Casualties of the 9th Infantry Brigade

Private: 3260 Charles William SULLIVAN

by

33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 3260 Charles William SULLIVAN. "Charlie"

Born: 28th July 1890. Murree, Rawalpuidi, India.

Married: 24th January 1908.  West Partings, Bo Ness, West Lothian, Scotland.

Wife: Sarah Elizabeth Sullivan. nee: Hunter. (1888-1984)

Died: 31st March 1918. Died of Wounds. Villers-Bretonneux, France. 

Father: John Sullivan. (1855-1923)

Mother: Mary Ann Sullivan. nee: Collins. (1867-1957)

INFORMATION

Charles William Sullivan enlisted with the AIF at the Central Recruitment Depot at the Royal Naval House, Grosvenor Street, Sydney on the 30th April 1917 before we was en-trained to the Liverpool Army Camp where he was allocated to the 8th Reinforcements 33rd Battalion AIF.

Royal Naval House, Sydney
Royal Naval House, Sydney, N.S.W.
Royal Naval House has a long standing association with the British Navy and the AIF, including its use as a recruitment office during World War I and for accommodation for returned servicemen. After his recruitment Charles was transported to the Liverpool Depot to commence his training.

Charles embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A16 "Port Melbourne" on the 16th July 1917 and disembarked at Liverpool, England on the 16th September 1917 where the 8th Reinforcements were marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp where he was promoted to the rank of Acting Corporal. Charles was Charged with being AWL from the 22nd of November unit the 24th November 1917. Award Forfeits 3 Days Pay by Major: Brent Burnell RODD. 

Charles reverted in Rank from Acting Corporal to Private on the 17th January 1918 as the Reinforcements proceeded overseas for France via Southampton. The Reinforcements disembarked at Rouelles the next morning where they went into billets for the next 2 nights before they were marched out to the lines where they were taken in in strength with the 33nd Battalion on the 22nd January 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.

33rd Battalion War Diary

Charles was Wounded in Action on the 30th March 1918 during this action 

German Spring Offensive casualty Victory Medal awarded to Private C.W. Sullivan, 33rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force who died of wounds on 31st March 1918 and who was buried in Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux.

19th June 1918.

Informant; Corporal: 1242 George Easter STARK. Private: 3260 Charles William SULLIVAN was wounded on the 30th March 1918 by a bullet in the thigh during a counter attack. I was hit at the same time and he was still lying there when I left, but I saw him hit. I heard afterwards that he was taken down to the Dressing Station a Cachy and that he died there and that Lieutenant: McRea D Company, 33rd Battalion went to the Dressing Station to identify him. He was in No:1 Section D Company 13 Platoon. I do not know where he was buried, but sure to be near Cachy. He was an Englishman, a sailor and a South African War Veteran. His wife I believe lived in Scotland. 

No: 1 Command Depot. SUTTON VENY. 

19th June 1918.

Informant: Private: 1200 Alfred Henry MULHOLLAND. At Villers-Bretonneux, I saw Private: 3260 Charles Walter SULLIVAN wounded by a bullet through the stomach. I helped to take him to the Dressing Station but did not see him die or see where he was buried.

Ward 23. Harefield, England.


Victory Medal; (3260 PTE. C.W. SULLIVAN. 33-BN. A.I.F.)

Condition: Good Very Fine

Charles William Sullivan saw service as a Private (No. 3260) with the 33rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force died of wounds on 31st March 1918 aged 27 and is buried in Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux. The son of John and Mary Ann Sullivan, husband of Mrs. Sullivan of 31 Bibby’s Lane, Bootle, Liverpool. 

Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux.

Family Information

Charles was a Married 26 year old Fireman from 39 Ada Lane, Ultimo via Sydney, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 05/08/2023.

Private: 2918 Francis Patrick DONALDSON

by

31st BATTALION - 36th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2306/2918 Francis Patrick DONALDSON

Born: 9th November 1894. Cobargo, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert: N/A

Died: 2nd January 1918. Died of Wounds. Armentieres, France. 

Father: Francis Hugh Donaldson. (1865-1918)

Mother: Anne Donaldson. nee: O'Meara. (1869-1947)

INFORMATION

Francis Patrick Donaldson enlisted at Casula, N.S.W. with the AIF on the 14th December 1915 and was allocated to the 4th Reinforcements 31st Battalion AIF. He embarked from Sydney on board HMAT "Anchises" and disembarked at Suez before he was admitted to Hospital suffering from Pleurisy and Bronchitis on the 25th May 1916. Francis was returned to Australia as Medically Unfit on the 2nd of August 1916 with Pleurisy but re enlisted with the AIF on the 24th November with the 6th Reinforcements 36th Battalion.

Francis was recruited to the 36th Battalion as he was a member of the Cobargo Rifle Club.

The bulk of the Battalion's recruits had enlisted as a result of a recruiting drive conducted amongst the RIFLE CLUBS of New South Wales by the Minister of Public Information in the New South Wales Government, Ambrose CARMICHAEL. Thus the Battalion became known as "CARMICHAEL'S THOUSAND". Carmichael led by example and enlisted as well, serving in the Battalion as a Captain.

The reinforcements embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A72 "Benalla" on the 25th November 1916 and disembarked at Devonport England on the 29th January 1917. 

12th October 1917

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

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

Francis was wounded in Action: 1st occasion on the 12th October 1917 and was treated in the field by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance and returned to England for further treatment. Upon his discharge from hospital he returned to France on the 19th December 1917 and re-joined the 36th Battalion on the 25th December 1917 in Belgium. The 36th Battalion moved forward into the Houplines at Armentieres, France. 

30th December 1917

HOUPLINES. At noon enemy 77 mm Guns and Trench Mortar Guns active for one hour, our 18 pounders and 4.5.Howitzer Batteries in conjunction  with our 6" Trench mortar replied to this fire. 

36th Battalion Diary. 

 Francis was Wounded in Action at the Houplines on the 30th December 1917 and was treated by the 10th Australian field Ambulance for a Gun Shot Wound to the Chest, with and Entrance and Exit Wound before he was taken by Stretcher Bearers to the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station where he later Died of Wounds on the 2nd of January 1918 and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Military Cemetery, Trois Arbres, Armentieres, France. the service was conducted by Reverend F.P DWYER from the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station.

Francis's Medals British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 2918 Pte F.P.Donaldson. 36 Bn. A.I.F. were sold in July 2023 to a private collector. I was unable to secure for the Harrower collection. Both medals impressed. Display mounted, good very fine. 

$360.00

Nobles Auction July 2023.

Grave of Francis Patrick Donaldson (1894-1918)

Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France.

Family Information

Francis was a single 24 year old Labourer from Cobargo, N.S.W who had previous service in Light Horse and Obargo Rifle Club prior to his enlistment with the AIF. 

50th Wedding Anniversary 11th February 1915 at Cobargo, NSW 

Bridget and Patrick O'Meara (Parents of Anne Donaldson nee: O'Merea

The Cobargo Chronicle/Sat 15 June 1918.

Obituary Notice.  Francis Hugh Donaldson. (1865-1918)

Military Records

Under Construction: 01/08/2023-03/08/2023.

Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS

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35th BATTALION AIF

Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS "Gunner"

Born: 13th August 1899. Wickham, Islington via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. 

Died: 28th February 1917. Died of Wounds Houplines Sector, Armentieres, France

Father: Charles Richards. (1847-1922)

Mother: Ada Alice Creighton Richards. nee: Sproule. (1868-1939)

INFORMATION

William Arthur Leslie Richards enlisted with the AIF on the 31st December 1915, West Maitland, New South Wales and was allocated to C Company 35th Battalion AIF and was an original member of the Battalion. Will was prompted to the rank of Lance Corporal on the day of his enlistment. 

C-Company 35th Battalion Broadmeadow Camp, NSW, April 1916 

He embarked with the 35th Battalion on the HMAT 24 "Benalla" on the 1st May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth, England on the 9th July 1916. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. The 35th proceeded overseas for France via Southampton on the 21st November 1917 where Will was working as a batman and orderly for Captain: Hugh John CONNELL, who had been his teacher at school in Newcastle for several years.

Will died of wounds in the Houplines Sector at Armentieres, France on the 28th February 1917.

12th June 1917

Informant: Sergeant: 903 Oswald Oliver STEEL. C Company. 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS may have been acting Lance Corporal, but at the time was batman to Captain: Hugh John CONNELL. Commanding C Company. In February our Division sent over a big raid at the Houplines Sector. 

No: 14 General Hospital. Boulogne, France.

Informant: Corporal: 880 Herbert Ephraim PARKINSON. C Company. No: 11 Platoon. Informant said Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS was in C Company No: 11 Platoon? and had a number somewhere about 900. About 3 or 4 months ago in Houplines between Ploegsteert and Square Farm, RICHARDS was killed by a shell which came through a dug out. His leg was blown off and he was killed outright. Informant saw body after the casualty and says he was buried near Hoop Lines. 

No: 6 General Hospital, Rouen, France.

14th June 1917

Informant: Corporal: 773 William FOULKES. C Company No: 10 Platoon. Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS was an officer's batman and was with 3 officers at the coy HQ in a dug out which was hit by a shell which entered the roof and burst inside. The officers escaped injury but he died about an hour afterwards. Buried in the Cemetery near Armentieres and a Regimental cross is on his grave. 

Queen's Hospital, Birmingham. England.

18th June 1917.

Informant: Corporal: 858 William Alexander NORRIS. C Company No: 11 Platoon. Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS and Private: 1945 Albert McMANUS were both in C Company and were buried in the Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armentieres. I saw the graves and there were wooded crosses on both of the. 

Australian Camp, Rouelles.

26th June 1917.

Informant: Private: 803 George Martin HUGHES. C Company states that on February 28th 1917 at Armentieres, Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS was killed by a shell instantly. The graveyard was just outside Armentieres and I saw his grave nicely kept with a wooden cross with name and colours and Battalion marked on it. Private: 1945 Albert McMANUS grave was near.

3rd London General Hospital. Wandsworth, England. 

11th July 1917.

Informant: Captain: Hugh John CONNELL.  I am in a position to supply all the information you seek on Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS as the lad was not only my batman but a personal friend whom I regarded as a younger brother. He was killed on the 26th February of this year in my dugout by a shell dying in my arms a minute after being struck. He was buried the next day at Cite Bonjean  Military Cemetery Armentieres. The grave is marked with a cross with suitable inscription. I had a big regard for Will, having taught him at school for about 4 of 5 years before and his death was a great blow. Hoping that this information is what you enquiries seek and that if they would like further particulars they will write to me.

London, England. 

William was killed at Armentieres, France and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France.

Grave of Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS (1899-1917)

Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France.

Family Information

William was a single 18 year old clerk with the Northumberland Building Society in Newcastle, NSW

Birth Certificate of William Arthur Leslie Richards (1899-1917)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 18/11/2022-20/07/2023.

Private: 1945 Albert Henry McMANUS.

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56th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1945 Albert Henry McMANUS.

Born: 22nd November 1893. Coolac, New South Wales, Australia. 

Died: 16th February 1917. Killed in Action. Armentieres, France.

Father: John Alexander McManus. (31/05/1867-26/07/1943) Died and buried at Coolac, N.S.W.

Mother: Elizabeth Lilian McManus. (07/07/1873-09/10/1934) Died and buried at Coolac, N.S.W.

INFORMATION

Albert Henry McManus enlisted with the AIF at Cootamundra, N.S.W. on the 18th February 1916 before he was en trained to Goulburn where he was allocated to the 56th Battalion AIF where he commenced his military training before the Battalion en trained to Sydney where they embarked on board HMAT A37 "Barambah" on the 23rd June 1916. 

HMAT A37 "Barambah" 

On the 7th July 1916 whilst at Sea, Albert was Charged with Neglect of Duty and forfeited 2 Days Pay by the Commanding Officer. Albert disembarked with the 56th Battalion ay Plymouth, England on the 25th August and was were marched in their Training Battalion. Albert was transferred to the 35th Battalion AIF on the 23rd September and was marched in to the 9th Training Battalion and proceeded overseas for France via Southampton on the 21st November 1916.  

Albert was Killed in Action on the 16th February 1917. The burial service was conducted by Reverend: George Spencer RICHMOND and he is commemorated in perpetuity at the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France.

18th June 1917.

Informant: Corporal: 858 William Alexander NORRIS. C Company No: 11 Platoon. Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS and Private: 1945 Albert McMANUS were both in C Company and were buried in the Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armentieres. I saw the graves and there were wooded crosses on both of the. 

Australian Camp, Rouelles.

26th June 1917.

Informant: Private: 803 George Martin HUGHES. C Company states that on February 28th 1917 at Armentieres, Lance Corporal: 894 William Arthur Leslie RICHARDS was killed by a shell instantly. The graveyard was just outside Armentieres and I saw his grave nicely kept with a wooden cross with name and colours and Battalion marked on it. Private: 1945 Albert McMANUS grave was near.

3rd London General Hospital. Wandsworth, England. 

Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France.

Family Information

Albert was a single 23 year old Labourer from Coolac, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. His father John ran the Coolac General Store.

Elizabeth Lilian McManus. (07/07/1873-09/10/1934) - John Alexander McManus. (31/05/1867-26/07/1943)

Coolac Cemetery, New South Wales, Australia.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 28/07/2023-31/07/2023.

Private: 2540 Private William Arthur CROSSINGHAM

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2540 William Arthur CROSSINGHAM

Born: 9th February 1885. Taree, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:22131/1885.

Died: 22nd February 1917. Died of Disease. (Pneumonia) King George Hospital, Stamford Street, Lamberth, London, England.

Father: Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932)

Mother: Amelia May Crossingham. nee: Townsend. (1858-1918)

INFORMATION

All three brothers enlisted at Kempsey on the 21st July 1916 and went into camp at Rutherford, near Maitland. They were taken into the 33rd Battalion – 5th Reinforcements on 22nd September 1916.

After final leave back home to the Macleay the three brothers transferred to Liverpool Camp to prepare for embarkation.  Embarking on the SS Port Napier in a group of 152 from the 5th Reinforcements they joined other Reinforcement Ranks for other Battalions and sailed from Sydney on 17th November 1916.

The  SS Port Napier steamed to Albany, Western Australia where the convoys were marshalled and then to Durban, South Africa. After a brief stopover they continued west around the Cape of Good Hope and headed northwards along the West African coast – arriving in Devonport on 29 January 1917 – into the dead cold of one of the bleakest winters experienced.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham (1889-1964) - William Arthur Crossingham (1885-1917) - George Henry Crossingham (1891-1918)

William Arthur Crossingham was born on February 9, 1885, at his grandfather’s farm at Pipe Clay Creek near Moorland just north of Taree on the NSW coast.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham was born on May 23, 1889 in  St. Leonards Sydney.

George Henry Crossingham was born August 10, 1891at South Solitary Island Lighthouse.

On arrival at Larkhill William was ill – seriously ill according to his records – and was admitted to the base hospital then transferred to King George Hospital in London on 8th February where he passed away two weeks later on 22nd February 1917. His record states he “Died of Disease (Pneumonia)”.

He was buried on the February 26 in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Brookwood outside London. The Military Funeral was attended by representatives of Headquarters in London and the coffin was carried by Australian troops – the records show George and Leonard were both in attendance along with their mother’s sister Margaret (Mrs. Vere.)

William had stepped up when it was required, signed up and was prepared to put his life on the line for his country travelling to the other side of the world not knowing what he may face – he carried out his duty.  Disease turned out to be his enemy.

William Artur Crossingham (1885-1917) Brookwood Military Cemetery, London, England

References and Acknowledgements

Story: Brian Roy Crossingham

For information and context within the article: Crossingham Family Collection – Photos and Collective Knowledge

The Harrower Collection 9th Infantry Brigade AIF – David John Harrower ACM. 2015

33rd Battalion 1st AIF – Home | Facebook – Rod Carpenter

Never a Backward Step- A History of the 33rd Battalion: John Edwards 1996

National Archives of Australia – Military Service Records:

Fallen Brothers of the Macleay 1914-1918; Jocelyn Bakewell and Debbie Reynolds; Kempsey Family History Group Publication, 2021

Macleay Fallen – Volunteers from the Macleay River Valley who paid the Supreme Sacrifice in the War of 1914-1918; Philip Lee; published by the Macleay River Historical Society 2021

SOLDIER’S LETTER. (1918, July 10). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174429391

UNEXPECTED DEATH. (1918, September 4). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 4.

ODDFELLOWS WELCOME. (1919, August 21). Macleay Argus (Kempsey, NSW : 1885 – 1907; 1909 – 1910; 1912 – 1913; 1915 – 1916; 1918 – 1954), p. 5.

Coffs Harbour Heritage

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 12/06/2023-13/06/2023.

Private: 2542 George Henry CROSSINGHAM. MM

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2542 George Henry CROSSINGHAM. MM

Born: 10th August 1891. South Solitary Island Lighthouse. Birth Cert:6766/1891

Died: 5th April 1918. Killed in Action at Villers-Bretonneux, France. 

Father: Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932)

Mother: Amelia May Crossingham. nee: Townsend. (1858-1918)

INFORMATION

Richard William John Crossingham and his wife Amelia May (Townsend) were stationed on South Solitary Island for 10 years from 1883 to 1893. Richard was just the 5th Keeper to be appointed to South Solitary Island. He was a builder and stone mason and he and Amelia had married in St Leonards in January 1883 and took his first appointment with the service as 2nd Assistant Keeper, South Solitary in July 1883. He subsequently went on to serve in all three Keeper roles – being promoted to the Principal Lightkeeper’s role in 1890 when the then Principal, Robert Kelly, was transferred to the newly constructed Lighthouse at Smoky Cape.

Robert Kelly ‘s health unfortunately failed a few years on, and he passed away in June of 1893.  Richard was selected as his replacement and was appointed Principal Smoky Cape on 1st July 1893. Following almost 10 years at Smoky Cape, Richard was then selected for the Principal Keepers role at Barrenjoey Lighthouse (Broken Bay) where he served from March 1903 until his retirement from the service in April 1905.

On retirement Richard, Amelia and the family returned to the Macleay Valley and established a dairy farm at Long Reach on the Macleay River  – near the village of Jerseyville ( Pelican Island) and not far from Smoky Cape Lighthouse.

Children of the Island

Richard and Amelia had 10 children in all – seven while at SSIL – five boys and two girls – with their first-born Richard James born on Christmas Day 1883 on board the SS Platypus enroute to Sydney. Two boys were born on the island itself.  They had a further three children while at Smoky Cape – two girls and a boy – all were born at the Light Station.

Their farm was prosperous at Long Reach. However, the world changed with the outbreak of World War I. Three of Richard and Amelia’s sons – William Arthur, Leonard Sydney and George Henry  – born during the days their father was assigned to South Solitary Island, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham (1889-1964) - William Arthur Crossingham (1885-1917) - George Henry Crossingham (1891-1918)

William Arthur Crossingham was born on February 9, 1885, at his grandfather’s farm at Pipe Clay Creek near Moorland just north of Taree on the NSW coast.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham was born on May 23, 1889 in  St. Leonards Sydney.

George Henry CROSSINGHAM was born August 10, 1891at South Solitary Island Lighthouse.

Growing up at South Solitary Island and then Smoky Cape appears to have served them well – perhaps it was the diet based around fish and the coastal life? – whatever it was, in their medicals all three measured just on six feet.

Life would never be the same again

William and George were lost, and Leonard was wounded in action on three occasions. This had a profound effect on the family.

All three brothers enlisted at Kempsey on the 21st July 1916 and went into camp at Rutherford, near Maitland. They were taken into the 33rd Battalion – 5th Reinforcements on 22nd September 1916.

After final leave back home to the Macleay the three brothers transferred to Liverpool Camp to prepare for embarkation.  Embarking on the SS Port Napier in a group of 152 from the 5th Reinforcements they joined other Reinforcement Ranks for other Battalions and sailed from Sydney on 17th November 1916.

The  SS Port Napier steamed to Albany, Western Australia where the convoys were marshalled and then to Durban, South Africa. After a brief stopover they continued west around the Cape of Good Hope and headed northwards along the West African coast – arriving in Devonport on 29 January 1917 – into the dead cold of one of the bleakest winters experienced.

The 5th Reinforcements travelled to Larkhill in Wiltshire (by rail) and were marched into the 9th Australian Training Battalion at Durrington on the 30th January. It was there they trained in the practice of trench warfare.

In a letter to his father and published in the Macleay Chronicle 10 July 1918 Leonard describes the battle leading to what would be George’s last action. An abridged version appears below.

“George and I were on leave to England but got back to France in time to join up with our Battalion on the evening of March 21 when the big battle started. So off we went and were put into battle straight away. As the Australian Divisions used to push the enemy back in one place they were shifted on down the battle front to wherever else a break-through was being attempted; we kept this going till we had covered a hundred miles or so.

After beating back the Germans at every point at which we fought them we had two days spell during which we organised for a bigger stunt on the third day. We had to regain a village and a wood which the enemy had just previously taken from the Tommie’s. After heavy fighting we drove the enemy back 900 yards. In that nights fight we had 170 men killed and wounded and left enemy dead all over next morning, we moved on to the Village of Villers- Bretonneux two miles away. We started the Villers – Bretonneaux battle on April 4 and then we had 3 big battles in 36 hours we never had such a trying time in our lives. On my left the rest of the boys were fighting with the bayonet for 6 hours. We were shooting for all we were worth; the enemy came so thickly that we mowed them down as they came walking along. My Lewis gun team fired nearly all their bullets away and they and we had to take to our rifles. Just then one of the boys yelled out “stretcher bearers”. Of course, George was one and he jumped up about 10 yards from me. As he was bandaging a wounded lad, he got wounded himself. Something made me look around and I saw poor George walking off the field. I looked around saw a faint little smile on his face. I thought to myself that he had a nice little wound that would give him about 3 months spell in England. So I went on fighting and when the stretcher bearers returned from the dressing station they brought me a little note from George in which he said: “Leon I am done this time, say good bye to all my mates for me”

Then I began to worry about him. After a couple of days had passed the second division of Australians relieved us, so we went back a short distance for a spell and ‘eat up. Our big guns were just getting busy and putting gas shells over when our platoon officer sent for me – “Leon I have sad news for you, your brother died at the Casualty Clearing Station. You can go out tonight”. I went but only for a day and a night. The next night we were all gassed and blind so off to hospital went 350 of my battalion. I am now in Birmingham (England) hospital where I find myself doing fairly well. Poor George was wounded through the back and the bullet stopped in his stomach, that is how it came to kill him. He was recommended for the M.M. or D.S.O. One thing dad is he died a hero, did things under heavy shell and machine gun fire that a lot of us would not have done. I am sending you a photo of the last battle in which George and I fought together – where the Australians took Villers – Bretonneaux and saved the British Army.”

George was posthumously awarded the Military Medal for his actions in what has been called the 1st Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.

The recommendation read in part

“For conspicuous Gallantry and devotion to duty. During operations of 4th April 1918, east of Villers Bretonneau, Private Crossingham acted as a stretcher bearer. Although under very heavy machine gun and rifle fire, he moved freely in the open attending the wounded. He worked without rest until he himself was wounded on the afternoon of April 5th while tending a wounded man. By his splendid courage and contempt of all danger he set all ranks a high example. He was undoubtedly the means of saving the lives of many men.”

George was buried in the Picquigny British Cemetery in France.

Picquigny British Cemetery, France.

South West Rocks War Memorial

Leonard and George continued their training and on 5 April 1917, proceeded along with 70 other reinforcements to France and joined the 33rd Battalion billeted in Armentieres on April 28. Both were posted to “C” Company.

George volunteered to be a Stretcher Bearer (SB). He was subsequently transferred to Headquarters along with others in November 1917 into the Battalion company.

Leonard and George continued to do as much as possible together,  particularly spending leave in England where they would meet with their maternal Grandparents and mother’s family.

References and Acknowledgements

Story: Brian Roy Crossingham

For information and context within the article: Crossingham Family Collection – Photos and Collective Knowledge

The Harrower Collection 9th Infantry Brigade AIF – David John Harrower ACM. 2015

33rd Battalion 1st AIF – Home | Facebook – Rod Carpenter

Never a Backward Step- A History of the 33rd Battalion: John Edwards 1996

National Archives of Australia – Military Service Records:

Fallen Brothers of the Macleay 1914-1918; Jocelyn Bakewell and Debbie Reynolds; Kempsey Family History Group Publication, 2021

Macleay Fallen – Volunteers from the Macleay River Valley who paid the Supreme Sacrifice in the War of 1914-1918; Philip Lee; published by the Macleay River Historical Society 2021

SOLDIER’S LETTER. (1918, July 10). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174429391

UNEXPECTED DEATH. (1918, September 4). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 4.

ODDFELLOWS WELCOME. (1919, August 21). Macleay Argus (Kempsey, NSW : 1885 – 1907; 1909 – 1910; 1912 – 1913; 1915 – 1916; 1918 – 1954), p. 5.

Coffs Harbour Heritage

Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932)

Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932) - Amelia May Crossingham. nee: Townsend. (1858-1918)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 19/05/2023-18/07/2023.

Private: 1441A Robert SLEIGHTHOMLE.

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Light Trench Mortar Battery - 35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1441A Robert SLEIGHTHOMLE

Born: 18th March 1888. Kirby Misperton, Pickering, Yorkshire, England

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

Father: George Henry Sleighthomle. (1856-1919)

Mother: Isabel Sleightholme. nee: Fenwick. (1856-1925)

INFORMATION

Robert Sleightholme enlisted with the AIF at Kelvin, New South Wales on the 10th May 1916 but his brother Joseph was a un acceptable volunteer. Robert was allocated to the 3rd Reinforcements Light Trench Mortar Battery

before he was assigned to the 3rd Light Trench Mortar Battery on the 5th August 1916. Robert proceeded overseas for France on the 25th October 1916 on board HMAT A11 "Ascanius" and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 28th December 1916. 

Robert was marched in to his Training Battalion but was later transferred to the 9th Training Battalion on the 6th of February 1917 were he was to reinforce to 35th Battalion AIF. The reinforcements proceeded overseas for France via Folkestone on the 20th March 1917 and went into billets before they were marched out to the lines where Hubert was Taken on in Strength with the 35th Battalion and allocated the Prefix Letter A after his number 1441.

 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. 

Witness to Roberts will dated 20th April 1917 was Chaplain 3rd Class: Captain: Keith Dixon NORMAN. 9th Infantry Brigade attached to the 33rd-35th Battalion AIF. (Church of England) 

12th October 1917

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

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

17th January 1918.

Informant: Private: 1442A Hubert Stanley SMITH (C Company No:11 Platoon 35th Battalion AIF) SLEIGHTHOMLE was with me in camp in Australia. He was in the Trench Mortar Battery's and we came over together. He was a little under medium height and fairly well developed and was about 30 years old and in the farming line before joining up. On October 12th he went over with the Battalion for an attack on Passchendaele Ridge. We got there but had to retire shortly afterwards, but I got buried just before we started back. I would refer you to SLEIGHTHOLME's friend and chum Private: 1408A John Henry "Fred" JUBB who was closer to him during the stunt and I was and could give cleared details of what happened than myself. 

No: 7 Stationary Hospital. Boulogne, France.  

Menin Gate War Memorial

 

Robert's Last Will and Testament was acquired from England in April 2023 and is now in the Harrower Collection.

Family Information

This is a passport photo of Robert Sleightholme, it was issued in Melbourne, Australia on 5 May 1916, five days prior to joining the Australian Imperial Force. Robert came out to Australia with his brother John William Sleightholme, known as Joseph. They travelled on the Orient vessel, landing in Sydney Australia on the 14 May 1909. Robert was a single 28 year old Farmer at his property at Kelvin, Via Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia.

 

Joseph was an un accepted volunteer at Kelvin and returned to England after the war.  

George Henry Sleighthomle. (1856-1919)

Isabel Sleightholme. nee: Fenwick. (1856-1925)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 14/04/2023.

Private: 879 Joseph PEACOCK.

by

35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 879 Joseph PEACOCK

Born: 19th September 1894. Mount Nicholas, Beaconsfield, Tasmania, Australia. 

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

Father: Thomas Peacock. (1860-1934) Died at Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia. 

Mother: Charlotte Peacock. nee: Williams. (1867-1926) Died at Greta, New South Wales, Australia.

INFORMATION

Joseph Peacock enlisted with the AIF on the 4th December 1915 at West Maitland before he was marched in the the Broadmeadow Army Camp in March 1916 where he was allocated to C Company 35th Battalion and was an original member of the Battalion.

Living Histories

35th Battalion leaving Broadmeadow Station 1916

The 35th Battalion travelled from Broadmeadow Station the Central Station in Sydney before embarking on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth England on the 9th July 1916 and were marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp where they settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine.

Whilst in England Joseph was Charged with being AWL from 6:30am on the 30th October until 10:00am on the 30th October 1917. (3-1/2 Hours) by Sergeant: 817 Leslie Herbert IRWIN 35th Battalion. AWARD 7 days Forfeit Pay Commanding Officer 35th Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel: Henry Arthur GODDARD. 

Joseph proceeded overseas for France on the 21st November 1916 via Southampton and disembarked at Harve where the Battalion went into billets before being marched out to the lines. Joseph was Taken on in Strength with the 35th in the field. 

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. 

Joseph 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 War Memorial. Joseph's name was on the original wooden Battle of Messines memorial of the fallen Officers-NCO-Men who fell on the 7th June 1917.

Battle of Messines 35th Battalion AIF

Corporal: 2600 George Smith HALLIDAY

 

MENIN GATE WAR MEMORIAL

Family Information

Joseph was a single 21 year old Miner from Holmesville via West Maitland, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. His brother served with the 35th Battalion. Private: 1440 George PEACOCK. MM 

Thomas Peacock. (1860-1934) early 1930's

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 30/04/2023-11/05/2023.

Private: 2069 Henry William GARLAND

by

36th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2069 Henry William GARLAND

Born: 18th July 1870. Paterson via Branxton, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:15262/1870.

Married: 1900 Scone, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:2149/1900.

Wife: Annie Maria Garland. nee: Jobson. (1883-1965) 

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

Father: Thomas Garland. (1847-1931)

Mother: Eliza Jane Garland. nee: Pascoe. (1849-1945)

INFORMATION

Henry William Garland enlisted with the AIF on the 11th April 1916 at West Maitland and was allocated to the 3rd Reinforcements 36th Battalion at the Rutherford Army Camp. The 36th Battalion was raised at Victoria Barracks, Liverpool, Rutherford and Broadmeadow Army Camps, in New South Wales in February 1916. The bulk of the Battalion's recruits had enlisted as a result of a recruiting drive conducted amongst the RIFLE CLUBS of New South Wales by the Minister of Public Information in the New South Wales Government, Ambrose CARMICHAEL. Thus the Battalion became known as "CARMICHAEL'S THOUSAND". Carmichael led by example and enlisted as well, serving in the Battalion as a Captain.

The 36th Battalion became part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division. Henry embarked from Sydney onboard HMATA A68 "Anchises" and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 24th August where the Reinforcements were march in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp where the Battalion spent the next few months in training. They crossed to France on the 22nd November via Southampton, and moved into the trenches of the Western Front for the first time on the 4th December, just in time for the onset of the terrible winter of 1916-17.

Henry was treated by the 10th Australian Field Ambulance on the 7th December as he was suffering from Trench Feet and was transferred to the No:8 Stationary Hospital at Wimereux for further treatment. Henry was transferred to the no:1 Convalescent Depot at Boulogne on the 3rd January 1917. After his recovery Henry was marched out to re-join his unit on the 25th of January 1917.

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. 

Henry was Wounded in Action on the 17th July 1917 when he was "Burnt by a Shell" in the field and was treated by the 11th Australian Field Ambulance who had stretcher bearers take him the No: 2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment. After his wounds were treated he was transferred to the Australian General Hospital at Abbeville where he remained for nearly 3 months before his discharge to the No:5 Convalescent Depot at Cayeux on the 4th October 1917.  

Upon his discharge Henry was granted leave to England on the 30th December 1917 for the next 2 weeks and re-joined his unit on the 18th January 1918 when he was marched back into the lines with his Battalion.

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

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)

Private: 2069 Henry William GARLAND was Killed in Action on the 4th April 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux, France. He was originally buried east of mines crater in German reserve lines, in shell hole. Buried East to West facing North, 1 mile South of Messines, Belgium by Reverend: John Edward Norman OSBORN. His grave was later destroyed in subsequent fighting and he is now remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Menin Gate War Memorial.

MENIN GATE WAR MEMORIAL

26th October 1918.

Informant: Sergeant: 2055 Raymond Foster "Monty" DUNLEVEY. C Company 10 Platoon. 36th Battalion AIF. On 4th April about 7:30 in evening during our advance on right of Villers-Bretonneux. GARLAND was lying on the ground when hit in head and chest by M.G. Bullets. I was 2 men away from him at the time. Was unconscious and died about midnight. We did what we could for him and 2 or 3 of us were with him up to the time he died. Know nothing of burial. Knew him as "Graland" Came from Maitland District. 

ALDWYCH Theatre. 

29th April 1919.

Informant: Sergeant: 1862 George Evelyn ROOKE. C Company No: 11 Platoon 36th Battalion AIF. Describes GARLAND as about 5' 8 or 9" high, medium build, medium complexion, aged over 40.  Informant states that they both belonged to C Company. GARLAND being in No: 10 Platoon and Informant in No:11. On 4/4/18 the Battalion was on the right of Villers-Bretonneux counter attacking the Germans after the Tommie's had retired. Just as the objective was reached and they were digging in GARLAND was hit in the head and died soon afterwards. Informant was about 10 to 15 yards away and did not see GARLAND hit, but heard the boys sing out "Poor old GARLAND is hit". Informant saw GARLAND in an unconscious condition about 5 minutes later and saw him carried out for burial about 11 o'clock that night. He believes that GARLAND was buried near Villers-Bretonneux. The Battalion held the captured position.

According to informant GARLAND was a fine old chap and thought the world of the boys. 

No:4 Australian General Hospital. Randwick, N.S.W.    

Home address, Faulconer Street, Armidale, N.S.W.

Family Information

Henry was a married 42 year old Farmer from Largs via West Maitland upon his enlistment with the AIF. 

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 26/04/2023-05/05/2023.

Private: 1090 Frederick Charles CANTELO.

by

35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1090 Frederick Charles CANTELO.

Born: 8th June 1889. Manly, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert: No Birth Record.

Died: 9th June 1917. Killed in Action Messines, France.

Father: William Henry Cantelo. (1863-1939) Died at Dudley, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:25240/1939.

Mother: Sarah Ann Cantelo. nee: Osmond. (1867-1955) Died at Dudley, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13011/1955.

INFORMATION

Frederick Charles Cantelo enlisted with the AIF at Newcastle on the 3rd December 1915 and was marched in the the Broadmeadow Army Camp where he was allocated to D Company, 13th Platoon, 35th Battalion AIF.

35th Battalion AIF leaving Broadmeadow Station May 1916.

He left Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st of May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth, England on the 9th of July where he was marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at Lark Hill and proceeded overseas on the 21st of November.

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. 

35th Battalion AIF. Ash Avenue Mine Crater Memorial Cross

9th June 1917.

Frederick and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at Mud Corner Cemetery. His service was conducted by Reverend/Captain: John Edward Norman OSBORN. 

Grave of Private: 1090 Frederick Charles CANTELO 35th Battalion AIF. Mud Corner Cemetery.

Mud Corner Cemetery

Family Information

Frederick Charles was a single 25 year old Miner from West Wallsend, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. Frederick served with his brother, Private: 1089 Roy Melonite CANTELO 35th Battalion AIF. His father William Henry emigrated from Plymouth, England on board the "St Lawrence" on the 3rd March 1877 and arrived New South Wales on the 8th June 1877. William married Sarah Ann Cantelo nee: Osmond on the 31st July 1886 at Manly, New South Wales before they moved to the Newcastle area. 

William Cantelo was the Band Master and Founder of the Cooks Hill Boys School Band. Pictured far right with teachers and band member of the Cooks hill Superior Public School Band. Date Unknown. William was formed and was the Bandmaster for the Dudley Colliery Band, also established a band at Adamstown School and played in the Victoria Theatre orchestra. 

Maree Gleeson: 2023.

This image was scanned from an original glass plate or negative, kindly provided by the Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division.

Newcastle Living Histories.

William and Sarah Cantelo, Golden Wedding Anniversary 31st July 1936.

Obituary Notice. Mr William Cantelo of 16 Jefferson Street, Dudley.

 

Grave of William (1863-1939) and Sarah Cantelo (1867-1955) Sandgate Cemetery

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 02/03/2023-24/03/2024.