15th/16th (Newcastle) Infantry Regiment.

35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Corporal: 721 George Lesby BROWN.

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Born: 1894. New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.

Married: 1922. Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.

Wife: Myra Brown. nee: Sketchley. (1899-1985)

Died: 5th of April 1963. Wyong, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:10580/1963. 

Buried: Sandgate Cemetery, Newcastle, New South Wales.

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Father: George Brown. (1867-1934)

Mother: Mary Brown. nee: James. (1872-12942)

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INFORMATIONGeorge Lesby Brown served with the 16th Infantry Senior Cadets for 4 years prior to his enlistment with C Company 35th Battalion AIF on the 3rd of January 1916 and was an original member of the Battalion and left Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st of May 1916.

Newcastle Living Histories

George with the 35th disembarked at Plymouth England on the 9th July 1916 and were marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. 

16th November 1916.

A MESSAGE To The Men of the Third Australian Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the 21st November 1917 George with the 35th Battalion proceeded overseas for France 

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 defense 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 7th June 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

George was promoted to the rank of Corporal on the 31st December 1917 when Corporal: 884 Amos Theadore REGAN was attached to the Trench Mortar Battery.

4th-5th April 1918

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

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

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

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

 

8th August 1918.

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

(35th Battalion War Diary)

George was Wounded in Action on the 8th August and received a Severe Gun Shot Wound to the Chest and was treated by the 13th Australian Field Ambulance before he was evacuated by Stretcher Bearers to the 61st Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment. The next day he was transferred to the 2nd General Hospital at Boulonge. George was invalided to England on the 17th of August and admitted to Hospital. Upon his discharge he was marched in the the No: 4 Command Depot and embarked from England for Australia on the 18th December 1918. 

George was discharged from the AIF on the 23rd March 1919.

Family Information

George was a single 21 year old Ship Builder from New Lambton upon enlistment.

Myra Brown. nee: Sketchley. (1899-1985)

(Gary Mitchell; Sandgate Cemetery Trust)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 05/06/2006-21/08/2021

 

35th BATTALION A.I.F.

 Private: 359 Randolph McDowell ADAMSON.

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Born: 1897. Uralla, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:26717/1897.

Died: 7th June 1916. Killed in Action Messines Ridge.

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Father: George McDowell Adamson. (18..-1936) Died Wallsend, N.S.W. Death Cert:21104/1936.

Mother: Ann Adamson. nee:.

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INFORMATIONRandolph Adamson enlisted with B Company 35th Battalion AIF on the 15th January 1916 and was an original member of the Battalion and embarked on board H.M.A.T. A24 "BENALLA" with 28 Officers and 991 other ranks. The original 35th Battalion had regimental numbers between 1-1513. Compiling of Headquarters, Machine Gun Section, A Company, B Company, C Company and D Company. Arriving in England in early July, the Battalion spent the next four months in training. It crossed into France in late November,and moved into the trenches of the Western Front for the first time on the 26th of November, just in time for the onset of the terrible winter of 1916-17.

Randolph Adamson is Far LeftMembers of B Coy 35th Bn

(Photo; Phillip Johns. 2011) Randolph is second from the right.

Postcard from Dolph to his mother Ann, circa 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 defense 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 dissaray, 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 7th June 1917. 

Randolph was Killed in Action on the 7th June 1917 at Messines

Memorial Scroll: Private 395 Randolph Adamson

 

Glen Oak Memorial.Family InformationRandolph was a single 19 year old Coach Builder from Glenoak Public School, N.S.W. and loved with his parents at the Public School. He served with the 15 Infantry Militia prior to enlistment.

George McDowell and Ann Adamson were married in 1886 at Lambton, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:6910/1886. and had 6 children. Rebecca M Adamson born 1886 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:31401/1886. Mary A McDowell Adamson born 1888 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:32946/1888. Victor Adamson born 1889 at Uralla, N.S.W. Birth Cert:31502/1889. Thomas Adamson born 1894 at Uralla, N.S.W. Birth Cert:34015/1894.Randolph McDowell Adamson born 1897 at Uralla, N.S.W. Birth Cert:6717/1897. and died during Word War 1.Beulah E Adamson born 1910 at Uralla, N.S.W. Birth Cert:44336/1910.

May, Mary, Victor, Randolph not in uniform Yet

George Adamson Grand Father and My Mother Beulah the Baby

Military Records© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction. 26/04/2011-12/07/2016.

 

35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Lance Sergeant: 2405 Neil Robert SUTHERLAND.

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Born: 1897. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:14725/1897.

Married: 1927. Newcastle, New South wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:1867/1927.

Wife: Gladys Sutherland. nee: Turner.

Died: 1953. Wallsend, New South wales, Australia. Death Cert:12458/1953.

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Father: William Swanson Sutherland.

Mother: Annie Elizabeth Sutherland. nee: Sessions.

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INFORMATION Copy of Notes by Pte Neil R. Sutherland No. 2405 4th Reinfs. 35th Battalion 9th Brigade A.I.F. Enlisted 17th April 1916. Joined camp at West Maitland 1st May 1916. Transferred to Broadmeadow Depot Camp 5th May 1916. Inoculated 9th, 16th and 23rd May. Transferred to Rutherford training camp 4th July 1916. Joined 4th Reinfs 35th Battn. Officers Lieuts. Finlayson & Judd - vaccinated 3 times at Rutherford camp. Final leave 25th September to 29th September 1916. Orders received re embarkation and kit bags despatched 14th October. Left Rutherford camp at 10am 16th October and had final inspection at Moore Park on afternoon of same day. Embarked 17th October 1916 at 6am on P & O Coy’s S.S. Borda No. A30. Departed Sydney at midday 17th October and had fair weather arriving at Melbourne 1pm 19th Oct.1916. Leave granted at night and very enjoyable time spent. Victorian troops taken aboard on 20th - Cyclists, Artillery, Munition makers and also three nurses. Departed Port Melbourne 2pm 20/10/1916. From 20/10/16 to 26/10/16 rough weather - crossing Bight - Lost wristlet watch 24/10/16 - In hospital from 30th Oct. to 2nd Nov. - influenza.

Arrived at Durban 9th Nov. 1916. Leave granted and all had a happy time at this port. Departed from Durban 10th Nov. 1916. Passed “Birkenhead” monument 13th Nov. 1916. Arrived Table Bay 8.30pm 13th Nov. Arrived at Jettys Capetown 5am 14 Nov 1916. “Crook” time at this port - no leave granted - route marched. Departed 5.30am 16/11/16. Crossed Equator line 6am 24/11/16. Very calm & warm. Ordered to Sierra Leone 2pm 26/11/16. Arrived 6pm 26/11/16. Entered Freetown Bay 27th very picturesque scenery. Leave granted 28th Nov - taken ashore in boats & barges. Freetown - quaint town, very few whites, nearly all natives, this part of Africa known as a “white mans grave”, terrible heat and terrible fevers in this part. “General and sympathetic Undertaker” an Adv. Other transports in Bay during our stay - Ulysses, Ascaneus, Port Melbourne, Wilouchra and Tofua also cruisers, Swiftine, Donegal, King Alfred, Highflyer & Auxiliary cruiser Ophir.

Whilst entering Freetown Bay on 28th Nov. transport Port Lincoln ran aground. Previous to arriving here this boat lost a propeller blade. Floated off 30/11/16. The boat was not able to take her troops to England on account of disablement so 450 of them were put on A30. We also took 50 bluejackets on our boat from HMS King Alfred (flagship of No.9 North Atlantic Cruiser Squadron - Admiral Fremantle). These men returning on leave after being on African Station over two years. Departed Sierra Leone 4/12/16. Ordered to return Sierra Leone 1am 8/12/16. Arrived 2pm 11/12/16 - raiders. All vessels had been recalled - HMS Kent arrived 13/12/16. The troopships Ascaneus, Ulysses, Port Melbourne, Wilouchra and Tofua departed 14/12/16 convoyed by Auxiliary cruiser. Two French warships departed 14/12/16. Men volunteered to coal Borda (Admiralty officer Portsea No. 243). Our unit shift from 6 to 9pm 15/12/16 (64). - myself working on landing of Borda. Transports Benalla, Afric, Port Nicholson, Brunilla, Argyleshire and Marathon arrived between 15/12/16 and 19/12/16. Mock funeral 19/12/16 (rabbit). Transports - Brunilla, Argyleshire, Benalla, Afric and Port Nicholson departed 20/12/16.

Very heavy wind and rain storm at night of 20/12/16. Food beginning to get short and bad - native yams & rice to eat. 25/12/16 Xmas Day - very hot. Still at Sierra Leone Breakfast:- curry & rice. Dinner:- Mutton, native spuds and peas. “Anzac” or “Anchor” pudding Tea:- Cold beef - sour pickles. At 10.30am 26th (Boxing Day) we departed from the “Gates of Hades” (Sierra Leone) convoyed with Marathon, Durham Castle & City of Sparta by HMS Kent.

On 29th Dec. 1916 HMS Kent picked up Afric, Benalla, Armidale, Port Nicholson and Argyleshire from Dacca - convoyed as follows. I - Kent Durham Castle, I - Armidale, I - Afric, I - Marathon, I - Argyleshire, I - Port Nicholson, I - City of Sparta, I - Borda, I - Benalla.

Saturday 30th started wearing lifebelts. 1st January - at sea, stew, mutton & bread, bread & butter 2nd Jan - Tapioca (soap) 4th Jan Neutral boat fired on by Kent YMCA Sec C. Bavin; Chaplain Rev. Griffiths; Colonel O.C. troops Col. Hutchison; Commander Capt. Millington Jan. 7 Convoy broke, all made for England independently escorted by destroyers from 5pm. English manned - very rough arrived Plymouth around 4am 9/1/17 (3 months journey) Disembarked and entrained between 1 & 2pm 9/1/17. Arrived Parkhouse Camp 11pm 9/1/17. Had leave from 26/1/17 to 30/1/17 - Birmingham. Transferred from Parkhouse to Larkhill 5/2/17. Joined 9th Training batt. 24/2/17 - Seen “Village Smithys” at Figheldean Review Sir Newton Moore 13/3/17 (15 - 20,000 troops) Left Larkhill 11pm 19/3/17 arrived Folkestone 7am 20/3/17. Departed Folkestone 10am 20/3/17 arrived Boulogne 11.30 am 20/3/17 - in camp Boulogne over night.

George Curran on same draft. Left Boulogne & arrived at Base Etaples 21/3/17. Leave to Etaples 28/3/17 - Training at Bullring. Left Etaples for front line Sunday 8/4/17 (Easter) arrived Steenwerck and marched to Armentieres 2am 9/4/17 (first sight of war). Left Armentieres and marched to Bailleu (10 miles) entrained for St. Omer and marched to village 4 miles and billeted in stables overnight. Marched next day to village Haut Loquin 14 miles (fullpack) trained on hills 5 miles from here for advance. Returned to line. Started Haut Loquin 25/4/17 marched to Arquis via St. Omer. Billeted in barn 26/4/17 marched to Sovereign via Hazebrouck 27/4/17 marched to rest camp Steenwerck. 28/4/17 Gas sent over by British. 29/4/17 Left Steenwerck 5am for trenches arrived at 9am - posted station redoubt La Bizet sector.

30/4/17 Artillery strafe 4am to 5.30am Stand-to in case of Fritz attack 9.30am Aerial fight 1-1 Fritz brought down in flames. 1/5/17 Fritz plane brought down 2/5/17 Still great aerial activity. went to front line 5/5/17 under heavy strafe 8.10pm to 10.20pm 7/5/17 activity on front all night 12/5/17 (20)Pont-de-Dieppe 20/5/17 Close support billets Ploegsteert Wood 25/5/17 Edgar Smith killed R.E. Ploegsteert buried near main road also Geo. Williams (died wounds) 29/5/17 Went to front line great activity - many casualties 2/6/17 Relieved by 11th Brigade billeted in Dieppe 4/6/17 about 3am Gas (shells) 6/6/17 Left billets 9.30pm for assembly trench. On way up gas mask worn through woods. 7/6/17 Mines exploded 10 secs before 3.10am. Over the bags at 3.10am 600 us. Hell let loose - great battle No.3 & 4th Div take Messines 6pm - out of action - debility (blown up by shell) Sent to clearing station thence on train at Bailleu to Etaples.

Admitted to No.7 Canadian Gen. Hospital ward 34. 8/6/17 Discharged from Hospital and sent to No.6 Convalescent Camp for treatment D A H. 29/6/17 transferred to No.5 Con. Depot Cayeux. 4/8/17 Transferred from Cayeux to No. 11 depot Buchy 9/8/17 Left Buchy & arrived Bax 4/10/17 Left Bax for line via Rouen 11/10/17 Arrived D.R.S.Morbecter? 13/10/17 Departed & arrived at Battalion 22/10/17 Near Lumbres. Left for trenches 9/11/17 Arrived at Delou & departed 12/11/17 arriving at Pont-de-Nieppe and taking over trenches in Le Tougpiet 14/11/17 8 days in - 8 days in billets & same again. Promoted to rank of Cpl then L/Sgt during this time. After having a few days spell returned to trenches Square Farm on 19/12/17.

Xmas in trenches. Beautiful scene at night snow falling heavily. Houplines until 1st Jan 1918, thence to Merris. Left Merris end of Jan for Kortysyp Camp near Neuve Eglise. Had Blighty leave from 5th to 19th February - Brum & Ilford - Three air raids whilst at latter place 16, 17, 18. Left Kortysyp 23rd Feb and went to Catacombs Hill 63 & Ploegsteert Wood. Left here and went back to Henneveaux near Boulogne for spell. March 21st Hun advance. March 22nd left Henneveaux for Watou near Poperinghe arriving 23rd Left 24th and went to Steenwerck near Hazebrouck. From here to a place 16 kilos from Doullens. Bus journey to Vaux on river Somme. From Vaux march to line at Warfusee & Marcelcave. Coy. relaxed on night of 3rd. Fritz attacked Bat. heavily and advance on Villers- Bretonneux on 4th April. Great counter attack by our Coy. on evening of 4th - succeeded in driving Hun back 1000 yds, Minto, Mick and Warren killed.

Relieved by 2nd Div. on morning of 6th. Aerodrome & Villiers-Bretonneux. Took ill with trench fever on 8th arrived at No.5 Rouen (via Amiens) on 12th. Left Rouen 19th arrived Blighty & Norfolk War Hospital near Norwich on 20/4/18. Left Norwich & arrived Harefield rail 2/5/18. Arrived No.3 Hurdcott 4/5/18. Furlough on 9th/5/18 - 23/5/18 London & Birmingham. Left Hurdcott and went to O.J.B. Warminster on 8/6/18. 5 days leave from 24 - 29th June. Left England on 3rd July for France. Folkestone - Boulogne - Havre. Rejoined unit 14/7/18 in line near Vaux, Somme August 8th Accroche Wood.

Met Jimmy. Relieved Yanks 19th via Etingham. Hopped at Bray 22nd. Curlu 28th Hindenburg Line 28th Sept Jimmy killed 18/9/18 with 3rd Batt Havricourt Spell at Marellesart. Arrived at Feuquieres on 9/12/18. Xmas here - Grand time Beaucamp - New Year 3/1/19 Jim Daley’s funeral. Corporal: 1108 James Patrick DALEY (Committed Suicide)

 Dear Billy and Vera,

Still going strong on the “rough” side of the globe. What price this photo. I had it taken in Birmingham. I look as if I have had a “big time” or have been disappointed by a lady friend. That is not the case I was just as happy as usual only the camera made me look nice with a sad expression. Well people things are lively here just at present but it all points toward the end. It may come this year it may come next. Will, do you remember Francis Joseph De VERE. of Newcastle. He is a Lieut. here and wishes to be remembered to you. I often see “Doctor” (late of Brewery) kicking around this part.

Au Revoir & Best Wishes

Yours Neil

ps. “Happy”. I just had a letter from one of my “Blighty” girls (Mums’ the word Bill)

 Neil in the Trenches, 1916.              "Militia Uniform" Circa 1912-1913. 16th Infantry. 18/02/1916 Postcard from Larks Hill to his mother.Battalion Ruby, 3/11/1918 Transport Section beat D Company 18-Nil. 4/11/1918 H.Q Coy beat D Coy 1-Nil. 12/11/1918 A Coy beat D Coy 6-3. 21/11/1918 C Coy drew 3 all with D Coy. Transport Section beat H.Q. Coy 11-3 to win the Battalion Championship at MERELESSART Nov 1918.

25.11.18. Kindest regards from your “Little” Brother Neil. ‘D’ Company 35th Bn Rugby Football team France. Just Players. Rough but honest.

Postcard from Neil Robert Sutherland (L/Sgt No. 2405 35th Battalion 1st AIF) to his brother William Alexander Sutherland. Photograph for postcard taken on 25 November 1918 (11 days after the armistice). The photo is of the ‘D’ company rugby team. Neil is in the front row, far left.

Family InformationRobert was a 19 year old Clerk from 90 Laman Street, Cookshill, Newcastle, N.S.W. upon enlistment. His parents William and Annie Sutherland were married in 1887 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:6313/1887 and had 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. Emma S Sullivan born 1888 at Newcastle, N.S.W Birth Cert:30850/1888. Nellie Maud Sutherland born 1890 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:24137/1890 and died in 1970 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:80129/1970. William Alexander Sutherland born 1893 at Wallsend, N.S.W. Birth Cert:36403/1893. Edith M Sutherland born 1895 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:15146/1895. Neil Robert Sutherland born 1897 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:14725/1897 and died in 1953 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert: 12458/1953. Allan John Sutherland born 1898 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert: 32950/1898 and died in 1964 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:18383/1964.

Robert was a brethren of the Masonic Lodge.

School photograph circa 1901. Neil Robert Sutherland in in the second row, third from left.Photo of Neil Robert Sutherland, with his brothers, William (centre), Alan (right). Circa 1905. William was a sapper in the 1st Field Company of Engineers at the Gallipoli Landing. He survived and was demobbed due to illness (Rheumatic fever). Sapper: 40 William Alexander SUTHERLAND.

(Contacted by the Grandson of Neil Sutherland, John Maughan of Wollongong, N.S.W. on the 23/09/2004 who supplied family photos and information)

(Id Tag and 35th Flag, John Sutherland. Grandson. 2022.

Military RecordsAustralian National Archives

Under Construction; 24/09/2008-05/07/2014.

 

35th BATTALION A.I.F.

 2nd Lieutenant: 526 Robert Donaldson PERRAU.

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Born: 21st September 1895. Cooks Hill via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert: 

Died: 11th June 1917. Killed in Action Messines Ridge, Belgium.

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Father: William Rowland Perrau.

Mother: Edith Marion Perrau. nee: .

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INFORMATIONRobert Donaldson Perrau served with the 16th Infantry for 3 years as a Senior Cadet and 1 year as a Lieutenant before his enlistment with B Company 35th Battalion AIF on the 3rd January 1916 with the rank of Company Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 2 and was an original member of the Battalion. He embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st May 1916. 

12th November 1917.

Informant: Private: 1452 George SLADE. I knew 2nd Lieutenant: 526 Robert Donaldson PERRAU. He War Dark. He came from Hamilton I think. He had been C.S.M. of B Company. He was killed at Messines about June 11th by concussion in the new front line just after we had taken it. The Officer Commanding Captain: William Vere Jardine BLAKE. (now Major) sent word down by a runner to get him down to be buried at the back of the line in Ploegsteert Wood Cemetery, but I do not know if he was got down. The shelling was very heavy just there. We held the ground. I didn't see him killed. The runner said he was killed outright.

Australian Camp Roulles.

December 1917.

Informant; Captain: William Vere Jardine BLAKE Commanding Officer B Company 35th Battalion AIF. "This Officer 2nd Lieutenant: 526 Robert Donaldson PERRAU. was attached to my Command during the battle of MESSINES and was killed by shell fire in the front line trenches in front of Ultimo Crater (in front of St IVES) on 11.6.17. I can state definitely that he was later buried in, as far as I can remember, a small cemetery in the vicinity of PLOEGSTEERT WOOD. The place of burial I am not certain but the burial was carried out, I believe by Chaplain Chaplain 3rd Class: John Edward Norman OSBORN. (Anglican) who was at the time attached to the 35th Battalion, and whom I last heard of as being attached to No: 2 Command Depot, Weymouth. This Officer kept a record of all burials and no doubt could give you detailed information in this case.

Major: BLAKE 2nd Training Brigade. A.I.F. (Late O.C. "B" Company 35th Bn AIF)

10th April 1918.

Informant; Sergeant: 12070 Frederick STURCH. B Company 35th Battalion. After the attack on MESSINES we were holding a rough line of trenches in front of Warneton between 2 and 5 a.m on 12.6.17. A large explosive shell landed in the left bombing bay and killed five men including Private: 2079 Edmund Reid HELLYER. Informant was 7th Platoon Sergeant. 2nd Lieutenant: 256 Robert Donaldson PERRAU Officer in Command of the Platoon, was killed, so Informant then took charge of the Platoon, examined the bodies including Hellyer's and took his personal belongings and sent them back to Battalion Headquarters. Hellyer was killed instantly and could not have felt anything. He was buried in or near Ploegsteert Wood. He was a good comrade, and a plucky soldier.

Sydney Bureau. Home address: "Natal" Roberts Street, Camperdown.

10th April 1918.

Informant: Sergeant:12070 Frederick STURCH. After the attack on Messines we were holding a line of rough trenches in front of Warneton between 2:00 and 5:00 am on 12.6.17. A large explosive shell landed in left bombing bay and killed five men including Private:2176 James William LOWE (Informant was 7 Platoon Sergeant) 2nd Lieutenant: 526 Robert Donaldson PERRAU Officer in Command of the Platoon was killed, so Informant then took charge of the Platoon, examined the bodies including LOWE'S and took his belongings and sent them back to Battalion Headquarters. LOWE was killed instantly and could not have felt anything. He was buried in or near Ploegsteert Wood. He was a good comrade and a plucky soldier.

Sydney Bureau. Home address: "Natal" Roberts Street, Camperdown.

MESSINES WAR MEMORIAL, 35th BattalionCorporal: 2600 George Smith HOLLIDAY.

Robert was killed in action on the 11th June 1917 at Messines Ridge, Belgium and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Menin Gate War Memorial

Menin Gate War Memorial

Family InformationRobert was a single 21 year old Assistant Surveyor from Hamilton via Newcastle, N.S.W. upon enlistment. Brother William Maurice Perrau died 1965 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:30495/1965. On the 5th August 1912 Robert was appointed to the Lands Department. On the 15th August 1915 Robert was appointed as a Clerk with the Lands Department at Maitland, N.S.W.

Military RecordsAustralian National Archives

Under Construction; 15/05/2013-04/12/2020.

 

35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Captain: 1167 Richard Valentine LATHLEAN. M.C. & Bar.

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Born: 1894. Adamstown, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:3276/1894.

Died: 20th February 1979. New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:101364/1979.

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Father: Richard Valentine Lathlean. (1848-1907)

Mother: Sarah Elizabeth Lathlean. nee: Davies. (1854-1934)

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INFORMATIONRichard Valentine Lathlean enlisted with the 35th Battalion AIF on the 10th January 1916 with the rank of Sergeant. He went into camp at Broadmeadow via Newcastle. Richard served with the 16th Infantry Senior Cadet prior to his enlistment with the AIF.

Private: 1430 Albert JONES enlisted with Headquarter Company, 35th Battalion AIF on the 12th December 1915 and was Charged with being Absent With Out Leave from the 9:00 am and 2:00 pm 2nd February 1916, Parade at the Broadmeadow Army Camp. Witness  Sergeant: 1167 Richard Valentine LATHLEAN and he was fined 2/6 and forfeited 1 Days Pay.

Richard embarked from Sydney with the 35th Battalion AIF onboard HMAT A24 "Benalla" for England on the 1st May 1916 with 28 Officers and 991 other ranks and disembarked at Plymouth England on the 9th July 1916. the Battalion was entrained to the Durrington Army Camp at Larkhill where they went into training for the next 4 months. On the 21st November the 35th Battalion proceeded overseas for France via Southampton. Richard was marched out to the line and promoted in the field to 2nd Lieutenant on the 17th 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 defense 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 9:00 am 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 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

Richard was Wounded in Action on the 9th June during this action at Messines and was treated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance when he was Gassed and was evacuated by Ambulance Train to Le Touquet.

 

Upon his return to his Battalion Richard was promoted to Lieutenant on the 25th of June 1917 and was detached to Base Depot at Roulles before he was sent to 3rd Divisional Headquarters at Harve on the 7th of September and after a number of months in the line sent to the No:2 training school on the 23rd March 1918 and after rejoining his unit he was sent to the Lewis Gun School from the 14th to the 25th June 1918.

 

8th August 1918.

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

(35th Battalion War Diary)

MILITARY CROSSLt. Richard Valentine Lathlean, 35th Bn. Aust. A.I.F. "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the attack at Cerlu on 28th August, 1918. He commanded the support company, and over exceptionally difficult country kept them close up to the assault troops. Later, during the exploitation, he displayed fine leadership in establishing posts and seizing ground in the face of determined opposition and heavy fire. He showed great daring in filling a gap on two occasions".

(Supplement to the Edinburgh Gazette: 7th November, 1918.)

Richard was granted leave to England after the action at Cerlu and proceeded overseas for England on the 18th of September 1918. Whilst on leave he was promoted to the rank of Temporary Captain on the 23rd of September and returned to France where he re joined his Company on the 4th of October 1918.

October 1918.

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

O.C. C Company 35th Battalion AIF.

Richard was awarded Bar to his Military Cross on the 18th of November 1918 and returned to England on the 27th March 1919 and returned to Australia onboard HMAT A30 "Borda" on the 11th May and on the 12th August 1919 his appointment with the AIF was terminated.

Family InformationRichard was a single 21 year old Labourer from Newcastle, New South Wales upon enlistment. His parents Richard and Sarah Lathlean were married in 1875 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:3402/1875 and had 13 children. Sarah Elizabeth D Lathlean born 1877 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:17260/1887. William John Lathlean born 1879 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:19935/1879 and died 1879 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:7693/1879. Priscilla Lathlean born 1880 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:20575/1880. Lilly M Lathlean born 1882 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:25681/1882. Annie C Lathlean born 1884 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:29424/1884. Catherine Elizabeth Lathlean born 1886 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:31210/1886. Emily G Lathlean Died at birth 1887 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:12023/1887. Jane Lathlean born 1888 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:32925/1888. Harriet Lathlean born 1890 at Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:18153/1890 and died 1893 at Lambton, N.S.W. Death Cert:7774/1893. Vera Lathlean Died at birth 1893 at Lambton, N.S.W. Death Cert:7772/1893. Richard Valentine Lathlean born 1894 at Adamstown, N.S.W. Birth Cert:3276/1894. and died 1979 N.S.W. Death Cert:101364/1979. Ada Lathlean born 1896 at Adamstown, N.S.W. Birth Cert:10103/1896. John W Lathlean born 1900 at New Lambton, N.S.W. Birth Cert:13614/1900 and died 1900 at New Lambton, N.S.W. Death Cert:9288/1900.

 

Military Records

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Under Construction; 12/10/2007-01/12/2020.

 

35th BATTALION - 36th BATTALION A.I.F.

Major: Brent Burnell RODD.

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Born: 24th March 1879. North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:7644/1879.

Married: 1906. Glebe, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:1263/1906.

Wife: Lillian May Rodd. nee: Lord. (1879-1945)

Died: 22nd May 1976. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert: 103162/1976.

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Father: Clements Tremayne Rodd. (1843-1927)

Mother: Sarah Jane Rodd. nee: Robertson. (1850-1940)

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INFORMATIONBrent Burnell Rodd served with the 15th Infantry prior to his enlistment with D Company 35th Battalion AIF on the 7th of March 1916 and was an original member of the Battalion and left Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st of May 1916.

HMAT A24 "Benalla"35th Battalion AIF OfficersOfficers, 36th Battalion. Meteren, France. 24th January 1918. Major: Brent Burnell RODD, Front Row, 2nd from left. Lieutenant: 1 Harold James COLE. (Middle Row, 5th from left.)

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 3.30am. At 5.30am the fire thickened to heavy and general shelling, counter battle work and harassing fire suggestive of preparations for an attack. Just before 6.00am 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: J LANG and 8 other ranks were wounded.

At 9:00am 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. centrel (South of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX) for defence of the village. Moved at 11.55am and arrived at position of readiness without casualty despite general shelling of the area crossed. Lieutenant: 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 RAOD, with "A" and "B" Companies just below the crest, "C" Company in close support, and "D" Company in reserve.

At 1.45pm the C.O. and Adjudant reported to the C.O. 35th Battalion, at VILLERS-BRETONNEUX the village was being heavily bombarded. At 2.30pm the Adjutant returned with the preliminary instructions to the 2nd in Command and the C.O. awaiting developments. At 4.45pm 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 centre, 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

Returned to Australia on the 31st of July 1919.

Family InformationBrent was a married 37 year old Insurance Manager from 8 Terrace Street, Newcastle, N.S.W upon enlistment and was a member of the Newcastle Club. Brent's parents, Clements and Sarah Rodd were married in 1874 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:3376/1874. They had at least 6 children. Tremayne Robertson Rodd born 1875 North Sydney, N.S.W. Birth Cert:6049/1875. Brisbane Clements Foxton Rodd born 1877 at North Sydney, N.S.W. Birth Cert:6610/1877 and died in 1944. Brent Burnell Rodd born 1879 at North Sydney, N.S.W. Birth Cert:7644/1879 and died in 1976, N.S.W. Death Cert:103162/1976 and was Buried at the Beresfield Crematorium, N.S.W. Barnstaple Walter Drummoyne Rodd was born in 1884 at Canterbury, N.S.W. Birth Cert:5623/1884. Clements Rodd born 1889 at Five Dock, N.S.W. Birth Cert:6151/1889. Ella Janet Rodd died in 1967, N.S.W. Death Cert:22150/1967. (No Birth Record?)

Military RecordsAustralian National Archives

Under Construction; 16/12/2007-16/12/2020.

 

35th BATTALION A.I.F.

 Major: Hugh John CONNELL. D.S.O.  M.C @ Bar. M.I.D

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Born: 12th June 1884. Paddington, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:9161/1884.

Married: 28th December 1911. Broken Hill, New South wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:999/1911.

Wife: Mary Elizabeth Connell. nee: Woods.

Died: 31st January 1934. Merewether, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:1082/1934.

Buried: Sandgate Cemetery (Methodist Section), Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

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Father: Hugh Connell.

Mother: Jessie Connell. nee: Blumer.

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INFORMATIONHugh John Connell served with the 16th Infantry prior when he received his Commission in 1912 whilst he was a School Teacher from Hamilton West. Hugh enlisted with C Company 35th Battalion on the 31st of March 1916 with the rank of Captain. He left Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st of May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth, England on the 9th of July. Hugh went to Larks Hill and proceeded overseas on the 21st of November. He was Wounded in Action on the 27th of July 1917 receiving a Severe Gun-Sot Wound to his Back and Abdomen and was evacuated back to England to the 3rd London General Hospital.

Whist in England Hugh was Awarded to Military Cross on the 28th of August 1917.

MILITARY CROSS Captain: Hugh John CONNELL 35th Bn AIF.

At St-Yves during the offensive on the 7th to the 12th of June 1917, this Officer showed to be a good leader and a very efficient Officer. His work throughout was above praise. His fine leadership, thoroughness and continuous exhibition of personal courage was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. This Officer during a reconnaissance of assembly trenches on x night showed great coolness and determination in carrying out the work, and his was the one of three parties that succeeded in getting through. On previous occasions this Officer has been noteworthy for his meritorious work.

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 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.

Captain: Hugh John CONNELL. 

He returned to France on the 15th of September 1917 and was Taken on Strength with the 35th Battalion and served with distinction being Mentioned in Dispatches by General Haig.

MENTIONED IN DISPATCHESCaptain: Hugh John CONNELL MC. 35th Bn AIF.

For conspicuous able and gallant service during the operations on the SOMME from March to September 1918.

Hugh was promoted to Temporary Major on the 3rd of May 1918 and to Major on the 15th of June and was Awarded a Bar to his Military Cross on the 30th of July 1918.

Bar to MILITARY CROSSCaptain: Hugh John CONNELL, MC 35th Bn AIF.

For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty during the attack on VILLERS-BRETONNEUX on the 4th of April 1918. Captain CONNELL acted in capacity of Staff Officer to C.C. Troops in VILLERS-BRETONNEUX and rendered invaluable service. On several occasions when the position became obscure owing to the pressing back of our flank he personally reconnoitred the ground and cleared up the position.

He was responsible for the moving up of the 33rd Battalion Companies on our left flank and greatly improved the position. In the later attack by the enemy the same afternoon the troops on our right flank fell back, and for a time the position was very critical. Captain CONNELL gathered up what stragglers he could find, and with these denied the enemy entrance to the Eastern side of the town until counter attack could be launched.

His resolution courage and determination were a magnificent example to the troops, and were responsible to a large degree for the successful defence of the town.(Awarded to Military Cross 30-06-1918).

Hugh was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross @ Bar and was Mentioned in Dispatches

MENTIONED IN DISPATCHESCaptain (Temp Major): Hugh John CONNELL MC & Bar. 35th Bn AIF.

During attack on enemy position near MORLANCOURT on the night of 5-6th May 1918, this Officer commanded the left flank troops consisting of 1 & a half Companies. The flank met with stubborn resistance and presented many difficulties. Major CONNELL displayed leadership and courage of a high order. His Command captured almost 100 prisoners.

THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDERMajor: Hugh John CONNELL, MC & Bar. 35th Bn AIF.

For sustained, conspicuous good service. This Officer has distinguished himself by his courage, endurance and fine devotion to duty. His service constitutes a record of continuous acts of courage, strenuous work, devotion to the welfare of his men and the capacity to get the best from them.

During operations 8th to 31st of August 1918 at ACCROCHE WOOD, BRAY and CLERY, his work was meritorious to a high degree and had an important bearing upon the success attained by his Battalion.

Parliamentary ServiceMember of the N.S.W. Legislative Assembly; 20th March 1920 - 31st January 1934. Leslie served 13 years 10 months and 12 days. Member for Newcastle; 20th March 1920 - 17th February 1922. 25th March 1922 - 18th April 1925. 30th May 1925 - 7th September 1925. Member for Kahibah; 8th October 1927 - 8th September 1930. Member for Hamilton; 25th October 1930 - 18th May 1932. 11th June 1932 - 31st January 1934. Chairman of Committees; 26th November 1930 - 18th May 1932.

Leslie James Morshead was a member of the Australian Labour Party (ALP). Representative of Newcastle District Assembly in 1915.

Qualifications, Occupations and Interests.Hugh was a School Teacher from Hamilton. He was educated at Paddington Public School and Fort Street High School, and Teachers Training College. He was a teacher with the Department of Education in Sydney from 1905 until 1905. Teaching at Golgolong and Tarcoon from 1905 until 1908. From 1908 until 1910 at Alma and Broken Hill. Hugh transferred to Goulburn following public statements condemning mine owners 1909 lockout at Howell, Wickham and Burwood from 1910 until 1915.

Hugh returned to teaching at Carrington from 1919 until 1920. He was a foundation member of Parents and Citizens Association, a member of the Teachers Federation until ineligible in 1920. He was als a member of the Australian Industrial Christian Fellowship Council in 1923.

CONNELL, HUGH JOHN (1884-1934), soldier, teacher and politician, was born on 12 June 1884 at Woollahra, Sydney, son of Hugh Connell, iron moulder, and his wife Jessie, née Blumer. Educated at Woollahra and Paddington Public schools, he later joined the New South Wales Department of Public Instruction and in 1905 was posted to two half-time schools at Gongolgon and Tarcoon. He married Mary Elizabeth Woods at Broken Hill Baptist Church on 28 December 1910. Always interested in things military, Connell was commissioned in the Australian Military Forces in 1912 and on the outbreak of World War I, when he was teaching at Burwood, was called up for home service with the 16th Infantry Battalion.

After serving on the instructional staff in various Australian Imperial Force camps, Connell enlisted for overseas service on 8 March 1916 as a lieutenant in the 35th Battalion. He was promoted captain on 1 May, the day he embarked for England, and underwent a period of training on Salisbury Plain before his unit moved into the Armentières-Houplines sector, France, in November. Connell was given Command of 'C' Company which he was to lead through most of its active service. In June 1917 the 35th Battalion took part in the battle of Messines and Connell was awarded the Military Cross for fine leadership, thoroughness and personal courage: during a reconnaissance of the assembly trenches on battle eve he showed 'great coolness and determination' and his was the only successful one of three parties. He was wounded in action on 17 July and resumed duty in September in the Zonnebeke sector. In October his battalion fought at Passchendaele, then in the winter of 1917-18 served in the Ploegsteert area.

After the great German offensive of March 1918 the 35th Battalion (part of the 9th Brigade) was rushed from Flanders in anticipation of an enemy thrust towards Amiens; it was in these critical days, while he was acting as staff officer to Lieutenant Colonel, Henry Arthur GODDARD.C.M.G.  D.S.O., that Connell's gallantry and devotion to duty were most evident. For his exemplary courage and determination during the German assault of 4 April he was awarded a Bar to his Military Cross. For further gallantry in this period he was promoted major in June and awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He later took part in operations at Morlancourt, Bray-sur-Somme and Curlu but was evacuated to England in September because of injuries received when his horse fell on him during a reconnaissance. In addition to his decorations he was also twice mentioned in dispatches.

Connell returned to Australia in May 1919. He had joined the Labor Party before the war, and in 1909 had been rebuked by the Department of Public Instruction for his public activity at Broken Hill. He resigned from the department on 29 March 1920. That month he headed the poll for Labor in the five-member seat for Newcastle in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly; he held his seat until 1927 when single-member electorates were restored. Member for Kahibah until 1930, from then on he represented Hamilton until his death. In 1930-32 he was deputy Speaker and chairman of committees during the last Jack Lang government. He made a name for himself as a quick thinker, a keen debater and a hater of hypocrisy. Though a strong disciplinarian in parliament, he never allowed his strongly held views to disturb his friendships with those of different persuasions.

Survived by his wife and daughter, Connell died of heart disease on 31 January 1934 and was buried in Sandgate Methodist cemetery. His estate was sworn for probate at £1398.

(State Library of New south Wales)

Select Bibliography

C. E. W. Bean, The Australian Imperial Force in France, 1917-18 (Syd, 1933, 1937, 1942); London Gazette, 25 Aug, 25 Dec 1917, 26 July, 31 Dec 1918, 1 Jan 1919; Reveille (Sydney), Mar 1934, Sept 1937; Sydney Morning Herald, 29 May 1925, 20 Oct, 4 Nov 1930, 1 Feb, 30 June 1934; Dept of Education, New South Wales, records (Sydney), and records of service in two world wars, T. A. White ed (Australian War Memorial); War diary, 35th Battalion, AIF (Australian War Memorial).

Family InformationHugh and Jessie Connell had 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls. Hugh John Connell born 1884 at Paddington, N.S.W. Birth Cert:9161/1884 and married Mary E Woods in 1911 at Broken Hill, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:999/1911 and died in 1934 at Merewether, N.S.W. Death Cert:1082/1934. Kate S Connell born 1886 at Waverly, N.S.W. Birth Cert:10335/1886. Henry G Connell born 1888 at Waverly, N.S.W. Birth Cert:10856/1888 and died in 1890 at Waverly, N.S.W. Death Cert: 13597/1890 (aged 2 years) Jessis E Connell born 1890 at Newtown, N.S.W. Birth Cert:25970/ 1890. Maggie Florence Connell born 1893 at at St Peters, N.S.W. Birth Cert:33902/1893 and died in 1954 at Bondi, N.S.W. Death Cert:1052/1954. Arthur C Connell born 1895 at Waverly, N.S.W. Birth Cert:28105/1895and married Muriel G McEvoy in 1912 at Bathurst, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:5052/1912. Oswald Herbert Connell born 1898 at Waverly, N.S.W. Birth Cert:26749/1898 and died in 1973 at Hornsby, N.S.W. Death Cert:67167/1973.

Hugh was the son of an Ironmoulder. Hugh and Mary Connell had 2 daughters. Mary and Molly Connell

Grave of Hugh Connell at Sandgate Cemetery

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