"I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me"
WADDINGHAM, Francis Henry
Regimental No. 1152
28th Battalion, A Company Francis Waddingham was the son of William & Ellen Waddingham of Balingup, Western Australia and was born in Bunbury of that State. Prior to his enlistment, he was a member of the Machine Gun Section of the 25th Light Horse under the command of Major L.H. Nicholas. A farmer of Balingup, he enlisted on the 7th May 1915 at Bunbury, Western Australia aged 20 years. |
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His rank on enlistment was a private and a bugler but he quickly went up the ranks.
He was on one of these ships that left from Fremantle, 30 Officers and 982 Other Ranks embarked at Fremantle on HMAT A11 'Ascanius' on 29 June 1915; 12 others embarked at Fremantle on HMAT A36 'Thirty-Six' on 12 July 1916. From Embarkation Records it is not possible to distinguish the latter 12.
Francis was present at the evacuation of Gallipoli, as a Sergeant of the Machine gun section he was left to cover the last parties to embark. Wounded twice, he was given the opportunity to take leave, he refused preferring to stay with his men. After the evacuation of Gallipoli, he was sent to France and was Commissioned on the 13 December 1916 as a 2nd-Lieutenant of the 7th Brigade Machine Gun Company. On the 10 March 1917, he received a gun shot wound to the head and died the same day at the 3rd Casualty Clearing Station, France.
He is buried at the Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot VI, Row C, Grave 25), France.
Courtesy of Joy Dalgleish
Source - Australia's Fighting Sons Of The Empire.
He was on one of these ships that left from Fremantle, 30 Officers and 982 Other Ranks embarked at Fremantle on HMAT A11 'Ascanius' on 29 June 1915; 12 others embarked at Fremantle on HMAT A36 'Thirty-Six' on 12 July 1916. From Embarkation Records it is not possible to distinguish the latter 12.
Francis was present at the evacuation of Gallipoli, as a Sergeant of the Machine gun section he was left to cover the last parties to embark. Wounded twice, he was given the opportunity to take leave, he refused preferring to stay with his men. After the evacuation of Gallipoli, he was sent to France and was Commissioned on the 13 December 1916 as a 2nd-Lieutenant of the 7th Brigade Machine Gun Company. On the 10 March 1917, he received a gun shot wound to the head and died the same day at the 3rd Casualty Clearing Station, France.
He is buried at the Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot VI, Row C, Grave 25), France.
Courtesy of Joy Dalgleish
Source - Australia's Fighting Sons Of The Empire.
WAKELY, Alex Charles
Service no 7554
Private 11th Battalion Studio portrait of 7554 Private (Pte) Alex Charles Wakely, 11th Battalion of Kwobrup, East Katanning, WA. Born in East Dulwich, London, Wakely emigrated to Australia in 1911 at the age of 19 to work as a farmer. He enlisted on 23 October 1916 and embarked from Fremantle aboard HMAT Borda (A30) on 29 June 1917. He was killed in action on 8 June 1918 at the attack on Mont de Mervis, aged 25. Pte Wakely was engaged to Miss Elsie Maley of Subiaco, WA, and left his estate to her in his will. Miss Maley never married. www.awm.gov.au P07324.001 |
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WALKER, John
Service no 992
Private 12th Battalion 3rd Brigade Born in Airdrie Scotland on 7 May 1892 Son of Robert and Chistina Walker. Enlisted on 10 september 1914 at Black Boy Hill, West Australia Occupation prior to enlistment Labourer Embarked from Fremantle in 1914 aboard the Medic. In first Gallipoli landing and then survived the rest in the French trenches. Wounded in action at the Dardanelles 06 May 1915 Married in 1916 at Glasgow to Jessie Gray Returned to Australia 25 November 1918 per 'Port Sydney' Returned to W.A. to farm land at Wickepin but later move to Bunbury W.A. as a Lumper on the Bunbury wharves. Died in Bunbury on 22 January 1972 due to severe arthritis due to war wounds and French trenches. Courtesy of Ross Spencer |
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WALKER, John Stuart Dight
Captain
11th Battalion Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) John Stuart Dight (Stuart) Walker MC, 11th Battalion. He was born in Birkenhead, England, he was the son of a Presbyterian minister, John Walker of Bendigo, Vic., who enlisted as a chaplain in the AIF; Capt Walker's four brothers and a sister also enlisted with British and Australian forces, and two of his brothers were killed in action. Before enlisting on 12 April 1915, Capt Walker was manager of a mine near Meekatharra, WA, and had played rugby for Sydney University; he embarked from Fremantle as a Second Lieutenant on HMAT Ulysses on 2 November 1915 with the 11th Reinforcements. He was awarded the Military Cross on 22 September 1916 for his actions at Pozieres from 20 to 25 July 1916, when he gave a 'cool and excellent example' of conduct under fire, including assisting wounded men and directing fire. He was killed in action on 21 July 1918 at the age of 33. www.awm.gov.au P07189.005 |
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WALKER, Percival George (seated right)
Service no 4366
Sergeant 2nd Pioneer Battalion Portrait of four Australian soldiers of the 12th Reinforcements, 16th Battalion, outside the Orderly Tent. Seated right is 4366 Sergeant (Sgt) Percival George Walker, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, from Kalgoorlie, WA (born in the Dutch West Indies and educated outside Australia). Sgt Walker died of sickness on 3 November 1918 and is buried in Plymouth (Efford) Cemetery, Devon, United Kingdom. www.awm.gov.au P03435.003 |
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WALKER, Richard George
Service no 3370
Private 44th Battalion Born 22 March 1880 at Flemington, Vic. Son of Richard John and Mary WALKER Occupation prior to enlistment Labourer Resided Wagin, WA Enlisted 22 February 1917 at Kantanning, WA Served in France Returned to Australia 23 July 1919 per 'Suevic' Courtesy of Kerry Armstrong |
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WALLACE, Clarence William
Service no 180
Private 3rd Field Ambulance Born South Melbourne, Victoria Son of Mr. A. E. and Mrs. 0. Wallace, 14 Monger-street, Perth Occupation prior to enlistment Contractor Enlisted 3rd September 1914 at Balckboy Hill, WA He was in action at Gallpioli, and after the evacuation he went to England and then on to France, where he was in action until August 1917, when he was sent to hospital in England, suffering from the effects of gas. Returned to Australia on the 23rd December, 1917 aboard "Themistocles". |
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WALLACE, Walter Charles
Service no 3236
Private 48th Battalion Studio portrait of 3236 Private (Pte) Walter Charles Wallace, 48th Battalion, of West Guilford, WA. A letter carrier before enlisting in October 1916, Pte Wallace left Australia for England with the 8th Reinforcements in February 1917, and arrived in France for service on the Western Front in July 1917. Pte Wallace spent two days with the battalion before he was wounded in the head by German shell fragments whilst on a wiring party at Hill 63 at Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium, on 11 July 1917. He was taken to the 13th Australian Field Hospital where he died three hours later, age 22. www.awm.gov.au P07257.001 |
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WALTER, B G
Sergeant
11th Battalion Enlisted August 1914 Served in Egypt and on Gallipoli Wounded Returned to Australia Returned to Bank duty 1st May 1918 National Bank of Australasia Record of War Service of Bank and Staff 1914-1918 |
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WALTERS, George Robert Stewart
Lieutenant
11th Battalion Born Fitzroy, Vic. Son of Mary Alicve STEWART Of 35 Charles Street, Kalgoorlie, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Clerk Enlisted 14 November 1914 at Blackboy Hill, WA Served in Gallipoli and France Killed in action 22-25 July 1916 in France Buried Courcelette British Cemetery IV D 24 Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WARD, William Binney
Service no 2839
Private 28th Battalion Studio portrait of 2839 Private (Pte) William Binney Ward, 28th Battalion, of Ballaying, WA. A farmer before enlisting in August 1915, Pte Ward left Australia for Egypt with the 6th Reinforcements in November 1915. After transferring to the 51st Battalion as part of the 'doubling-up' of the AIF in March 1916, Pte Ward arrived in France for service on the Western Front in May 1916. Pte Ward was listed as missing after the 51st Battalion's attack on Mouquet Farm on 3 September 1916, and was later confirmed by a Board of Inquiry as having been killed in action. Aged 31 at the time of his death, Pte Ward has no known grave. www.awm.gov.au P07884.001 |
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WARD, William Rowland
Service no 3233
Private 16th Battalion Born Cardiff, Wales. Son of Frederick and Elizabeth WARD Husband of Berth WARD Of 469 Newcastle Street, West Perth, WA Killed in action 01 October 1917 Aged 42 years Commemorated Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium The Sunday Times Perth, WA Sunday 03 October 1915 |
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WARRENER, George Valentine (centre)
Service no 1303
Private 4th Field Ambulance Studio portrait of 1303 Private (Pte) George Valentine (Val) Warrener, 4th Field Ambulance (centre) pictured with his two brothers, members of the British Army. Pte Warrener, a native of Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, was a shipping clerk from Fremantle, WA prior to enlistment. He embarked from Fremantle on HMAT Ajana on 30 December 1914. After being wounded at Gallipoli, he was evacuated to England before rejoining his unit in France. On 8 June 1917 he was killed in action in Belgium and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial. www.awm.gov.au P09114.025 |
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WATTS, William Henry
Service no 3304
Private 28th Battalion 7th Reinforcements Born 24th May 1891 at Wandering W.A Son of George Watts, Farmer Enlisted in Perth September 1915 Embarked Fremantle HMAT A7 Medic 18 Jan 1916 Served in Egypt and France Wounded invalided to England Gassed in France April 1918 invalided to England Married Ivy Bow Sept 4th 1918 (My Grandparents) Repatriated to Australia per 'Konig Luise' June 21 1919 Because of ill health he returned to England in 1926 with Ivy and their 3 children, 4th born shortly after their return. Sadly, my Grandfather succumbed to TB and died in Ham Green Sanatorium Bristol 1st May 1927 aged 35. He was buried at Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol. Courtesy of Bev MacDonnell (nee Watts) |
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WEABER, William Victor
Service no 3272
Trooper 10th Light Horse Battalion Studio portrait of 3272 Trooper (Tpr) William Victor Weaber, 10th Australian Light Horse. A farmer of Kojonup WA, he enlisted on 4 September 1916 and sailed with the 26th Reinforcements aboard RMS Morea on 26 February 1917. He died at Port Said of wounds received at Es Salt on 7 June 1918 aged 37 years. www.awm.gov.au P05476.001 |
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WEBB, Albert (seated)
Service no 846
Private 11th Battalion Studio portrait of 846 Private (Pte) Albert Webb, of Northam, WA, (originally Swansea, South Wales, UK) (seated) and 788 Pte Victor Frederick Hunt, of Bordertown, SA, both initially members G Company, 11th Battalion. They enlisted on 10 September 1914 and trained with the Battalion at Blackboy Hill Camp. They embarked from Fremantle, WA, on board HMAT Ascanius (A11) on 2 November 1914. Pte Webb was killed in action on 15 May 1915, aged 25. He is buried at the Lone Pine Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey. Pte Hunt was killed in action on 2 May 1915, aged 27. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on The Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey. www.awm.gov.au P08774.001 |
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WEDD, Charles Gordon
Service no 2330
Sergeant 51st Battalion Born Cheltenham, Vic. Son of Peter Ebenezer and E J WEDD Of 9th Avenue, Maylands, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Clerk Enlisted Perth, WA Killed in action 03 September 1916 Aged 22 years Buried Bouzincourt Ridge Cemetery, Albert IV E 1 Sunday Times 11 March 1917 page 6S |
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WELSMAN, Ernest Walter
Service no 731
Bugler 11th Battalion Born 16 January 1889 at Glenelg, SA Son of Hubert WELSMAN and Blanche Dwelby nee CHAMBERS Served for a number of years in the 84th Battalion Volunteers Commemorated on The Lone Pine Memorial (Panel 24), Gallipoli, Turkey Outdoor portrait of 731 Bugler Ernest Walter Welsman, 11th Battalion, of Kalgoorlie, WA. A carpenter prior to th enlistment, he embarked on HMAT Ascanius on 2 November 1914. He was killed in action on 13 July 1915 on the Gallipoli peninsula. www.awm.gov.au P08618.002 |
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WEST, George
Service no 2643
Private 44th Battalion Studio portrait of 2643 Private (Pte) George West, 44th Battalion, of Kalgoorlie, WA. A clerk before enlisting in July 1916, Pte West left Australia for England with the 5th Reinforcements in November 1916, and arrived in France for service on the Western Front in April 1917. Pte West was killed in action at Messines on 1 August 1917 aged 22, and has no known grave. www.awm.gov.au P07514.002 |
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WESTERN, Frank
Service no 1979
Private First Pioneer Battalion (12th Battalion) 5th Reinforcement Born 25 May 1892 at Northam WA Son of Edward WESTERN Of Goomalling, WA Enlisted: 8 March 1915 at Northam, WA Occupation: Labourer from Goomalling WA Unit embarked from Fremantle WA on board HMAT A20 Hororata 26 April 1915 Served in Gallipoli, Egypt and France Frank returned to Australia 07 April 1919 per 'Anchises' Courtesy of Roma Western |
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WESTLEY, William
Service no 565
Private 44th Battalion Born Coventry, Warwickshire, England Son of William WESTLEY of Cope Street, Midland Junction, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Car Builder Enlisted 08 January 1916 at Perth, WA Returned to Australia 08 July 1919 per "Somali" |
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WESTROP, William George
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WETZLER, Philip Joseph
Service no 2059
Private 1st Battalion Studio portrait of 2059 Private (Pte) Philip Joseph Wetzler, 1st Battalion, of Geraldton, WA. He was a hod-carrier prior to enlisting in February 1915 under the name John Joseph Lennard. Pte Wetzler embarked from Sydney with the 5th Reinforcements on board HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 25 June 1915. He was killed in action at Gallipoli on 14 August 1915. Pte Wetzler was 25 years of age. www.awm.gov.au P09113.004 |
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WHEATCROFT, Norman
Service No 218
Private 44th Battalion He was born in Perth, Western Australia in 1896 to parents Arthur Wheatcroft and Rose Garland. His occupation was Labourer. Enlisted 8th January 1916 and embarked from Australia on the 1st June 1916 on the HMAT Suevic . On arrival in France in early December 1916 Norman was hospitalised suffering mumps. By late December 1916 Norman had rejoined his Battalion. On the 10th June 1917 Norman was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the right arm. At this time Norman’s Battalion would have been in action at Messines. He was sent to England to recover at the Bethnal Green Military Hospital then returned to his Battalion in France late October 1917. In early December 1917 Norman was wounded a second time with a gunshot wound to the head. When recovered Norman rejoined his Battalion late December 1917. During 1918 the 44th Battalion was involved in action at Hamel, Amiens, Albert, Mont St Quentin and St Quentin Canal before the Armistice in November 1918. On the 4th November 1918 Norman was transferred to the Provisions Corp and promoted from Private to ER/2/Corporal. In early February 1919 Norman was again sick and sent to Millbank Hospital in London. It was here that Norman met an attractive embroidress called Beatrice May Geen. Norman extended his time in London as a Military Policeman before embarking for Australia on the 17th April 1920 per “Bahia Castillo”. Norman was discharged on the 29th August 1920. |
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Beatrice followed Norman to Australia and they married in December 1920 at Midland Junction. Over the next 18 years they had five children. Norman held a variety of jobs working at Wyndham on his return then Midland Junction as a labourer. During WWII he enlisted on the 21st August 1941 in the Australian Army No W18616. He served in the W/ComD Labour Coy. He worked at Hollywood repatriation Hospital constructing the beds. Norman was discharged 25th May 1942. Three of Norman’s children sons Norman Victor; Percy Cecil and daughter Gwendoline also served in the Army during WW2. Norman Victor as a Gunner in the 53 Aust Ack Ack Regiment, Percy in the Navy and Gwendoline as an Aircraftwoman. After his service Norman worked on the Midland Railways and in the 1950’s he and his wife moved to New South Wales (NSW) where one of their daughters was living. Here Norman worked as a lift Driver and Storeman. By the 1960’s Norman and Beatrice returned to Western Australia (W.A) to retire. In the early 1970’s the pair again moved to NSW to be looked after by their daughter where Norman died in 1972, and Beatrice in 1985, both are buried in Lakeside Memorial Park, Dapto, New South Wales.
Courtesy of Lyn Myles Margaret Wanstall and Thelma Foster
Courtesy of Lyn Myles Margaret Wanstall and Thelma Foster
WHEELER, A L O
Private
28th Battalion Enlisted October 1915 Served in Egypt and France Wounded Returned to Australia Returned to Bank duty 01 August 1917 National Bank of Australasia Record of War Service of Bank and Staff 1914-1918 |
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WHITE, Cecil James
Service no 3234
Private 5th Machine Gun Battalion late 48th Battalion Born Albany, WA Son of Susan HAMMOND of 15 Murray Street, Perth, WA Occupation prior to enlisment Horse Driver Enlisted 31st October 1916 at Blackboy Hill, WA Wounded, Gunshot wound Left Arm, Fractured Returned to Australia 17 NOvember 1918 (Invalid) |
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WHITESIDE, Harry
Service no 5121
Private 28th Battalion Born Billericay, England Son of H WHITESIDE Of Bay View, Claremont, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Labourer Enlisted Fremantle, WA Returned to Australia 24 July 1919 per 'Ormonde' Sunday Times 11 March 1917 page 6S |
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WHITFIELD, Goldsmid Arthur
Service no 2645
Private 44th Battalion Born Tooday, WA Son of George Benjamin WHITFIELD Of Toodyay, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Farmer Enlisted 14 July 1916 at Perth, WA Served in France Returned to Australia 21 June 1919 Western Mail |
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WIGHT, Norman Richard
Service no 2436
Private 44th Battalion Born 25 March 1897, Adelaide, SA Son of Alexander Graves WIGHT & Rose Annie Emily nee KEELEY of Marine Terrace, Geraldton, WA Enlisted at Geraldton, WA Studio portrait of 2436 Private (Pte) Norman Richard Wight, 44th Battalion, of Geraldton, WA. A clerk prior to enlistment, he embarked from Fremantle, WA with the 4th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Macquarie (A39) on 13 October 1916. Pte Wight served on the Western Front and was killed in action on 4 October 1917. He was 20 years of age. No known grave. Commemoration The Ypres Menin Gate Memorial Panel 27, Belgium www.awm.gov.au P09541.001 |
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WILKINS, Alex
Service no W16919
C D Depot Born 13 July 1900 at Northam, WA Son of Thomas WILKINS and Margaret nee BONSER Of Kelleberrin, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Farm Hand Enlisted 16 October 1918 at Northam, WA Did not proceed overseas due to Cessation of Hostilities. WILKINS, Thomas (right)
Service no 2693
Private 11th Battalion Born 10 March 1891 at Norham, WA Son of Thomas WILKINS and Margaret nee BONSER Of Kelleberrin, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Labourer Enlisted 12 April 1915 at Boulder, WA Served in France Returned to Australia 28 February 1919 per 'Anchises' Courtesy of Helen Cleak |
WILKINS, Sylvester (left)
Service no 3682
Private 28th Battalion Born 01 March 1896 at Northam, WA Son of Thomas WILKINS and Margaret nee BONSER Of Kellerberrin, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Labourer Enlisted 04 September 1915 at Kelleberrin, WA Served in Western Front Died of wounds 30 March 1917 in France Buried Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension France Courtesy of Helen Cleak |
WILKINSON, Clarence William Anstruther
Service no 41
Private 16th Battalion AIF, E Company Enlisted 10th Sep 1914. Age 28 years old in Helena Valley, Perth Western Australia as a single farmer with no children. First trained at Blackboy Hill near Perth and later left from Fremantle to Melbourne. Later embarked on the HMAT A40 Ceramic on the 22nd Dec 1914. The 16th Battalion landed on the Turkey peninsula Gallipoli 25th April 1915. After being heavily involved in establishing and defending the front line, Clearence recievied a puncture wound to the chest. Clarence was put on the H.M.T. "Dongola" where on the 5th May 1915 passed away. Clarence was buried at sea. Clarence William Anstruther WILKINSON name is located at panel 81 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial and at Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey. Prepare by Great Grand Nephew, Bradley G Wilkinson. |
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WILKINSON, Leslie George
Service no 1706
Private 44th Battalion Studio Portrait of 1706 Private (Pte) Leslie George Wilkinson of Perth WA, originally from Newtown, NSW, enlisted in Perth on 20 February 1916. Pte Wilkinson was under 21 and required the permission of his parents to enlist; in a letter from his father held on his file at National Archives of Australia, his father in closing his letter to his son wrote [at the thought of his enlisting], 'Mum is about broke up.' With his father's letter giving his permission Pte Wilkinson enlisted in the AIF and joined the 1st Reinforcements to the 44th Battalion. He was killed in action at Messines on 10 June 1917, aged 21 years. Pte Wilkinson has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. www.awm.gov.au P07041.001 |
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WILLIAMS, Albert Edward
Service No 2651
Private 44th Battalion, 11th Brigade Born 14 January 1897 at Thorpdale Victoria Son of Henry Edward Williams and Mary Letitia (Watson) Occupation prior to enlistment Apprentice Fireman (Railways) Enlisted Blackboy Hill 31 July 1916 Embarked at Fremantle 9 November 1916 on board "Argyllshire", disembarked Devonport 10 January 1917. |
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Deployed to France 19 April 1917 where he was wounded in action 10 June 1917. Gun Shot Wounds to L foot, R Shoulder and R knee. Family story is that as he lay wounded, German soldiers would walk amongst the dead and wounded and using the butt of their rifles would smash soldiers' knees, if you reacted you were alive and subsequently bayoneted to death. He did not react, lay there for three days until rescued by Red Cross ladies.
Returned to England 13 June 1917
Embarked for return to Australia 25 August 1917 and discharged 14 November 1917.
Died 19 April 1955 aged 58.
Buried Kalgoorlie Cemetery.
Courtesy of Cheryl Green
Returned to England 13 June 1917
Embarked for return to Australia 25 August 1917 and discharged 14 November 1917.
Died 19 April 1955 aged 58.
Buried Kalgoorlie Cemetery.
Courtesy of Cheryl Green
WILLIAMS, James
Service no 1432
Private 12th Battalion Born Gympie, Qld. Son of Abraham and Anastasia Mary WILLIAMS Of 4 Wittenoom Street, Kalgoorlie, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Miner Enlisted 12 November 1914 at Helena Vale, Served in Gallipoli and France Died of Wounds 10 September 1916 at Boulogne, France Buried Boulogne Eastern Cemetery Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WILLIAMS, James Thomas
Service no 6859
Private 16th Battalion Studio portrait probably of 6859 Private (Pte) James Thomas Williams, 16th Battalion, of Goomalling, WA. Pte Williams enlisted on 2 October 1915 and embarked from Fremantle aboard HMAT Argyleshire on 9 November 1916. On 18 February 1917 he died of influenza and cardiac failure in Wiltshire, England. www.awm.gov.au DA12989 |
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WILLIAMS, Thomas Edward Joseph
Service no 6353
Private 11th Battalion Studio portrait of 6353 Private (Pte) Thomas Edward Joseph (Tommy) Williams, 11th Battalion, of Northampton, WA. A farmer prior to enlistment, Pte Williams embarked on board HMAT Clan McGillivray (A46) on 18 September 1916. He served on the Western Front and died on 31 July 1918 as a result of wounds received in action in France. He was 31 years of age www.awm.gov.au P07373.001 |
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WILLMOTT, William Henry Francis
aka Henry
Regimental No. 6355 16th Battalion, 20th Reinforcement Joined the 32nd Battalion Overseas Henry was born May 1895 at ‘Reinscourt’ Busselton, eldest son of William Henry Percival & Margaret Theodore (nee Brockman) Willmott. A farmer and single of ‘Basildene’ Margaret River, Western Australia enlisted on the 5th April 1916 and was sent to No. 58 depot at Blackboy Hill Camp in Perth, after training he was transferred to 16th Battalion 4th Australian Division, 4 Brigade. |
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On the 7th October 1916 the Unit embarked from Fremantle on board HMAT A23 ‘ Suffolk’ arriving at Plymouth, UK on 2 December 1916. He embarked with his unit 27 December 1916 disembarking at Etaples, France. After several months of being deployed to various front line and reserve Units, he eventually joined the 5th Australian 8 Brigade and allocated to C Company, 12 Platoon, Section 13. After a brief rest in Boulogne, France, rejoining his Unit, they went into battle at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 8 October 1917 where they were eventually relieved and pulled back. A week later on 9 October 1917, he was on the front line again at Ypres carrying duckboards to the Front. On the 9th October 1917, the 32nd Battalion, moved to the front line at Zonnebeke, opposite Celtic Wood where they relieved the 10th Battalion and were under continual heavy enemy fire.
On Friday 12 October 1917, Henry suffered severe gunshot wounds to his right leg, left foot and right forearm, he was evacuated to England 0n 22nd October 1917 and his left leg was amputated the following day at the 3rd General Hospital in Cardiff. He was fitted with an artificial limb on 3 January 1918 and spent some months recuperating before embarking for Australia on board ‘Ulysses’ arriving Fremantle on 24 February 1919, where he returned to the farm of ‘Sandilands’ Busselton, which he managed for his Aunt until his death in 1947. His artificial limb continued to cause him considerable pain for the rest of his life and he spent many years digging out shrapnel. Given this he still continued to ride his horse around the farm and was an excellent horseman. The farm passed to the Willmott family and has remained in the Willmott family until the present day.
Henry’s war diary, which commenced on 1 January 1917, which remains in the care of the Willmott Family, gives a good account of what he went through. In two entries he wrote ‘ Friday 11th May 1917 – Fritz putting up a heavy barrage and came over the top but was driven back, we took a number of prisoners’ Sunday 13 May - About 9’oclock in the morn Fritz landed H.A. on our parados and buries me & two other chaps, but nobody hurt’.
Henry was the MLA for Vasse, (Sussex) from 1938 to 1947 until he passed away on the 2 May 1947 in Busselton and is buried at the Busselton General Cemetery, Western Australia.
Courtesy of Sue Gower (nee Willmott)
On Friday 12 October 1917, Henry suffered severe gunshot wounds to his right leg, left foot and right forearm, he was evacuated to England 0n 22nd October 1917 and his left leg was amputated the following day at the 3rd General Hospital in Cardiff. He was fitted with an artificial limb on 3 January 1918 and spent some months recuperating before embarking for Australia on board ‘Ulysses’ arriving Fremantle on 24 February 1919, where he returned to the farm of ‘Sandilands’ Busselton, which he managed for his Aunt until his death in 1947. His artificial limb continued to cause him considerable pain for the rest of his life and he spent many years digging out shrapnel. Given this he still continued to ride his horse around the farm and was an excellent horseman. The farm passed to the Willmott family and has remained in the Willmott family until the present day.
Henry’s war diary, which commenced on 1 January 1917, which remains in the care of the Willmott Family, gives a good account of what he went through. In two entries he wrote ‘ Friday 11th May 1917 – Fritz putting up a heavy barrage and came over the top but was driven back, we took a number of prisoners’ Sunday 13 May - About 9’oclock in the morn Fritz landed H.A. on our parados and buries me & two other chaps, but nobody hurt’.
Henry was the MLA for Vasse, (Sussex) from 1938 to 1947 until he passed away on the 2 May 1947 in Busselton and is buried at the Busselton General Cemetery, Western Australia.
Courtesy of Sue Gower (nee Willmott)
WILLOUGHBY, Robert Edgar
Service no 4513
Sapper 3rd Australian Tuennelling Corps Born Eaglehawk, Vic. Husband of Annie Louisa WILLOUGHBY Of East Kalgoorlie, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Miner Enlisted 29 February 1916 at Blackboy Hill Died of disease (Broncho Pneumonia) 19 October 1918 Buried St Pol British Cemetery, St. Pol-Sur-Ternoise I C 10 Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WILSON, Albert Leslie
Service No 1658
Private 11th Battalion Enlisted 7th January 1915 at Blackboy Hill. He was born in Yarra Glen, Victoria in 1891 to parents John Burgess Wilson and Eliza Clements. He came to W.A with his family in 1911 to take up newly released farmland at Kulin. His occupation was farmer. Left Fremantle on the “Itonus” 22nd February 1915. Landed in Gallipoli 7th May 1915, was evacuated sick with dysentery and taken to Alexandria to the 21 General Hospital. Transferred to the 51st Battalion and arrived in France 29th July 1916. He was wounded in action at Mouquet Farm 16th August 1916 and discharged as medically unfit with flat feet and returned to Australia 16th January 1918 on the “Anchises”. Les returned to farming at Kulin married and had three children. He later farmed near Albany and died in 1965. He is buried at the Mount Barker Cemetery Courtesy of Lyn Myles |
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WILSON, Horace Patrick
Service no 157
Sergeant 16th Battalion Enlisted 16th October 1914 at Helena Vale. He was born at Broken Hill in New South Wales (NSW) in 1896 to parents Kenneth Wilson and Elizabeth Gill. Horace’s family came to Western Australia in the late 1890’s when he was a baby. Tragically his father died in a mining accident at the Mount Charlotte Mine in Kalgoorlie shortly after moving to WA in 1897 and his mother died shortly after in 1902. It is noted in Horace’s military notes that he did his schooling at Clontarf Orphanage, Victoria Park. His occupation on enlisting is noted as Farm Hand / Orchardist. He is single and his next of kin is his sister Christine Williams. Horace claims to be over 21 when he enlists claiming he was born in 1893 but he would have only been 18. |
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Horace embarked overseas on HMAT “Ceramic” on 22nd December 1914.Horace first served on Gallipoli and his service notes here indicate he was a Stretcher Bearer. In early May he suffered an Alveolar Abscess which required 2 days rest. He was again sick in mid - October 1915 and evacuated to Mudros then Lemnos suffering from Jaundice. When recovered he returned to the Gallipoli Peninsula in early December, by late December his Battalion returned to Alexandria with the troop withdrawal from Gallipoli. Here Horace was appointed Lance Corporal; by late July 1916 he is in France being promoted to Corporal. Mid August during the 16th Battalions involvement at Mouquet Farm, Horace is wounded in action with gunshot wounds to his eye and face. He is sent to England to recover and returned to France late September 1916. On the 20th January 1917 Horace is made Sergeant. The 16th Battalion then saw action at Bullecourt in April; by June the Battalion was in Belgium at Messines then September they were at Menin Rd and Polygon Wood. It was here that Horace was cited for a Military Medal which reads.
“Is brought under notice for splendid behaviour and gallantry during the operations near Zonnebeke on the 25th September 1917. At an early stage in the attack on the Red Line his Platoon Commander became a casualty. He took command of the Platoon at once and with splendid gallantry and fine initiative, led it forward. On reaching his objective, he got his men under cover as quickly as possible and whilst they were digging, he by his cool and cheerful example inspired confidence in them. Whilst the task of consolidation was in progress, he was wounded but he refused to go back to a dressing station and remained in the front line until the Battalion was relieved. He was instrumental in securing a number of prisoners and displayed great courage in attending to a great number of wounded under heavy artillery fire. He is strongly recommended for high distinction.”
In mid November 1917 Horace contracted Influenza and was not discharged until mid January 1918. He rejoined his Battalion in early February then was granted 10 days leave to the UK. On his return from leave Horace was wounded a third time and died from these wounds at the dressing station on the 26th June 1918. He was buried at St Pierre Cemetery Amiens in France.
Courtesy Lyn Myles and Colin Wilson
“Is brought under notice for splendid behaviour and gallantry during the operations near Zonnebeke on the 25th September 1917. At an early stage in the attack on the Red Line his Platoon Commander became a casualty. He took command of the Platoon at once and with splendid gallantry and fine initiative, led it forward. On reaching his objective, he got his men under cover as quickly as possible and whilst they were digging, he by his cool and cheerful example inspired confidence in them. Whilst the task of consolidation was in progress, he was wounded but he refused to go back to a dressing station and remained in the front line until the Battalion was relieved. He was instrumental in securing a number of prisoners and displayed great courage in attending to a great number of wounded under heavy artillery fire. He is strongly recommended for high distinction.”
In mid November 1917 Horace contracted Influenza and was not discharged until mid January 1918. He rejoined his Battalion in early February then was granted 10 days leave to the UK. On his return from leave Horace was wounded a third time and died from these wounds at the dressing station on the 26th June 1918. He was buried at St Pierre Cemetery Amiens in France.
Courtesy Lyn Myles and Colin Wilson
WILSON, John Clements
Service no 6354
Lance Corporal 11th Battalion Enlisted 12th April 1916 at Blackboy Hill. He was born at Yarra Glen, Victoria in 1893 to parents John Burgess Wilson and Eliza Clements. He came to W.A with his family in 1911 to take up newly released farmland at Kulin. His occupation was farmer. Left Fremantle on the “McGilivray” 7th September 1916. Arrived in France 17th January 1917. He was wounded in action at the Hindenberg Line on the 9th April 1917; recovered and went on to serve until the war ended. He returned to Australia 1st June 1919 on the “Somali”. Jack returned to farming at Kulin; married a sister of the Gordon brothers who also served with the 11th Battalion. Jack and Bess raised four children. Jack suffered lung problems from being exposed to gas during the war and died in 1961. He is buried in the Kulin Cemetery. Jack’s son John Samuel Wilson had the honour in October 1910 of unveiling the Centennary Plaque commemorating 100 years since Kulin land was released. The Wilson descendants still farm at Kulin. Courtesy of Lyn Myles |
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WIMMER, Ernest
Service no 4944
Private 16th Battalion Born Ballarat, Vic. Son of Ernest and Caroline WIMMER Resided Kalgoorlie, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Miner Enlisted 07 January 1916 at Blackboy Hill, WA Served in France Killed in action 31 August 1916 Aged 45 years Commemorated Villers-Bretonneux Memorial Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WINCH, Charles Thomas
Service no 1710
Private 28th Battalion Born Hepney, England Husband of Sarah Emily WINCH Of 1/86 Brown St., Perth, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Labouer Enlisted Perth, WA Returned to Australia 03 July 1917 Died 09 November 1955 Sunday Times (Perth) 30 June 1917 page 6S |
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WINZER, Luther Alfred
Service no 4082
Private Australian Army Medical Corps 2nd Stat. Hosp Born 20 December 1894 at Nailsworth, SA Son of Robert Richard WINZER and Elizabeth nee CROSBY Of 213 Piccadilly Street, Kalgoorlie, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Printer Enlisted 23 May 1915 at Kalgoorlie, WA Served in Gallipoli Died of sicknes on H S 'Neuralia' at sea 28 August 1915 Commemorated Lone Pine Memorial Panel 69 Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WISEMAN, James Henry
Service no 647
Lieutenant 16th Battalion Of Talbot, York, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Farmer Enlisted 19 October 1914 Returned to Australia 01 May 1919 Western Mail Friday 03 December 1915 page 23 |
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WITHAM, Walter Graham
Service no 1446
Bombadier 8th Medium Trench Mortar Battery Born Perth, Western Australia Son of Walter WITHAM of Swan View, Western Australia Bank Clerk Enlisted 9th August 1915 at Perth, Western Australia Served in Egypt and France. Wounded Awarded the Military Medal for gallantry. Returned to Australia aboard Somali 08 July 1919 Resigned from Bank 28th August 1919 National Bank of Australasia Record of War Service of Bank and Staff 1914-1918 |
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WOODHEAD, Royce
Service no 2260
Private No 3 Imperial Camel Corps Born 19 January 1897 at Adelaide, SA Son of William WOODHEAD and Clara nee JAHNS Of cnr Ward & Graeme St., Kalgoorlie, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Printer Killed in action 11 April 1918 Aged 21 years Buried Jerusalem War Cemetery H 64 Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WOODS, James Park
PTE JAMES PARK WOODS, VC
Regimental No. 3244 48th Battalion, 12th Brigade James Park Woods, soldier and orchardist, was born on 4 January 1886 at Two Wells, South Australia, son of James Woods, blacksmith, and his wife Ester Scott, née Johnson. |
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After his parents' death James was reared by a stepsister and, with his brothers, worked on a vineyard. Soon after war broke out in 1914 Woods tried to enlist in Adelaide, but was rejected because of his height (5 ft 4 ins, 163 cm). He travelled to Western Australia with his brother Will, and carted timber and fenced in the Katanning area before becoming a vigneron at Caversham. Following further unsuccessful attempts, James eventually enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 29 September 1916 when the height requirements had been lowered. He left Australia in December as a reinforcement for the 48th Battalion. Having spent two periods in hospital in Britain, he reached France in September 1917, only to be invalided on and off until August 1918.
He was 27 years old, and a private in the 48th Battalion, (S.A.), when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 18 September the 48th Battalion attacked the Hindenburg outpost line near Le Verguier, north-west of St Quentin. It took its objective, but British troops on the Australian flank were held up and a company of the 48th was sent in support. Ordered on patrol, Woods and two companions discovered a German post comprising six machine-guns and over thirty troops. Without waiting for the force which was being organized to assault the strong-point, Woods led his small party against it. One German was wounded, another was captured and the rest of the garrison fled. The Germans then counter-attacked. Despite heavy fire, Woods climbed onto the parapet and, while lying there, held off successive attacks by throwing bombs handed to him by his companions. So effective was his defence that, when Australian reinforcements arrived, they were easily able to secure the post. Woods was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the action.
Returning to Australia in August 1919, he took up a small vineyard and orchard in the Swan Valley. On 30 April 1921 at the Caversham Methodist Church, Perth, he married Olive Adeline Wilson. Like many veterans of the A.I.F., Woods did not return home unscathed: he was plagued with ill health as a result of gassing and chest infections in the trenches. In 1937 he was granted a full pension and, although given only a few years to live, enjoyed a quiet retirement for the next twenty-six years. A keen cricketer when younger, Woods now took up fishing as a hobby. For a time he was president of the Caversham sub-branch of the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia. In 1956 he joined other Australian V.C. winners in attending the V.C. centenary celebrations in London.
His sons Gordon and Norman served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II; Gordon (the first-born) was killed in October 1943. Late in life Woods lived at Claremont, Perth. Survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters, he died on 18 January 1963 in Hollywood Repatriation Hospital and was buried in Karrakatta cemetery. A ward at the hospital has been named in his honour.
Courtesy of Joy Dalgleish
www.awm.gov.au
A02640
P01745.001
He was 27 years old, and a private in the 48th Battalion, (S.A.), when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 18 September the 48th Battalion attacked the Hindenburg outpost line near Le Verguier, north-west of St Quentin. It took its objective, but British troops on the Australian flank were held up and a company of the 48th was sent in support. Ordered on patrol, Woods and two companions discovered a German post comprising six machine-guns and over thirty troops. Without waiting for the force which was being organized to assault the strong-point, Woods led his small party against it. One German was wounded, another was captured and the rest of the garrison fled. The Germans then counter-attacked. Despite heavy fire, Woods climbed onto the parapet and, while lying there, held off successive attacks by throwing bombs handed to him by his companions. So effective was his defence that, when Australian reinforcements arrived, they were easily able to secure the post. Woods was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the action.
Returning to Australia in August 1919, he took up a small vineyard and orchard in the Swan Valley. On 30 April 1921 at the Caversham Methodist Church, Perth, he married Olive Adeline Wilson. Like many veterans of the A.I.F., Woods did not return home unscathed: he was plagued with ill health as a result of gassing and chest infections in the trenches. In 1937 he was granted a full pension and, although given only a few years to live, enjoyed a quiet retirement for the next twenty-six years. A keen cricketer when younger, Woods now took up fishing as a hobby. For a time he was president of the Caversham sub-branch of the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia. In 1956 he joined other Australian V.C. winners in attending the V.C. centenary celebrations in London.
His sons Gordon and Norman served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II; Gordon (the first-born) was killed in October 1943. Late in life Woods lived at Claremont, Perth. Survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters, he died on 18 January 1963 in Hollywood Repatriation Hospital and was buried in Karrakatta cemetery. A ward at the hospital has been named in his honour.
Courtesy of Joy Dalgleish
www.awm.gov.au
A02640
P01745.001
WOOLHOUSE, Albert
Service no 1751
Private 59th Battalion Studio portrait of 1751 Private Albert Woolhouse, 59th Battalion, of Melbourne, Victoria (originally of Geraldton, WA). A baker prior to enlistment, he embarked from Melbourne with the 2nd Reinforcements on 4 May 1916 on HMAT Port Lincoln (A17). He was killed in action on 26 September 1917 and has no known grave; he is memorialised on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium. His father, 1741 Private John Vernon Woolhouse also served in the AIF and died of disease on 4 May 1916 in France. This is one of a series of photographs taken by the Darge Photographic Company which had the concession to take photographs at the Broadmeadows and Seymour army camps during the First World War. In the 1930's, the Australian War Memorial purchased the original glass negatives from Algernon Darge, along with the photographers' notebooks. The notebooks contain brief details, usually a surname or unit name, for each negative. The names are transcribed as they appear in the notebooks. www.awm.gov.au DA14964 |
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WORLEY, George William
Service no 2910
Private 44th Battalion Born White Cliffs, NSW Brother of Edith HAMMER Of 16 Oroya Street, Boulder, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Miner Enlisted 28 August 1916 at Kalgoorlie, WA Served in France and Belgium Killed in action 05 October 1917 Commemorated Ypres Menin Gate Memorial Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WORMALD, Arthur James
Service no 7831
Private 11th Battalion Born Burley England Son of William Thompson and Eva WORMALD Of 167 Mile, Tans Line, Kalgoorlie, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Railway Employee Killed in action 23 August 1918 Aged 26 years Buried Heath Cemetery Harbonnieres IV C 16 Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WRIGHT, Albert William
Service no 1732
Private 51st Battalion Born Broken Hill, NSW Son of Thomas and Hannah WRIGHT Of 113 Dugan St., Kalgoorlie, WA Occupation prior to enlistment Dairy Hand Killed in action 03 September 1916 Commemorated Villers-Bretonneux Memorial Courtesy of Carolyn Johnson |
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WRIGHT, James
Service no 5452
Private 28th Battalion Studio portrait of 5452 Private (Pte) James Wright, 2nd Australian Divisional Traffic Control Detachment, of Lion Mill, WA, with his family before embarking for service overseas during the First World War. Pictured are Pte Wright with his wife Emily Maud and baby daughter Evelyn Maud, daughter Adelaide Evelyn, son Walter James (seated) and son Norman Ernest, standing in front of his father. Pte Wright enlisted on 20 March 1916 and embarked with 14th Reinforcements, 28th Battalion, from Fremantle aboard HMAT Militiades on 7 August 1916. He was killed in action in Belgium on 7 October 1917 aged 40 years. He was buried at the Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery, Ypres. www.awm.gov.au P05073.001 |
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WRIGHT, Percy Grey
Service no 4564
Private 28th Battalion, 11th Reinforcements (D Company) Place of birth Picton Junction, Western Australia Occupation Farmer Address Greenbushes, Western Australia Marital status Single Age at embarkation 24 Next of kin Father, Thomas Henry Wright, Ballingup, Western Australia Enlistment date 14 February 1916 Rank on enlistment Private AWM Embarkation Roll number 23/45/3 Embarkation details Unit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 31 March 1916 Fate Returned to Australia 1 June 1919 per H.M.A.T. Somali Courtesy of Graham MacDougall of Busselton, WA |
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Percy, front row seated 4th from left. Taken at Bunbury Forest Park Camp
WRIGHT, Walter John
Service no 973
Corporal 44th Battalion Born Williamstown, Victoria Son of Geoffrey Charles and Selina Wright A Clerk from Perth, Western Australia, he enlisted on 17 January 1916 in Perth, Western Australia and embarked with his Unit from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 6 June 1916 Gassed on the 4th July, 1915, at Hamel. Returned to Australia "Ceramic" 03 March 1919 |
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