearns (nee Elliott) who was a state ward and adopted boarder of the Dickson family at the age of five. On learning of her beloved brother Archibald's enlistment Jean stole the soap from his kit bag and hid it under the verandah steps of the Dickson home, believing that he would not be able to go to war without it. In spite of his missing soap, Pte Dickson embarked with the 8th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Miltiades (A28) on 2 August 1917. Pte Dickson was killed in action on 4 April 1918 in the attack at Villers Bretonneux, France. He was 22 years old.

Australian War Memorial

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)

4th April 1918.

A heavy burst of shelling occurred at CACHY and on some 6" Howitzer Batteries situated under cover of the S.E. corner of the BOIS D'AQUENSE, at about 3.30 am. At 5.30 am the fire thickened to heavy and general shelling, counter battle work and harassing fire suggestive of preparations for an attack. Just before 6.00 am shells fell in the wood near our bivouacs. The troops were hastily got out into the open. The shelling continued to be very heavy for about two hours, in the course of which two men were killed, and Lieutenant:  927 John LANG and 8 other ranks were wounded.

At 9:00 am orders were received to "Stand To" as it was expected the enemy would attack. At 11.45 am orders were received to proceed to position of readiness at U.5. central (South of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX) for defence of the village. Moved at 11.55 am and arrived at position of readiness without casualty despite general shelling of the area crossed. Lieutenant: Sydney Horace NEWELL (Scout Officer) reported direct to C.O. 35th Battalion, who was defending the line in part of the attack area. As the position of readiness the Battalion took up a position on the reverse slope of the hill on the east side of the VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - HANGARD ROAD, with "A" and "B" Companies just below the crest, "C" Company in close support, and "D" Company in reserve.

At 1.45 pm the C.O. and Adjutant reported to the C.O. 35th Battalion, at VILLERS-BRETONNEUX the village was being heavily bombarded. At 2.30 pm the Adjutant returned with the preliminary instructions to the 2nd in Command and the C.O. awaiting developments. At 4.45 pm the C.O returned with information that the Bosch had broken through the English line and was advancing on the village. While he was speaking heavy bursts of Machine Gun fire sprayed over the hill. English troops had been retiring for half an hour through our line but efforts to stop them were in vain.

The C.O ordered "A" Company and "B" Companies to immediately counter-attack. They did so with great spirit and in fine style sweeping along the southern end of the RAILWAY LINE. A party of English troops were seen to be reforming on our right. The Adjutant was sent with an invitation to their C.O to join in a Counter-Attack. Brigadier General: WOOD of the 55th Brigade was found to be Commanding in person and he immediately agreed, and went forward on the right flank of our "C" Company. In the advance great progress was made by "A" Company on the left under Captain: John Edward Wallace BUSHELLE who imbued them with wonderful Spirit and Confidence by his gallant leadership.

Owing however to organized opposition from special M.G. strong points in an orchard and two hay stacks "B" and "C" Companies were not able to keep up to the line of "A" Company's advance and wide gaps were left between all the Company frontages by reason of the extended front on which it was necessary to deliver our Counter Attack. The Reserve Company was however sent up to reinforce the center, link up the Companies, and, as far as possible, straighten out the line. Two small Companies of the 6th London Regiment who appeared at the time were also sent into the gap between "A" and "B" Companies and our gain was consolidated. Tools and ammunition were hastened forward by a small party from Headquarters - signallers, batman, police and gas personnel, - and this party brought back wounded on the return trip, doing excellent work.

36th Battalion War Diary

Archibald was killed in Action at Villers-Bretonneux, France and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Villers-Bretonneux War Memorial.

Villers-Bretonneux War Memorial.

13th December 1918.

Informant: Sergeant: 3275 Lawrence Walter BARBER. B Company 36th Battalion AIF "describer Private: 3292 Archibald DICKSON as a bout 5ft 7 or 8 high, slight build, medium complexion, aged about 19/20. Left Australia with informant per "Miltiades" on 2/8/17. Informant states that they both belonged to "B" Company. On 4/4/18 the Battalion was checking the advance of the Germans just outside Villers-Bretonneux. They had hopped over about 4.30 of 5 in the afternoon and about an hour afterwards during the advance Dickson was hit by a Machine Gun Bullet. Informant had to keep going on and had no time to investigate. He heard nothing further about Dickson. Informant also said that all the wounded this day were taken off the field without much delay. Informant added that Dickson was a very decent little chap". 

No: 4 Australian General Hospital.

Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.  

Family information

Archibald was a single 21 year old Horse Driver from Narrabri, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF.

Robert Joseph Hastings Dickson. (1856-1943)

Dickson Family Grave. Sutherland New South Wales.

Roy Dickson (1891-1972)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 25/01/2024-05/03/2024.

Sergeant: 724 George James CARTER.

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Sergeant: 724 George James CARTER. "Paddy"

Born:  1876. Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:16123/1876.

Married: 1905. Moree, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:9948/1905.

Wife: Emily Carter. nee: Martin. (1884-1924) Died at Redfern, New South Wales, Death Cert:16414/1924 .

Died: 12th December 1916. Died of Wounds, France. 

Father: John Richard Carter. (1837-1924) Died at Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:915/1925.

Mother: Harriet Vinel Carter. nee: Whiteman. (1840-1884) Died at Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:11733/1884. 

INFORMATION

George James Carter enlisted with the AIF at Moree, New South Wales on the  28th December 1915 and went into Camp at Armidale with the rank of Corporal. George embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A74 "Marathon" on the 4th May 1916 and disembarked on the 9th July at Devonport, England. George went into training with the 9th Training Battalion where he was promoted to Sergeant on the 1st September 1916.

13th October 1916.

Private: 1564 Albert JONES. C Company, 33rd Battalion AIF. 

DISTRICT COURT MARTIAL held at Larkhill, England on the 13th October 1916. CHARGE Whist on active service striking his superior Officer Sergeant: 724 George James CARTER on the hand with a rifle causing serious injury to his hand. FINDING. Guilty. SENTENCE to be imprisoned with hard labour for one year. 

No: 2 Camp Lark Hill. 

The 33rd proceeded overseas for France via Southampton on the 21st November 1916. George Died of Wounds on the 12th December 1916 at Armentieres, France after he received a Gun Shot Wound to the Head from a German Sniper and is Commemorated in Perpetuity with  the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, France. 

7th March 1917.

Informant: Sergeant: 1245 William Henry SIMPSON. (D Company 14 Platoon 33rd Battalion AIF) "I was going up to the front line about December 12th at Armentieres, when I passed Sergeant 724 George James CARTER (C Company 33rd Battalion AIF) being carried away on a stretcher down a communication trench just after he had been wounded.  I recognised him and the stretcher bearers told me it was he. I knew him well, as we were in training together. I heard afterwards that he had died but I am sorry I cannot say where he was buried. Possibly Sergeant: 133 David Herbert  MOORE (C Company 33rd Battalion AIF) would be able to tell you as they were great friends and were always together. 

3rd Southern General Hospital

Cowley Section, Oxford, England.  

23rd March 1917.

Informant: Lance Corporal: 175 Edgar Clyde SADLER. Sergeant: 724 George James CARTER was my uncle, and I have seen his grave at Armentieres Cemetery with a cross, name and number on. He was killed on December 15th, shot by a sniper in the head at Armentieres in our front line. 

Lewis Gun School, Estaples.

Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery

Family Information

George was from Narrabri, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. George served with the 6th Imperial Bushman during the Boer War Service Number 128 (1899-1902) 

The New South Wales Imperial Bushmen was one of a number of regiments raised in the Australian colonies in response to a request from the British government asking for "hardy bushmen" - men who could ride, shoot, and navigate in the bush. The idea was to find men who could employ the same type of guerrilla tactics as the Boer and beat them at their own game. Volunteers came from Cootamundra, Gundagai, Wagga, Young, Hay, Cooma, Moree, Cobar, Tenterfield, and Bourke. The New South Wales Imperial Bushmen was a mounted unit, consisting of six mounted rifle squadrons. Later, during its time overseas, the regiment's name was changed to the 6th Imperial Bushmen.

The bushmen left Sydney, on board the transport Armenian, on 23 April 1900. The regiment originally numbered 40 officers with 722 other ranks, and 800 horses. They were the fourth contingent sent from New South Wales to the war. During 15 months in South Africa, the regiment served in Rhodesia and in west Transvaal.

Australian War Memorial

1904. A Warrant for the arrest of George Carter was issued from the Narrabri Court. 

 

Richard Carter is buried at the Rookwood Cemetery. Zone C Anglican Section 7 Grave 2354

Harriet Carter is buried at the Narrabri General Cemetery with their son John Joseph Carter.

Emily Carter is buried at the Rookwood Cemetery, Zone C Anglican Section H Grave 5712

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 10/01/2024.

Private: 880 Robert SUTHERLAND

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 880 Robert "Bob" SUTHERLAND.

Born: 2nd November 1890. Ashford, New South Wales, Australia. 

Married: 11th January 1916. Inverell, New South Wales, Australia. 

Wife: Angela Phyllis Sutherland. nee: Duffrey. (1876-1937)

Died: 22nd August 1918. Brae, Somme, France. 

Father: Daniel Sutherland. (1853-1946) Died at Ashford via Inverell, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:

Mother: Mary Sutherland. nee: Grieve. (1857-1934) Died at Ashford via Inverell, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:

INFORMATION

Robert SUTHERLAND enlisted with the AIF on the 12th January 1916 with his brother Private: 879 George SUTHERLAND who both were allocated to C Company 12th Platoon 33rd Battalion AIF. HMAT A74 "Marathon" 

 

Inverell Timers 1916.

The Fighting Sutherlands of Inverell, N.S.W.

10th October 1918.

Informant: Corporal: 3069 Henry Dayrell HERDSON (C Coy, 12th Platoon, 33rd Battalion AIF) "I saw Private: 880 Robert "Bob" SUTHERLAND (C Coy, 12th Platoon, 33rd Battalion AIF) killed outright by a Machine Gun Bullet while we were holding the line at Bray. He was hit on the head, been told by his brother Private: 879 George SUTHERLAND who is with the Battalion that a cross has been erected.

Dartford, England.

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.

22nd November 1918.

Informant: Private: 719 Ernest BRYNE (C Company 33rd Battalion AIF) "Private: 880 Robert SUTHERLAND also of (C Company 12th Platoon 33rd Battalion AIF) was shot through the head by a sniper during a stunt at Bray and was killed instantly. We then buried him along with a chap named "Private: 3409 Carrington John WAESTAWAY also of (C Company 12th Platoon 33rd Battalion AIF) on the lest of the road about 100 yards to the left of Bray. We then rigged up a stick with all details on it and informed the Pioneers who would no doubt put up a proper cross. I have known SUTHERLAND for a long time, he came from the same town as I, Ashford, Inverell, N.S.W. He was very popular in the Unit. 

No: 4 Convalescent Depot, Hurdcott. 

Family Information

Robert was married the day before he departed from Inverell on the 12th January 1916.

 

25th December 1899

Back row, left to right (standing): Bill Sutherland, Mary (nee Grieve) Sutherland, Mary McKenzie, Jessie McKenzie, Eva McKenzie, John (Jack) Sutherland with violin.

Middle row, left to right (standing): Nell Sutherland, Janet Sutherland (Sharon's G Grandmother) Maggie McKenzie, Duncan McKenzie, Grace Sutherland.

Front row: George Off screen at the bottom of the photo is Robert Sutherland two smaller unknown children) and Dave Sutherland.

Mary Jane Grieves was born on board the "John Bunyan" off the Cape of Good Hope on the 20th September 1857 and arrived in Australia on the 27th October 1857. She married Daniel Sutherland at "Brickwall" Walcha, New South Wales on the 26th December 1877. Daniel and Mary moved the family to Ashford. They brought a Settlers Lease of 5,720 acres and named it 'Glencoe'. Glencoe was on the Severn River and not long after arriving he cleared some bush and was one of the first wheat growers in the region. Supplies were brought in every 3 months. Mail was available once a week and the nearest mail route was 3 miles away. At this stage Daniel and Mary had 11 children.

Daniel and Mary had five sons enlist and serve in WW1. The four that deployed were: Private: David SUTHERLAND. (29) Private: 880 Robert SUTHERLAND. 33rd Battalion AIF (24) (KIA), Sergeant: 789 George SUTHERLAND. MM. 33rd Battalion AIF (22) Private:1696 Alexander SUTHERLAND. 36th-33rd Battalion AIF. (19) and Private: 90124 Adam SUTHERLAND. Q.M. Stores, Liverpool who tried to enlist several times for overseas service. 

In 1920 Braeside was sold and Daniel and Mary moved to Ashford Glencoe, New South Wales, Australia. Both were active in town and regional affairs. Daniel was the delegate for the Farmers and Settlers, The Graziers Association and Bush Nursing.

Ancestry.

CRAIGBURN PROVINCIAL SCHOOL 18th June 1901.

The Craigburn Provincial School was started by Daniel Sutherland for his children to have an education. 

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 21/01/2024- 30/01/2024..

Sergeant: 589 Eugene Schuyler EARLE

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Sergeant: 589 Eugene Schuyler EARLE

Born: 8th April 1895. Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. 

Died: 2nd December 1916. Killed in Action Armentieres, France.

Father: Albert Berry Earle. (1842-1904) aka "Alpheus Braisted Quackenbush" Died at Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. 

Mother: Flora Margaret Earle. nee: McDonald. (1869-1935) 

INFORMATION

Service number 589. Eugene Schuyler EARLE was born in Armidale, NSW on 8th April 1895, to Albert Berry and Flora Margaret Earle. Eugene enlisted on 16th January 1916 at Armidale, at the age of 21 years old. He was living in Armidale and working as a Bank Clerk. His father is deceased by this time and he gives his mother as his next-of-kin. He previously served 2 years 9 months with the 13th Battalion (Militia). He was rejected on a previous enlistment attempt due to an injured toe, now healed. Eugene was enlisted at Rutherford, NSW on the 18th April 1916 with the rank of Private and was allocated to “B” Company of the 33rd Battalion, 9th Brigade, and 3rd Division. He left from Sydney onboard the troop-ship HMAT (A74) ‘Marathon’ on the 4th May 1916. On that day Eugene was “officially” promoted to the rank of Sergeant. The journey was long and convoluted involving stops at Albany, Fremantle (where they returned for restocking coal after being ordered to proceed to England via Durban, not straight to Egypt), then to Durban, Cape Town, and Dakar, before finally arriving in Plymouth, England on 9th July. Disobedience, deserting and disembarking due to illness was common on this long voyage.

Once in England Eugene would have taken a train to Amesbury and marched 3 miles miles to Lark Hill, Durrington Camp, Wiltshire on 10th July. Eugene reported sick on the 6th September 1916 was admitted with influenza and discharged after 3 days. There, Eugene would have been trained in aspects of trench warfare and would have spent many days and nights within the tunnels and trench systems of the mock battle field at Larkhill. He left his mark by inscribing his name and service number and unit on the wall of a tunnel. The graffiti reads: “Sgt EARLE 33 AIF 23/9/16”. The 33rd Battalion left from Southampton for France on 21st November. After arriving at Le Havre, they spent 48 hours on the train in ‘cattle-trucks’ bound for Bailleul. They arrived in Steenwerck, France on the 24th, and moved to the trenches at Chaprelle d’Armentieres on the 27th. On the 2nd December 1916 Sergeant Eugene Schuyler Earle was killed in action near Armentieres, receiving a gunshot wound to the head from an enemy sniper. He is buried at the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery at Armentieres, France.

On the 22nd July 1917 his mother writes asking for his personal effects as “It is almost eight (8) months since my son was killed in France”. On 20th August the AIF records the return of possessions from Wiltshire, including: 2 identity discs, belt, nail clippers, mirror, testament, 3 notebooks, wallet, photos, protractor, purse, book, 3 keys, scissors, knife, fountain pen, ink tablets, metal wristwatch. There survives a receipt of delivery for this signed by his mother and dated 26th August 1917. Another record lists possessions sent with the “Barunga”, including: 5 military books, a map, 8 notebooks, a diary, a novel, a belt, a lighter and playing cards. The “Barunga” is noted on Eugene’s service record as being lost at sea.

S.S. BARUNGA 

Friday 19 July 1918.

The Argus (Melbourne, Victoria)

LONDON, July 17. 1918.

S.S. BARUNGA SUNK. ON WAY TO AUSTRALIA. Passengers and Crew Saved.

The steamer Barunga has been sunk while on a voyage to Australia. Only one casualty has been reported. Former German Steamer the Navy Office announced yesterday that the Barunga was torpedoed in English waters on July 16. The passengers and crew, it was added, have been landed, so far as could be ascertained, without casualties. The Barunga was formerly the Sumatra, a well known unit of the German Australian Line. She was launched in June 1913, at Flensburg, Germany, and was one of a group of steamers which at that time were regarded as being unsurpassed in the world as cargo carriers, each of them having a capacity for 12,000 tons of general freight, and possessing engines capable of developing a speed of over 13 knots. When the war broke out the Sumatra was discharging at Sydney, and was seized by the Commonwealth authorities. She was renamed the Barunga, and since has been employed continuously as a transport and a cargo carrier.

Trove Article

Lieutenant-Colonel L. J. Morshead, writing afterwards to Mrs. Earle, stated that her son, Sergeant Earle, was "fearless, reliable, honest, hardworking and conscientious, he was loved by his men and respected by all. In his quiet gentlemanly way he had the confidence of both his men and officers, and I had him on my list for a commission.”

Family Information

Eugene was a single 21 year old Bank clerk from the Bank of New South Wales at Armidale, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. He served with the 13th Infantry Militia for 2 years and 9 months. Eugene was a Brother at the Pride of Armidale Lodge 135. His parents Albert Berry Earle and Flora Margaret Earle, lived at 'Earlton,' Armidale, New South Wales.

Albert Berry Earle. (1842-1904)

Flora Margaret Earle. nee: McDonald. (1869-1935)

Grave of Albert and Flora Earle. Armidale Cemetery

Dangersleigh War Memorial, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia

This privately built monument was designed and funded by Alfred Haroldston Perrott Snr to honour his son and other men from the district who were killed in the First World War. The monument was completed in May of 1921 on Alfred Perott's property "Chevy Chase" and in 1991 the Perrott family transferred trusteeship to the Dumaresq Shire council. The monument is full of symbolism which is explained in part on the monument itself and on the information on site. There are several graves of the Perrott family at the rear of the site which are in good condition.

Military Records

Under Construction: 04/01/2024-12/01/2024.

Corporal:1638 Arthur William DODD.

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35th BATTALION AIF

Corporal:1638 Arthur "Art" William DODD

Born: 12th September 1892. Newcastle, New south Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:25297/1892. "William Arthur"

Died: 12th October 1917. Killed in Action. Passchendaele, Belgium.

Father: James Edward Dodd. (1861-03/03/1935) Died at Cooks Hill via Newcastle, N.S.W. 

Mother: Mary Ann Dodd. nee: Harrison. (1865-27/08/1935) Died at Stockton via Newcastle, N.S.W. 

INFORMATION

Let us remember a Fallen soldier of The Great War memorialised at Sandgate Cemetery.
On the 12th October 1917, Corporal Arthur William Dodd, referred to as Art, 35th Battalion (Lewis Machine Gunner, Reg No-1638), grocer (storeman, J. Ireland & Co. Pty Ltd., Newcastle, N.S.W.), from 17 Bull Street, Cooks Hill, New South Wales, was Killed in Action by an enemy artillery shell, 1st Battle of Passchendaele, age 25.
Arthur William DODD (1892-1917)
http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1724905/ - Roll of Honour.
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1480784/ - Red Cross Wounded and Missing.
Born at Cooks Hill, New South Wales on the 12th September 1892 as William Arthur to James Edward J (died 3.3.1935, Cooks Hill, N.S.W., age 73 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136839807, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136844230, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136853111, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136847410, https://www.findagrave.com/.../178857803/james-edward-dodd) of 21 Dumaresq Street, Cooks Hill, N.S.W., and Mary Ann Dodd (died 27.8.1935, Stockton, N.S.W., age 70
Corporal: 1638 Arthur William DODD (1892-1917)
 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138143507, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138134240, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138132066, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138131824, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178857805/mary-ann-dodd) of 164 Fullerton Street, North Stockton, N.S.W., Art enlisted on the 15th February 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137104361 - report of a farewell for Art at the Cooks Hill Lifesaving and Surf Club. Also fare welled was Garnet Wilton Dart, also known as Gunner, 9th Australian Field Ambulance (stretcher bearer, Reg No-11945), railway clerk from 41 Queen Street, Cooks Hill, New South Wales, laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery on the 11th June 1962, age 69. PRESBYTERIAN-B8. 01.
Corporal: 1638 Arthur William DODD (1892-1917)
Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A24 Benalla on the 1st May 1916.
Wounded in action - 13.6.1917 (GSW left shoulder), 29.7.1917 (not stated).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134854709 - report that Art had been wounded, 1st occasion.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134854874 - the 324th Australian Casualty list, N.S.W., WOUNDED, A. W. Dodd (Cooks Hill).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134858576 - report that Art had been wounded, 2nd occasion.
Reported Missing in Action 12.10.1917.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138738917 - report that Art had been reported missing since the 12th October 1917.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138743323 - the 367th & 368th Australian Casualty list, N.S.W., MISSING, T.-Corporal, A. W. Dodd (Cooks Hill), 12/10/1917.
Report of burial by the Canadian Graves Registration Unit 17.11.1917.
Cuff Links - Identification Tag - Collar Rising Sun Badge belonging to Corporal A.W. DODD 35th Battalion AIF 
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138746602 - report that Art had been KIA.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138148948 - report that a Memorial Service for Art to be held on the Sunday of the 6th January 1918 at 7 p.m. at the Cooks Hill St. John's Anglican Church.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138157614 - report of the Memorial Service for Art and his association with the Cooks Hill Lifesaving and Surf Club.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138157214 - the 378th & 379th Australian Casualty list, N.S.W., KILLED IN ACTION, Lance Corporal, A. W. Dodd (Cooks Hill), 12/10/1917.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139649889 - Art's name mentioned in a swimming report.
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.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139924167 - Roll of Honour, 1921.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140010211 - Roll of Honour, 1922.
Mr. Dodd’s name has been inscribed on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 25), Belgium.
Place of Association - Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Victory Medal and rising Sun Hat Badge Corporal A.W. DODD 35th Battalion AIF
Art’s name has also been inscribed on the Book of Gold, J. Ireland Pty Ltd Roll of Honour, Cooks Hill St. John's Anglican Church Honor Roll, Cooks Hill Superior Public School Roll of Honour, Cooks Hill Lifesaving and Surf Club Memorial (Vice-Captain) - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140979438 and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.
I have placed poppies at the memorialised Dodd gravesite in remembrance of the service and supreme sacrifice of their son for God, King & Country. ANGLICAN 2-133. 50.
Younger brother Frederick John (referred to as Snitcher, awarded the Military Medal, born 2.9.1895, Cooks Hill, New South Wales, storeman from 17 Bull Street, Cooks Hill, New South Wales, enlisted 3.5.1915, 20th Battalion, Reg No-457, RTA 30.5.1919, died 20.3.1983, 7 Evans Street, Belmont, N.S.W., age 87, not officially commemorated - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/193476308/frederick-dodd) also served 1st A.I.F. Photo 13.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137213412 - report of a farewell for Fred at Cooks Hill.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134858050 - report that Fred in hospital suffering from trench fever.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139439901 - report that Fred is returning home soon.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140075180 - report of a public welcome home and presentation of a medal to Fred at the Oddfellows' Hall, Auckland Street, Newcastle.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140075331 - report of a welcome home for Fred at the Cooks Hill Lifesaving and Surf Club.
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: December 2023.
Arthur was promoted to the Rank of Corporal on the 7th October 1917 when Corporal: 1871 William O'Connor STANLEY was promoted to Sergeant. 
18th April 1918.
Informant: Captain: Hugh John CONNELL. MC. Re: 1638 Arthur William DODD. I regret to state that he was killed during the attack at Passchendaele on the morning of the 12th October last. He was buried on a field to the west of the village. He was in charge of one of my Lewis Guns and an excellent man, cool and brave at all times. Kindly express my sincerest sympathy with your enquirers in the sad loss. I wrote to his people and also his brother Sergeant: 457 Frederick John DODD of the 26th Battalion AIF.  
Brother of Arthur was Sergeant: 457 Frederick John DODD 26th Battalion AIF. 
NOTE TO SYDNEY
Our slip 20.12.17 giving official casualty was sent out headed DADD _ H.Q have now verified the name was DODD.
London.
Captain: Hugh John CONNELL. MC. France.
Family Information
Arthur was a single 23 year old Grocer (storeman, J. Ireland & Co. Pty Ltd., Newcastle, N.S.W.), from 17 Bull Street, Cooks Hill, New South Wales,
James Edward Dodd. (1861-1935)
Mary Ann Dodd. nee: Harrison. (1865-1935)
James Edward Dodd. (1861-1935) - Mary Ann Dodd. nee: Harrison. (1865-1935) Sandgate Cemetery
Corporal: 1638 Arthur William DODD (1892-1917)
Military Records
© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)
Under Construction: 17/12/2023-18/12/2023.

Private: 2871 James MYLIE.

by

33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2871 James MYLIE.

Born: 4th April 1874. Castle Douglas, Scotland.

Married: 12th July 1895. Perth, Perthshire, Scotland. 

Wife: Betsey Mylie. nee: Pitkethly. (1877-1944)

Died: 10th December 1917. Belgium. 

Father: John Mylie. (1833-1915)

Mother: Agnes Mylie. nee: Lumsden. (1834-1904)

INFORMATION

2871 PTE James Mylie, 33 Battalion was killed in action on this day in 1917. PTE Mylie was a 44 year old short, stout Scotsman who was born at Castle Douglas, Scotland. Prior to enlisting in the AIF, in November 1916, he lived in Marrackville, Sydney where he operated a laundry with his wife and daughters. PTE Mylie was killed intravenously when a shell landed in his trench and he is buried in Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium with 9 other Australian Soldiers.

Motor Car Corner Cemetery,  Plot 1, Row D, Grave 24. Belgium

"The lord gave and the Lord hath taken away"

(epitaph on PTE Mylie's Headstone)

Family Information

James Emigrated to Australia with his family in 1913. James was a married 44 year old Laundry Operator from 13 Excelsior Parade, Marrackville via Sydney, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. 

13 Excelsior Parade, Marrackville via Sydney, New South Wales

Betsey Mylie. nee: Pitkethly. (1877-1944)

James Mylie (1874-1917)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 04/11/2023-21/11/2023.

Private: 2150 Albert SCANLON

by

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2150 Albert SCANLON "Bert"

Born: 14th September 1895. Ash Island, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:34865/1895. (Father not on Birth Certificate. Married in 1903)

Died: 1st October 1917. Killed in Action Zonnebeke, Belgium. 

Father: William James Lintott. (1881-1921)

Mother: Bridget Lintott. nee: Scanlon. (1875-1915)

INFORMATION

Memorialised at Sandgate Cemetery.
On the 1st October 1917, Private Albert Scanlon, referred to as Bert, 34th Battalion (Reg No-2150), dairy farmer from "Glenlane", Ash Island, New South Wales, was Killed in Action during the Passchendaele Campaign at the Battle of Polygon Wood, age 22. Cause of death not stated.
http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1663722/ - Roll of Honour.
No Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing File.
Born at Ash Island, New South Wales on the 14th September 1895 to William James Lintott (died 30.11.1921, age 40, METHODIST 1 (WESLEYAN) A SW. 19, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127999597, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127981353, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139926784, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127999872, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127130949, https://www.findagrave.com/.../1802.../william-james-lintott) and Bridget Lintott nee Scanlon (married 1903?, died 14.7.1915, age 40, sleeping at CATHOLIC 1-B Spec. 102, of 6 Auckland Street, Newcastle, N.S.W. - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137196988, https://www.findagrave.com/memo.../180299699/bridget-lintott), Bert enlisted on the 29th March 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133887998 - report of a farewell and presentation to Bert at Ash Island.
Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A68 Anchises on the 24th August 1916.
Wounded in action - 9.3.1917 (GSW right buttock or leg, mild).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133747402 - report that Bert had been wounded.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138746792 - report that Bert had been KIA.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123504792 - the 352th Australian Casualty list, Pte. ALBERT SCANLON, Ash Island, killed in action 1st October 1917 (previously reported wounded).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137487502 - Roll of Honour, 1918.
Bert’s name has been inscribed on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 23), Belgium.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12025434/albert-scanlon

Menin Gate War Memorial

Place of Association – Ash Island, New South Wales, Australia.
Mr. Scanlon’s name has also been inscribed on the Cooks Hill Superior Public School Roll of Honour. Ash Island did not produce a Roll of Honour for the Public School or recruits who enlisted.
I have placed poppies at the memorialised gravesite of Grandparents Daniel (died 16.1.1918, Waratah, N.S.W., age 82 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138147444, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138159085, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187235217/daniel-scanlon) and Catherine Scanlon (died 14.12.1914, Waratah, N.S.W., mother of 10, age 64 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137430401, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138235203, https://www.findagrave.com/.../187235219/catherine-scanlon) in remembrance of the service and supreme sacrifice of Bert for God, King & Country. CATHOLIC 1-A Spec. 80.
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: 2023
Family Information
Bert was a single 21 year old Farmer from Ash Island via Newcastle, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. 

Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939), Thursday 1 December 1921, page 4

Death of Mr. W. J. Lintott. (1881-1921)

After a long illness Mr. William James Lintott died at his mother's residence, Taylor-street, West Mait-land, early yesterday afternoon. He had been unable to work on account of ill-health for the past 12 months, and a month ago he was compelled to take to his bed. For some time he had been employed as a crane-super-visor at Carrington, Newcastle, in which district the greater part of his life was spent. He was the eldest son of the late Mr. William Lintott, whose death occurred eight months ago, was a native, of Ash Island, and was 41 years of ago. His wife predeceased him by six years, but he leaves four sons - Alan, Wallace, William and Les-lie. The funeral took place this after-noon, the interment being made in the Sandgate cemetery.

Lintott Family Plot - Sandgate Cemetery

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 24/10/2023-27/10/2023.

Private: 519 Thomas McRAE

by

36th BATTALION AIF

Private: 519 Thomas McRAE

Born: 1878. Mount Mitiamo via Geelong, Victoria, Australia. 

Died: 4th June 1917. Died of Wounds. France. 

Father: Donald McRae. (1845-13/04/1913) Died at Port Campbell, Victoria, Australia. 

Mother: Mary McRae. nee: Cameron. (1848-02/02/1929) Died at Port Campbell, Victoria, Australia.

INFORMATION

Thomas McRae enlisted with the AIF at Albury, New South Wales on the 1st February 1916 before he was transported to the Liverpool Army Camp. Thomas was a member of the Port Campbell Rifle Club 1904-1906 and therefore allocated to B Company 36th Battalion. The 36th Battalion was raised at Victoria Barracks, Liverpool, Rutherford and Broadmeadow Army Camps, in New South Wales in February 1916. The bulk of the Battalion's recruits had enlisted as a result of a recruiting drive conducted amongst the RIFLE CLUBS of New South Wales by the Minister of Public Information in the New South Wales Government, Ambrose CARMICHAEL. Thus the Battalion became known as "CARMICHAEL'S THOUSAND". Carmichael led by example and enlisted as well, serving in the Battalion as a Captain.

Thomas and the 36th Battalion embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" on the 13th of May 1916, with the rank of Private and disembarked at Plymouth on the 9th July 1916 and was marched in to the Durrington Army Camp at Lark Hill where he commenced training with the 9th Infantry Training Battalion.

16th November 1916.

A MESSAGE To The Men of the Third Australian Division

You are about to embark for France in order to take your place by the side of our Australian kinsman who in Gallipoli and France by their valour have made Australia famous throughout the world.

In the name of our Commonwealth I call upon every one of you to resolve that in the task that lies ahead you will endeavour to display the highest qualities of self-sacrifice, discipline, devotion to duty and self-restraint under all temptations; in order that the reputation you may earn may rank you second to none.

You have undergone training in the arts of modern fighting and in the conduct of disciplined soldiery. Remember to apply everything that you have learned at all times and in all places; for on the manner in which you do this you will be judged.

While your future renown will rest chiefly on your fighting qualities, your courage in the face of the enemy, and your perseverance under hardships, it will depend also on your soldierly behaviour, weather on or off duty, your prompt obedience, your respect for military superiors, your smartness of appearance and bearing, and, particularly your regard for the welfare and property of the woman and children of France whose men-folk are away from their homes helping us to fight our common enemy.

Keep in mind the crimes of that enemy against our Empire, our Allies, and humanity, and be determined, now that the opportunity for which you have waited so long has come at last, to work and to fight with all the strength and all the skill of which you are capable.

Major General: Sir John MONASH Commanding the 3rd Australian Division. Salisbury Plain.

22nd November 1916.

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

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

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

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

23rd November 1916.

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

24th November 1916.

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

25th November 1916.

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

26th November 1916.

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

27th November 1916.

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

28th November 1916.

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

29th November 1916.

Whole Battalion still in billets-supply Working Parties Only.

30th November 1916.

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

1917.

22nd January 1917.

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

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

Wounded in Action; Private: 33 Ralph Albert ASH.

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

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

17th February 1917

On the night of 17th-18th February last. Lieutenant: Clarence William BODDY 36th Bn when on patrol in NO MAN'S LAND, crawled close up to a Machine Gun emplacement in the enemy wire when the Gun therein suddenly Opened fire. Sergeant: 731 Gordon Mott COX who was hit and their presence became known to the enemy who thereupon opened up a concentrated fire on them. Lieutenant BODDY who was carrying a demolition charge which was hit by a bullet without causing it to explode, thereupon crawled backwards to within about six yards of the gun, with the charge under him, fired it and he and the Sergeant both dashed away and sheltered in a crater. The charge exploded and the gun at once ceased fire and it is probable that it was destroyed. Corps, Divisional, and Brigade Commanders desire to congratulate Lieutenant BODDY on his successful and hazardous enterprise.

(36th Battalion War Diary)

4th 6th March 1917.

(1) HOUPLINES. 34th Battalion relieved by 36th Battalion- Working Parties and Training started.

7th March 1917.

Orders received to relieve 42nd Battalion in EPINETTE Sector. All arrangements made. Advance Parties sent into trenches. Orders cancelled late at night.

8th March 1917.

Working Parties of 35th Battalion taken over as well as our own. Major: John Alexander MILNE. promoted to Lieutenant Colonel as from 24th February 1917.

9th to 11th March 1917.

Very busy with Working Parties. No Training possible.

12th March 1917.

TRENCHES. Took over the whole of the HOUPLINE Sector from locality 8 to RIVER LYS. S.O.S. went up from locality 16 that night. Enemy raid possibly avoided.

13th to 16th March 1917.

Intermittent Artillery dual throughout course of tour of duty.

17th March 1917.

HOUPLINES. 34th Battalion relieved 36th Battalion. Took up quarters as "C" Battalion-Working Parties.

18th - 20th March 1917.

Working Parties - These were excessive on the the night of 20th. When 240 men worked from 5.00 am to 1:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Rest given the next day.

22nd to 25th March 1917.

Battalion engaged as Working Parties. Took over Trenches on 25th.

26th March 1917.

TRENCHES. Heavy Artillery fire over whole Sector. Enemy working at night in front line C.29.

27th to 28th March 1917.

Intermittent shelling during two days. Snow falling. Cold intense.

29th March 1917.

Artillery dual progressing. Enemy heavily shelling our front line. Heavy and medium Trench Mortars carried out a shoot with good effect. IRISH AVENUE heavily strafed with 77 m.m.

30th March 1917.

TRENCHES, HOUPLINES. Patrols state enemy front line held very lightly. Enemy shelling HOUPLINES with 4.2 howitzer. Light Trench Mortars got on to a working Party of enemy and inflicted loss.

31st March 1917.

Light Trench Mortars again scored a Working Party. Heavy Trench Mortar fired with good effect damaging enemy support line. Enemy considerably shelled our front line.

1st to 2nd April 1917.

TRENCHES. HOUPLINES. Considerable shelling all over Sector. Nothing important. 34th Battalion relieved 36th Battalion on morning of 2nd April. Battalion moved to Billets in ARMENTIERES.

3rd to 8th April 1917.

ARMENTIERES. Battalion supplied Working Parties for HOUPLINES Sector.

9th April 1917.

Battalion under orders to proceed to ST OMER District for Training.

10th April 1917.

Left ARMENTIERES at 10:00 am Marched to STEENWRECK and en trained for ST OMER. Marched from ST OMER to WIZERNES.

11th April 1917.

WIZERNES. Marched to JOURNY (2nd Army Training Area)

12th to 24th April 1917.

JOURNY. Battalion engaged in Training.

25th April 1917.

Battalion marched to ARQUES.

26th April 1917.

ARQUES. Battalion marched to Gd. Sec. BIOS.

27th April 1917.

Gd.SEC BOIS. Battalion marched to ERQUINGHAM.

28th April 1917.

ERQUINGHAM. Resting.

29th April 1917.

TRENCHES. LE TOUQUET. Battalion took over Le Touquet Trenches from 11th CHESHIRE REGIMENT. Relief being completed by midnight.

30th April 1917.

At 4:10 am enemy opened a heavy bombardment on our on our front line from RIVER LYS to LOWNDES AVENUE, being particularly heavy on left Company Sector. At this point enemy dropped a curtain of shrapnel and H.E. on Supports and Communication Trenches. S.O.S. was at once sent up. Artillery responded at once. Enemy evidently attempted to raid but did not reach our parapet. Barrage slackened at 6:35 am. Enemy used light and heavy Minnewerfere together with all sizes of H.E. Our casualties, 5 killed, 15 wounded, including 1 Officer Lieutenant: Clarence William BODDY slightly wounded.

Private: 2383 John SLATER. 36th Battalion. Killed in Action 30th April 1917.

Thomas was Died of Wounds in France and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France

Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, Nord Pas de Calais, France

Family Information

Thomas was a single 36 year old Gardener from Port Campbell, Victoria, Australia upon his enlistment with the AIF. He was a member of the Port Campbell Rifle Club 1904-1906. 

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 09/08/2023-19/10/2023.

Private: 123 Aaron Herbert HAYES

by

35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 123 Aaron Herbert HAYES

Born: 3rd June 1892. Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:36390/1892.

Married: 7th November 1914. Wickham via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:14210/1914.

Wife: Emily Elizabeth Hayes. nee: Tollis. (1896-1972)

Died: 2nd August 1917. Died of Disease, Bronchial Pneumonia at the 4th Stationary Hospital, France.

Father: Aaron Herbert Hayes. (1866-1892) Died at Cassilis, N.S.W. Death Cert:4204/1892.

Mother: Ruth Hayes. nee: Wardle. (1869-1942)

INFORMATION

Aaron Herbert Hayes enlisted with the AIF at Newcastle, New South Wales on the 12th January 1916 and was allocated to A Company 35th Battalion and was an original member of the Battalion. Aaron was march into the Broadmeadow Army Camp where he commenced his introduction to Army Camp conditions and training.

35th Battalion AIF leaving Broadmeadow Station, Newcastle for Sydney 30th April 1916.

The 35th embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth England on the 9th July 1916 where they were marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp. Aaron and the 35th Battalion proceeded overseas for France on the 21st November 1916. 

7th-11th July 1917. NEUVE EGLISE.

Rested and trained whilst in Billets and also supplied small working parties.

11th July 1917. MESSINES.

Relieved 43rd Bn AIF in Case of Supports Messines Sector. (RIVER DOUVE to STIGNASTFARM) Brigade Relief. Supplied working parties while in Supports. We were at times subjected to fairly severe enemy shell fire while in Close Supports Casualties from 11-7-17 to 17/18-7-17 were 34 including 6 killed.

17th July 1917.

Relieved 35th Bn AIF in front line Messines Sector. 19th Lieutenant: Wynter Wallace WARDEN wounded whilst supervising transport of rations over Messines Ridge.

26th July 1917. MESSINES.

Relieved 33rd BN in front line, Captain: Hugh John CONNELL was buried by a shell in the front line 28/07/17 and evacuated. On night of 28/07/17 enemy placed a heavy barrage on the 35th Bn front line (Douve River to Steicnvast Farm) and finally attempted to raid our Right Company "A Coy" on the River Douve. They were successfully repulsed with considerable loss to themselves. Our counter barrage, both Machine-Gun and Artillery being excellent. Captain: Henry Charles Dight CADELL was in command of A Coy. Our trenches were badly damaged but no entrance was affected, our men though very tired and worn fought splendidly.

35th Bn AIF was relieved by 41st Bn (Brigade Relief) 35th moved back to Douve River Camp. Casualties during 27-30/07/17, 41 including 13 killed. This month was the most strenuous in the history of the Battalion (not including the big offensive of June) as the new ground in front of Messines was in a very wet and muddy state, and hastily constructed trenches combined with long tours in the line and the natural desire of the enemy to prevent us settling down made conditions very trying for all ranks.

(35th Battalion War Diary)

Aaron was Wounded in Action on the 29th July and was treated by the 11th Australian Field Ambulance in the field before he was evacuated by Stretcher Bearers to the No:2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment who transferred him to the 4th Stationary Hospital at Arques the next day. Aaron died of Bronchial Pneumonia on the 2nd August 1917 and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the  St Omer Souvenir Cemetery, Longuenesse, Nord Pas de Calais, France. The service was conduced by Reverend: C.H.R. STACK.

 

Plot IV, Row D, Grave. 4  Headstone inscription reads: Found you at last always remembered with respect by your loving son Les,

St Omer Souvenir Cemetery, Longuenesse, Nord Pas de Calais, France,

Family Information

Aaron was a married 22 year old Fireman from 19 Chen Chin, Islington, NSW. upon his enlistment with the AIF. Husband of Emily Elizabeth Hart formerly Hayes of Chen Chin, Islington, NSW. and father of Leslie Herbert Hayes.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 18/11/2022-06/09/2023.

Company Quarter Master Sergeant: 487 John Dixon KITCHEN.

by

36th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Company Quarter Master Sergeant: 487A John Dixon KITCHEN.

Born: 1st July 1867. Guildford via Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 

Married: 22nd March 1894. Prahan, Victoria, Australia. 

Wife: Florence Harriet Kitchen. nee: Bruce. (1867-1947)

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

Father: Edward Nicholson Kitchen. (1830-1917)

Mother: Dora Kitchen. nee: Watson. (1838-1894)

INFORMATION

John Dixon Kitchen enlisted with the AIF on the 8th February 1916 at the Liverpool Army Camp and was allocated to B Company 36th Battalion AIF and was an original member of the Battalion. John en trained to Sydney where the Battalion embarked on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" on the 13th May 1916 and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 9th July 1916. John and the Battalion were marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at Larkhill where the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. 

22nd November 1916.

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

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

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

22nd November 1916

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

23rd November 1916.

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

24th November 1916.

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

25th November 1916.

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

26th November 1916.

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

27th November 1916.

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

28th November 1916.

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

29th November 1916.

Whole Battalion still in billets-supply Working Parties Only.

30th November 1916.

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

22nd January 1917.

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

17th February 1917

On the night of 17th-18th February last. Lieutenant: Clarence William BODDY 36th Bn when on patrol in NO MAN'S LAND, crawled close up to a Machine Gun emplacement in the enemy wire when the Gun therein suddenly Opened fire. Sergeant: 731 Gordon Mott COX who was hit and their presence became known to the enemy who thereupon opened up a concentrated fire on them. Lieutenant BODDY who was carrying a demolition charge which was hit by a bullet without causing it to explode, thereupon crawled backwards to within about six yards of the gun, with the charge under him, fired it and he and the Sergeant both dashed away and sheltered in a crater. The charge exploded and the gun at once ceased fire and it is probable that it was destroyed. Corps, Divisional, and Brigade Commanders desire to congratulate Lieutenant BODDY on his successful and hazardous enterprise.

4th 6th March 1917.

(1) HOUPLINES. 34th Battalion relieved by 36th Battalion- Working Parties and Training started.

7th March 1917.

Orders received to relieve 42nd Battalion in EPINETTE Sector. All arrangements made. Advance Parties sent into trenches. Orders cancelled late at night.

8th March 1917.

Working Parties of 35th Battalion taken over as well as our own. Major: John Alexander MILNE. promoted to Lieutenant Colonel as from 24th February 1917.

9th to 11th March 1917.

Very busy with Working Parties. No Training possible.

12th March 1917.

TRENCHES. Took over the whole of the HOUPLINE Sector from locality 8 to RIVER LYS. S.O.S. went up from locality 16 that night. Enemy raid possibly avoided.

13th to 16th March 1917.

Intermittent Artillery dual throughout course of tour of duty.

17th March 1917.

HOUPLINES. 34th Battalion relieved 36th Battalion. Took up quarters as "C" Battalion-Working Parties.

18th - 20th March 1917.

Working Parties - These were excessive on the the night of 20th. When 240 men worked from 5.00 am to 1:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Rest given the next day.

22nd to 25th March 1917.

Battalion engaged as Working Parties. Took over Trenches on 25th.

26th March 1917.

TRENCHES. Heavy Artillery fire over whole Sector. Enemy working at night in front line C.29.

27th to 28th March 1917.

Intermittent shelling during two days. Snow falling. Cold intense.

29th March 1917.

Artillery dual progressing. Enemy heavily shelling our front line. Heavy and medium Trench Mortars carried out a shoot with good effect. IRISH AVENUE heavily strafed with 77 m.m.

30th March 1917.

TRENCHES, HOUPLINES. Patrols state enemy front line held very lightly. Enemy shelling HOUPLINES with 4.2 howitzer. Light Trench Mortars got on to a working Party of enemy and inflicted loss.

31st March 1917.

Light Trench Mortars again scored a Working Party. Heavy Trench Mortar fired with good effect damaging enemy support line. Enemy considerably shelled our front line.

1st to 2nd April 1917.

TRENCHES. HOUPLINES. Considerable shelling all over Sector. Nothing important. 34th Battalion relieved 36th Battalion on morning of 2nd April. Battalion moved to Billets in ARMENTIERES.

(36th Battalion War Diary)

John was Wounded in Action on the 2nd April 1917 and was treated by the 11th Australian Field Ambulance for a Contusion of the Right Hand and was evacuated to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station. He was transferred to Winereux on the 7th of April and was invalid the England the next day where he was admitted to the 3rd Australian General Hospital. 

27th November 1917 John was promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal vice Company Quarter Master Sergeant: 325 Robert BROWNLIE on the 17th January 1918 he was again promoted from Corporal to Sergeant and the next day to Company Quartermaster Sergeant. John was granted leave to England on the 6th February 1918 for 2 weeks and re joined his unit on the 21st February.

4th April 1918.

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

A heavy burst of shelling occurred at CACHY and on some 6" Howitzer Batteries situated under cover of the S.E. corner of the BOIS D'AQUENSE, at about 3.30 am. At 5.30 am the fire thickened to heavy and general shelling, counter battle work and harassing fire suggestive of preparations for an attack. Just before 6.00 am shells fell in the wood near our bivouacs. The troops were hastily got out into the open. The shelling continued to be very heavy for about two hours, in the course of which two men were killed, and Lieutenant:  927 John LANG and 8 other ranks were wounded.

At 9:00 am orders were received to "Stand To" as it was expected the enemy would attack. At 11.45 am orders were received to proceed to position of readiness at U.5. central (South of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX) for defence of the village. Moved at 11.55 am and arrived at position of readiness without casualty despite general shelling of the area crossed. Lieutenant: Sydney Horace NEWELL (Scout Officer) reported direct to C.O. 35th Battalion, who was defending the line in part of the attack area. As the position of readiness the Battalion took up a position on the reverse slope of the hill on the east side of the VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - HANGARD ROAD, with "A" and "B" Companies just below the crest, "C" Company in close support, and "D" Company in reserve.

At 1.45 pm the C.O. and Adjutant reported to the C.O. 35th Battalion, at VILLERS-BRETONNEUX the village was being heavily bombarded. At 2.30 pm the Adjutant returned with the preliminary instructions to the 2nd in Command and the C.O. awaiting developments. At 4.45 pm the C.O returned with information that the Bosch had broken through the English line and was advancing on the village. While he was speaking heavy bursts of Machine Gun fire sprayed over the hill. English troops had been retiring for half an hour through our line but efforts to stop them were in vain.

The C.O ordered "A" Company and "B" Companies to immediately counter-attack. They did so with great spirit and in fine style sweeping along the southern end of the RAILWAY LINE. A party of English troops were seen to be reforming on our right. The Adjutant was sent with an invitation to their C.O to join in a Counter-Attack. Brigadier General: WOOD of the 55th Brigade was found to be Commanding in person and he immediately agreed, and went forward on the right flank of our "C" Company. In the advance great progress was made by "A" Company on the left under Captain: John Edward Wallace BUSHELLE who imbued them with wonderful Spirit and Confidence by his gallant leadership.

Owing however to organized opposition from special M.G. strong points in an orchard and two hay stacks "B" and "C" Companies were not able to keep up to the line of "A" Company's advance and wide gaps were left between all the Company frontages by reason of the extended front on which it was necessary to deliver our Counter Attack. The Reserve Company was however sent up to reinforce the center, link up the Companies, and, as far as possible, straighten out the line. Two small Companies of the 6th London Regiment who appeared at the time were also sent into the gap between "A" and "B" Companies and our gain was consolidated. Tools and ammunition were hastened forward by a small party from Headquarters - signallers, batman, police and gas personnel, - and this party brought back wounded on the return trip, doing excellent work.

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)

12th April 1918.

Just after dawn (at 6:00 am) the enemy opened a barrage along our front and to our right on the French. The French S.O.S. went up immediately and was answered by a heavy barrage. Very soon the whole of the forward areas and the immediate rear was screened by heavy smoke from the enemy barrage which consisted principally of 5.9's and 4.2's. At about 7:00 am the fire slackened and it was learnt that the French had been pushed back on our immediate right and partly out of HANGARD. Reinforcements for the French came along the slope of the hill on our right flank till almost level with our line and then went half right over the hill into HANGARD. Enemy Machine Gun's attempted enfilade fire on those troops from the BOIS de HANGARD, but "C" Company on the left stopped this by rifle and Lewis Gun fire.

The line was shelled heavily several times during the day. At 7:30 pm the French, West Kent's and Essex counter attacked on our right. The barrage was lighter than in the morning. Fire died away about 8:30 pm and it was learnt that the line on the right had been re established and in some parts had gone further than the position lost in the morning. The Battalion was relieved by the 18th Battalion AIF commencing about 10:00 pm and was completed at 1:30 am, the Battalion then moved to billets in the BOIS de BLANGY where a hot meal awaited them.

At 1:09 pm a 5.9 Howitzer Shell landed in Battalion Headquarters and killed Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. D.S.O., Captain: Thomas Rodger MacNEE, also the Adjutant of the 5th Essex Regiment and 6 other ranks; the same shell wounded Major: John Ambrose McDOWELL. and 3 other ranks.

36th Battalion War Diary

The 36th led the attack at Villers-Bretonneux before they were disbanded on the 30th April 1918 and John was transferred to reinforce the 33rd Battalion AIF. He was later allocated the Prefix A the his service number to 478A on the 9th July 1918.  John was Killed in Action on the 30th July 1918 at Villers Bretonneux, France and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Villers Bretonneux Military Cemetery, France.

Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France

Family Information

John was a married 43 year old Storeman from Leichardt via Sydney, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. 

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

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