BREWERY ORCHARD CEMETERY
Bois-Grenier
Nord
France
Location Information
Bois-Grenier is a village 3 kilometres south of Armentieres on the D222.
Brewery Orchard Cemetery will be found on the east side of the village of Bois-Grenier, on the north side of the D22 road to La Chapelle D'Armentieres.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access with some difficulty.
GPS CO-Ordinates:
Longitude: 2.87551
Latitude: 50.65058
Historical Information
The cellar of the brewery was used as a dressing station and the cemetery was started in the orchard nearby in November 1914. It was sheltered from enemy observation by ruined houses and continued in use until January 1918.
Brewery Orchard Cemetery contains 339 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. There are also four Second World War burials and five German war graves.
Total Burials: 348.
World War One Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 201, Australia 125, New Zealand 13. Total 339.
World War Two Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 4. Total 4.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker
Bois-Grenier is a village 3 kilometres south of Armentieres on the D222.
Brewery Orchard Cemetery will be found on the east side of the village of Bois-Grenier, on the north side of the D22 road to La Chapelle D'Armentieres.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access with some difficulty.
GPS CO-Ordinates:
Longitude: 2.87551
Latitude: 50.65058
Historical Information
The cellar of the brewery was used as a dressing station and the cemetery was started in the orchard nearby in November 1914. It was sheltered from enemy observation by ruined houses and continued in use until January 1918.
Brewery Orchard Cemetery contains 339 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. There are also four Second World War burials and five German war graves.
Total Burials: 348.
World War One Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 201, Australia 125, New Zealand 13. Total 339.
World War Two Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 4. Total 4.
The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker
World War Two Burials
2102 Private
Herbert Aiken
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th May 1916, aged 25.
Plot IV. C. 16.
From Auburn, NSW. A carter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire (A8) on 30 September 1915. He was wounded in action and died of his wounds on 29 May 1916 in the Fleurbaix Sector, France, aged 25.
Herbert Aiken
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th May 1916, aged 25.
Plot IV. C. 16.
From Auburn, NSW. A carter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire (A8) on 30 September 1915. He was wounded in action and died of his wounds on 29 May 1916 in the Fleurbaix Sector, France, aged 25.
1903 Private
Joseph Clarke
17th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
6th June 1916, aged 28.
Plot IV. D. 1.
Son of Hugh and E. J. Clarke, of Rockcorry, Co. Monaghan, Ireland.
Joseph Clarke
17th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
6th June 1916, aged 28.
Plot IV. D. 1.
Son of Hugh and E. J. Clarke, of Rockcorry, Co. Monaghan, Ireland.
3306 Private
Ben Duffy
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd July 1916, aged 23.
Plot IV. D. 8.
Son of James and Margaret Duffy. Native of Victoria, Australia.
Pte Duffy enlisted on 6 July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Nestor on 11 October 1915. he was killed in action on 3 July 1916 in France.
Ben Duffy
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd July 1916, aged 23.
Plot IV. D. 8.
Son of James and Margaret Duffy. Native of Victoria, Australia.
Pte Duffy enlisted on 6 July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Nestor on 11 October 1915. he was killed in action on 3 July 1916 in France.
544 Private
James Ellison
17th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
9th June 1916, aged 28.
Plot IV. C. 8.
Son of James and Emma Ellison, of "Southland," 2, Kelso St., Richmond, Victoria, Australia. Native of Eltham, Victoria.
A farmer from Coffs Harbour, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Ellison embarked with B Company from Sydney on 12 May 1915 on HMAT Themistocles. On 9 June 1916 he was killed in action, aged 28.
James Ellison
17th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
9th June 1916, aged 28.
Plot IV. C. 8.
Son of James and Emma Ellison, of "Southland," 2, Kelso St., Richmond, Victoria, Australia. Native of Eltham, Victoria.
A farmer from Coffs Harbour, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Ellison embarked with B Company from Sydney on 12 May 1915 on HMAT Themistocles. On 9 June 1916 he was killed in action, aged 28.
855 Private
George William Flatman
5th Coy. Australian Machine Gun Corps
6th May 1916, aged 20.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of James and Emily Flatman, of 31, Tanners Avenue, Kogarah, New South Wales. Native of England.
From Kogarah, NSW. Pte Flatman was born in Poplar, Middlesex and emigrated to Australia with his family as a child. Prior to enlistment, he was employed for two and a half years as a boiler maker's apprentice at the Eveleigh Railway Workshops, in Redfern, Sydney. He enlisted on 24 February 1915, and embarked with the 19th Battalion aboard HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915. He served at Gallipoli from 16 August 1915 and later proceeded to France on 17 March 1916 as part of the 5th Machine Gun Company. Pte. Flatman was killed in action in France on 6 May 1916, aged 20.
George William Flatman
5th Coy. Australian Machine Gun Corps
6th May 1916, aged 20.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of James and Emily Flatman, of 31, Tanners Avenue, Kogarah, New South Wales. Native of England.
From Kogarah, NSW. Pte Flatman was born in Poplar, Middlesex and emigrated to Australia with his family as a child. Prior to enlistment, he was employed for two and a half years as a boiler maker's apprentice at the Eveleigh Railway Workshops, in Redfern, Sydney. He enlisted on 24 February 1915, and embarked with the 19th Battalion aboard HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915. He served at Gallipoli from 16 August 1915 and later proceeded to France on 17 March 1916 as part of the 5th Machine Gun Company. Pte. Flatman was killed in action in France on 6 May 1916, aged 20.
4192 Private
William Harry Fletcher
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
1st July 1916, aged 25.
Plot IV. D. 21.
Son of Jessie Cairns Fletcher, of Cobden, Victoria, Australia, and the late Thomas John Fletcher.
A labourer from Cobden, Vic prior to enlistment, Pte Fletcher embarked with the 13th Reinforcements from Melbourne aboard HMAT Demosthenes on 29 December 1915. On 1 July 1916 he was killed in action at Bois Grenier.
William Harry Fletcher
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
1st July 1916, aged 25.
Plot IV. D. 21.
Son of Jessie Cairns Fletcher, of Cobden, Victoria, Australia, and the late Thomas John Fletcher.
A labourer from Cobden, Vic prior to enlistment, Pte Fletcher embarked with the 13th Reinforcements from Melbourne aboard HMAT Demosthenes on 29 December 1915. On 1 July 1916 he was killed in action at Bois Grenier.
3316 Private
Arthur Roy Ford
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th May 1916, aged 22.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of George and Christina Jane Ford, of "Stanleigh," Parkes, New South Wales.
A school teacher from Parkes, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Ford embarked with the 7th Reinforcements from Sydney on HMAT Suevic on 20 December 1915. On 5 May 1916 he was killed in action near Armentieres, France, aged 22.
Arthur Roy Ford
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th May 1916, aged 22.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of George and Christina Jane Ford, of "Stanleigh," Parkes, New South Wales.
A school teacher from Parkes, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Ford embarked with the 7th Reinforcements from Sydney on HMAT Suevic on 20 December 1915. On 5 May 1916 he was killed in action near Armentieres, France, aged 22.
1706 Private
William Henry Freeman
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th May 1916, aged 29.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Freeman; husband of Elizabeth Ewart (formerly Freeman), of Wharf Rd., Ermington, New South Wales. Native of Granville, New South Wales.
A labourer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Kanowna (A61) on 19 June 1915. He was one of 23 other ranks killed in action at Bois-Grenier, France, on 5 May 1916 by German bombardment of trenches in the Bridoux Salient.
William Henry Freeman
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th May 1916, aged 29.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Freeman; husband of Elizabeth Ewart (formerly Freeman), of Wharf Rd., Ermington, New South Wales. Native of Granville, New South Wales.
A labourer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Kanowna (A61) on 19 June 1915. He was one of 23 other ranks killed in action at Bois-Grenier, France, on 5 May 1916 by German bombardment of trenches in the Bridoux Salient.
189 Gunner
Campbell Logan Harrison
12th A. F. A. Bde. Australian Field Artillery
24th June 1916, aged 33.
Plot IV. D. 30.
Son of Hezekiah and Jessie B. Harrison, of Copeford, Sale, Victoria, Australia.
A fruit grower prior to enlisting on 27 March 1915, he embarked for overseas as an Able Seaman Driver with the 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train from Melbourne on 4 June 1915 aboard HMAT Port Macquarie. The Bridging Train landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on 8 August 1915 and remained there until evacuated in December 1915. Driver Harrison transferred to the 47th Battery of the 12th Field Artillery Brigade on 6 April 1916 and served with them on the Western Front. After being wounded in action near Armentieres, France on 24 June 1916, he died later that day.
Campbell Logan Harrison
12th A. F. A. Bde. Australian Field Artillery
24th June 1916, aged 33.
Plot IV. D. 30.
Son of Hezekiah and Jessie B. Harrison, of Copeford, Sale, Victoria, Australia.
A fruit grower prior to enlisting on 27 March 1915, he embarked for overseas as an Able Seaman Driver with the 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train from Melbourne on 4 June 1915 aboard HMAT Port Macquarie. The Bridging Train landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on 8 August 1915 and remained there until evacuated in December 1915. Driver Harrison transferred to the 47th Battery of the 12th Field Artillery Brigade on 6 April 1916 and served with them on the Western Front. After being wounded in action near Armentieres, France on 24 June 1916, he died later that day.
The Brewery Orchard Cemetery between the wars
2153 Private
Henry Ernest Horton
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th May 1916, aged 26.
Plot IV. C. 13.
From Thirroul, NSW. A carpenter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire (A8) on 30 September 1915. He was one of five soldiers killed in action, when a shell exploded in a trench near Bois-Grenier, France on 29 May 1916.
Henry Ernest Horton
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th May 1916, aged 26.
Plot IV. C. 13.
From Thirroul, NSW. A carpenter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire (A8) on 30 September 1915. He was one of five soldiers killed in action, when a shell exploded in a trench near Bois-Grenier, France on 29 May 1916.
2276 Private
Henry James Jackson
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
28th May 1916, aged 23.
Plot IV. C. 17.
Son of William and Harriett Jackson, of Preston, New South Wales. Native of Auburn, New South Wales.
A horse-driver prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire (A8) on 30 September 1915 Pte Jackson was killed in action near Armentieres, France.
Henry James Jackson
19th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
28th May 1916, aged 23.
Plot IV. C. 17.
Son of William and Harriett Jackson, of Preston, New South Wales. Native of Auburn, New South Wales.
A horse-driver prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire (A8) on 30 September 1915 Pte Jackson was killed in action near Armentieres, France.
617 Corporal
William Alexander Martin
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th May 1916, aged 34.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of William Alexander Martin and Annie Martin, of Ogilvie St. Denman, New South Wales. Native of Brisbane, Queensland.
A traveller prior to enlisting. he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Berrima (A35) on 25 June 1915. He was killed in action on 5 May 1916 in France.
William Alexander Martin
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th May 1916, aged 34.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of William Alexander Martin and Annie Martin, of Ogilvie St. Denman, New South Wales. Native of Brisbane, Queensland.
A traveller prior to enlisting. he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Berrima (A35) on 25 June 1915. He was killed in action on 5 May 1916 in France.
German aerial photograph of Bois Grenier, taken at 11.20 am on 21 January 1916, trench lines are surrounding the sector.
56 Sergeant
Shaw Wood (Sonny) 20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F. 5th May 1916, aged 23. Plot IV. C. 25. Son of George Shaw Wood and Sarah Caroline Wood. Native of Charters Towers, Queensland. Bandsman Sergeant and Ambulance Bearer Photo courtesy of Charters Towers Archives (NW Queensland) |
Click on image to enlarge
57 Private
Jack McNeill 20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F. 5th May 1916, aged 21. Plot IV. C. 25. Pte McNeill embarked at Sydney aboard HMAT Berrima (A35) on 26 June 1915. The 20th trained in Egypt from late July until mid-August, and on 22 August landed at Anzac Cove. Pte McNeill served at Gallipoli until evacuation in December 1915, then disembarked for Alexandria for further training. He arrived in France on 25 March 1916. Pte McNeill was killed in action in France on 5 May 1916. This photograph was discovered by Lithgow City Band. Jack McNeill played BB bass in the Lithgow City Brass Band before he enlisted at the age of 20. It was found in a box at the Lithgow Brass Band Hall amongst old sheet music. |
Shaw (Sonny)Wood’s grave is the first of the three which are close together.
‘FIRST BANDMASTER OF THE CLONCURRY CONCERT BAND 1915’
BANDMASTER SERGEANT SHAW WOOD
(Affectionately known as “Sonny”)
SER. No. 56. 20th Battalion 5th Company
Courtesy Charters Towers Archives
Previous Occupation: Boot Maker, Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown, Height: 5ft 9 inches (175cm)
Chest Measurement: 31 – 33 inches (79 – 83cm), Weight" 126lbs (57kg), Religious Denomination: Methodist
Next of Kin: Mother, Mrs. Sarah Wood, of Cloncurry
Enlisted: Liverpool, N. S. W.5th May 1916 (Having previously tried unsuccessfully to enlist in Cloncurry)
Age at enlistment: 22 yrs 2 months. Stated he had been in Senior Cadets for 6 months. Promoted to Sergeant 11th June 1915.
Bandsman Sergeant and Ambulance Bearer
“The 20th Battalion was raised at Liverpool in New South Wales in March 1915 as part of the 5th Brigade. A sprinkling of the 20th's original recruits had already served with the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (AN&MEF) in the operations to capture German New Guinea in 1914. The 20th left Australia in late June, trained in Egypt from late July until mid-August, and on 22nd August landed at Anzac Cove. Arriving at Gallipoli just as the August offensive petered out; the 20th's role there was purely defensive. From 26 August, until its withdrawal from the peninsula on 20 December, the 20th Battalion was responsible for the defence of Russell's Top. After further training in Egypt, the 20th Battalion proceeded to France. It entered the trenches of the Western Front for the first time in April 1916”.–
Information Sourced from the Australian War Memorial
His father, George Shaw Wood had died in 1899, aged only 36, and was from England. His mother was formerly Sarah Caroline Jordan.
BANDMASTER SERGEANT SHAW WOOD
(Affectionately known as “Sonny”)
SER. No. 56. 20th Battalion 5th Company
Courtesy Charters Towers Archives
Previous Occupation: Boot Maker, Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown, Height: 5ft 9 inches (175cm)
Chest Measurement: 31 – 33 inches (79 – 83cm), Weight" 126lbs (57kg), Religious Denomination: Methodist
Next of Kin: Mother, Mrs. Sarah Wood, of Cloncurry
Enlisted: Liverpool, N. S. W.5th May 1916 (Having previously tried unsuccessfully to enlist in Cloncurry)
Age at enlistment: 22 yrs 2 months. Stated he had been in Senior Cadets for 6 months. Promoted to Sergeant 11th June 1915.
Bandsman Sergeant and Ambulance Bearer
“The 20th Battalion was raised at Liverpool in New South Wales in March 1915 as part of the 5th Brigade. A sprinkling of the 20th's original recruits had already served with the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (AN&MEF) in the operations to capture German New Guinea in 1914. The 20th left Australia in late June, trained in Egypt from late July until mid-August, and on 22nd August landed at Anzac Cove. Arriving at Gallipoli just as the August offensive petered out; the 20th's role there was purely defensive. From 26 August, until its withdrawal from the peninsula on 20 December, the 20th Battalion was responsible for the defence of Russell's Top. After further training in Egypt, the 20th Battalion proceeded to France. It entered the trenches of the Western Front for the first time in April 1916”.–
Information Sourced from the Australian War Memorial
His father, George Shaw Wood had died in 1899, aged only 36, and was from England. His mother was formerly Sarah Caroline Jordan.
Sonny had three sisters, Florrie, later Mrs. Lewis, living in Ipswich, Queensland, Ella - later Mrs. Chester, of Richmond, North Queensland, and Lily - and a younger brother Stanley.
Before leaving Sydney, he wrote to his mother and sisters, wishing Ella a happy birthday and telling them. “When we get to the Front, I have charge of 16 stretcher bearers and we are to carry on from field to Base Hospital. On Wednesday next, my band has been picked from the remaining four to play at Parliament House Sydney at a big function.”
Embarked Sydney H.M.A.T. A35 ‘BERRIMA’ 26th June 1915
HMAT A35 Berrima – Sourced wiki
Proceeded to Gallipoli joined Military Expeditionary Force August 1915.
One week in hospital 1st to 6th Nov 9th January 1916.
Embarked for Marseilles on 19th March on H.M.T.’INGOONA’
Arrived Marseilles 25th March 1916.
Sonny was killed in action in France 5th May 1916
His Burial took place at Brewery Orchard Bois-Grenier. (IV C 25) 4000 yards south of Armentieres, France.
BREWERY ORCHARD CEMETERY, BOIS-GRENIER.
Effects returned in Package No. 245
Disc, Metal Watch, Watch protector, Photos, Strap, Gold ring engraved “Florrie”
Florrie is the name of Sonny’s eldest sister.
A letter was written on Mrs. Wood’s behalf to Senator Pearce, the Minister for Defence, Melbourne, requesting the return of any of Sonny’s belongings. The writer says “Amongst these possessions was his Cornet which the mother prizes more than all else.” This letter was written in July, 1916. A separate package contained his Cornet in its case. It does appear that the Cornet was returned safely, as Mrs. Wood acknowledged the receipt of 2 parcels in January, 1917 signing it.
‘Yours gratefully, Mrs. S. C. Wood, Cloncurry’.
With regard to his medals, there was still a problem with these being received by the family, Mrs. Wood having died in 1919 and the rule being that both parents having died, they had to go first to the eldest surviving brother of a deceased soldier, then the next eldest and so on, and then to any sisters in order of birth. Letters sent to Stanley Wood in Sydney remained unanswered. He had also fought on the Western Front and was repatriated to Australia in 1919. In 1923 his sister Ella (Mrs. Chester), was still enquiring about them. War Records show that between 1919 – 1923 Medals were forwarded to returned soldiers and also to relatives of deceased soldiers.
7th June 1916, Townsvlle Daily Bulletin CLONCURRY NOTES “News reached here yesterday to the effect that Sergeant S. Woods (sic) of the 20th Battalion, had been killed in battle on May 5. Deceased enlisted at Lithgow whither he had gone from Cloncurry. He was well-known on Charters Towers, as a bandsman, and was the firstbandmaster of the present Cloncurry concert band. He was a great favorite whilst here. On the news being received here the flags in the town were lowered to half mast out of respect for the fallen hero. "Son" Wood’s many friends will be sorry to hear that he has gone under, whilst fighting for British freedom......”
CHARTERS TOWERS TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY
31st July 1916
Lithgow Mercury New South Wales
We have received from the Charters Towers Queensland Bandmaster an excellent photographic “In Memoriam" card of the late *G.W. (Sonny). Woods*, band sergeant of the 20th Battalion Band who enlisted from Lithgow and was well known here. The late soldier bandsman was a native of Charters Towers, and the bandsmen of that city not only held a very impressive service in his memory, but have also issued enlarged photos of the young man, one of which has been presented to his mother while the other has been hung in the Council Chambers.
Among the letters forwarded to his mother from the field of battle was one from Capt. A. J. Roper of Lithgow, who stated that Sergt. Woods and two other members of the band received the full force of a shell explosion. “Sonny" , as he was known to his Queensland intimates, was killed instantly and did not suffer the agony that some did. He did his duty nobly and would be much missed by all.
At the band memorial there was a big crowd present and the service was said to be very solemn and impressive. His late bandmaster, by whom he was also previously employed, has published a poem to his memory, one verse of which reads:
“Nor flinching, in the fighting, He at the front did fall;
Attending to the dying, He gave his life — his all.”
This is true of many a noble stretcher-bearer. Sergt. Woods died a noble death, and it is a consolation to his mother that his end was worthy of the son she loved. He was one of the many who have given their all, their life that we might live away from the shadow of Prussian oppression and the devilish ‘kultur’ of the Hun.”
Charters Towers Concert Band
Winner of the North Queensland Championships, Cairns Contest, 1911
“Sonny’s Cornet which his mother prized more than all else”
With many thanks to the Charters Towers Archives for supplying the above photo.
In a line of 17 graves – of young soldiers all killed on the same day 5th May 1916 - Sonny Wood’s grave is the first. His, and the next two graves are placed very close together – as if “glued”. The soldier next to Sonny is Jack McNeil, another Bandsman Ambulance Bearer. Although the article in the Lithgow Mercury says that three members of the Band were killed by that one shell, I think it is more likely that the third soldier, James Summerson, was a patient they were carrying
Sonny Wood Jack McNeil James Clifton Summerson
With thanks to Nicolas Devin of Armentieres, who recently visited these graves on my behalf, and sent the information and photograph.
‘Went the day well? We died and never knew.
But, well or ill , Freedom, we died for you.’
John Maxwell Evans 1875 -1958
All The above provided by Shirley Powley
Before leaving Sydney, he wrote to his mother and sisters, wishing Ella a happy birthday and telling them. “When we get to the Front, I have charge of 16 stretcher bearers and we are to carry on from field to Base Hospital. On Wednesday next, my band has been picked from the remaining four to play at Parliament House Sydney at a big function.”
Embarked Sydney H.M.A.T. A35 ‘BERRIMA’ 26th June 1915
HMAT A35 Berrima – Sourced wiki
Proceeded to Gallipoli joined Military Expeditionary Force August 1915.
One week in hospital 1st to 6th Nov 9th January 1916.
Embarked for Marseilles on 19th March on H.M.T.’INGOONA’
Arrived Marseilles 25th March 1916.
Sonny was killed in action in France 5th May 1916
His Burial took place at Brewery Orchard Bois-Grenier. (IV C 25) 4000 yards south of Armentieres, France.
BREWERY ORCHARD CEMETERY, BOIS-GRENIER.
Effects returned in Package No. 245
Disc, Metal Watch, Watch protector, Photos, Strap, Gold ring engraved “Florrie”
Florrie is the name of Sonny’s eldest sister.
A letter was written on Mrs. Wood’s behalf to Senator Pearce, the Minister for Defence, Melbourne, requesting the return of any of Sonny’s belongings. The writer says “Amongst these possessions was his Cornet which the mother prizes more than all else.” This letter was written in July, 1916. A separate package contained his Cornet in its case. It does appear that the Cornet was returned safely, as Mrs. Wood acknowledged the receipt of 2 parcels in January, 1917 signing it.
‘Yours gratefully, Mrs. S. C. Wood, Cloncurry’.
With regard to his medals, there was still a problem with these being received by the family, Mrs. Wood having died in 1919 and the rule being that both parents having died, they had to go first to the eldest surviving brother of a deceased soldier, then the next eldest and so on, and then to any sisters in order of birth. Letters sent to Stanley Wood in Sydney remained unanswered. He had also fought on the Western Front and was repatriated to Australia in 1919. In 1923 his sister Ella (Mrs. Chester), was still enquiring about them. War Records show that between 1919 – 1923 Medals were forwarded to returned soldiers and also to relatives of deceased soldiers.
7th June 1916, Townsvlle Daily Bulletin CLONCURRY NOTES “News reached here yesterday to the effect that Sergeant S. Woods (sic) of the 20th Battalion, had been killed in battle on May 5. Deceased enlisted at Lithgow whither he had gone from Cloncurry. He was well-known on Charters Towers, as a bandsman, and was the firstbandmaster of the present Cloncurry concert band. He was a great favorite whilst here. On the news being received here the flags in the town were lowered to half mast out of respect for the fallen hero. "Son" Wood’s many friends will be sorry to hear that he has gone under, whilst fighting for British freedom......”
CHARTERS TOWERS TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY
31st July 1916
Lithgow Mercury New South Wales
We have received from the Charters Towers Queensland Bandmaster an excellent photographic “In Memoriam" card of the late *G.W. (Sonny). Woods*, band sergeant of the 20th Battalion Band who enlisted from Lithgow and was well known here. The late soldier bandsman was a native of Charters Towers, and the bandsmen of that city not only held a very impressive service in his memory, but have also issued enlarged photos of the young man, one of which has been presented to his mother while the other has been hung in the Council Chambers.
Among the letters forwarded to his mother from the field of battle was one from Capt. A. J. Roper of Lithgow, who stated that Sergt. Woods and two other members of the band received the full force of a shell explosion. “Sonny" , as he was known to his Queensland intimates, was killed instantly and did not suffer the agony that some did. He did his duty nobly and would be much missed by all.
At the band memorial there was a big crowd present and the service was said to be very solemn and impressive. His late bandmaster, by whom he was also previously employed, has published a poem to his memory, one verse of which reads:
“Nor flinching, in the fighting, He at the front did fall;
Attending to the dying, He gave his life — his all.”
This is true of many a noble stretcher-bearer. Sergt. Woods died a noble death, and it is a consolation to his mother that his end was worthy of the son she loved. He was one of the many who have given their all, their life that we might live away from the shadow of Prussian oppression and the devilish ‘kultur’ of the Hun.”
Charters Towers Concert Band
Winner of the North Queensland Championships, Cairns Contest, 1911
“Sonny’s Cornet which his mother prized more than all else”
With many thanks to the Charters Towers Archives for supplying the above photo.
In a line of 17 graves – of young soldiers all killed on the same day 5th May 1916 - Sonny Wood’s grave is the first. His, and the next two graves are placed very close together – as if “glued”. The soldier next to Sonny is Jack McNeil, another Bandsman Ambulance Bearer. Although the article in the Lithgow Mercury says that three members of the Band were killed by that one shell, I think it is more likely that the third soldier, James Summerson, was a patient they were carrying
Sonny Wood Jack McNeil James Clifton Summerson
With thanks to Nicolas Devin of Armentieres, who recently visited these graves on my behalf, and sent the information and photograph.
‘Went the day well? We died and never knew.
But, well or ill , Freedom, we died for you.’
John Maxwell Evans 1875 -1958
All The above provided by Shirley Powley
2410 Private
Ernest Garner Shipway Merriman
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th May 1916, aged 28.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of John and E. Merriman, of Cumnock, New South Wales. Native of Yass, New South Wales.
He was educated at Public School and was a native of the Yass district where he worked as a farmer and labourer before enlisting at Cumnock on 26 July 1915. Pte Merriman was assigned to the 20th Battalion and later saw service with that unit on the Western Front in France. In May 1916, the 20th Battalion was in action at Armentieres and it was in this action that Merriman was killed on 5 May 1916.
Ernest Garner Shipway Merriman
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th May 1916, aged 28.
Plot IV. C. 25.
Son of John and E. Merriman, of Cumnock, New South Wales. Native of Yass, New South Wales.
He was educated at Public School and was a native of the Yass district where he worked as a farmer and labourer before enlisting at Cumnock on 26 July 1915. Pte Merriman was assigned to the 20th Battalion and later saw service with that unit on the Western Front in France. In May 1916, the 20th Battalion was in action at Armentieres and it was in this action that Merriman was killed on 5 May 1916.
3455 Private
Bertie Pring
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th June 1916
Plot IV. D. 22.
A labourer from Ballarat, Vic prior to enlistment, Pte Pring embarked with the 11th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Nestor on11 October 1915. On 29 June 1916 he died, aged 23, from wounds received in action at Armentieres.
Bertie Pring
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th June 1916
Plot IV. D. 22.
A labourer from Ballarat, Vic prior to enlistment, Pte Pring embarked with the 11th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Nestor on11 October 1915. On 29 June 1916 he died, aged 23, from wounds received in action at Armentieres.
Lieutenant
Raymond Elton Pye
17th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
17th May 1916
Plot IV. B. 2.
A grazier from Bondi, NSW prior to enlistment, Lt Pye embarked with A Company from Sydney on HMAT Themistocles (A32) on 12 April 1915. He was wounded in action at Gallipoli and evacuated to England, later rejoining his battalion. He was killed accidentally by his own men. Lt. Pye had been scouting the German wire at night, having left his men to do so. On his return he was challenged and either did not reply or did not hear the challenge. Thinking he was a German, his men opened fire and he was shot a number of times through the chest and head.
Raymond Elton Pye
17th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
17th May 1916
Plot IV. B. 2.
A grazier from Bondi, NSW prior to enlistment, Lt Pye embarked with A Company from Sydney on HMAT Themistocles (A32) on 12 April 1915. He was wounded in action at Gallipoli and evacuated to England, later rejoining his battalion. He was killed accidentally by his own men. Lt. Pye had been scouting the German wire at night, having left his men to do so. On his return he was challenged and either did not reply or did not hear the challenge. Thinking he was a German, his men opened fire and he was shot a number of times through the chest and head.
3609 Private
Thomas Benjamin Shaw
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd July 1916, aged 23.
Plot IV. E. 44.
Son of Joseph and Sarah Shaw, of 19, Northumberland St., Collingwood, Victoria, Australia.
A 22 year old brass finisher prior to enlisting on 22 July 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 8th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 5 January 1916 aboard HMAT Afric. On arrival in Egypt, he transferred to the 8th Battalion and then to the 14th Battalion and embarked with the latter to the Western Front. He was killed in action near Armentieres, France. His brother, 4789 Private Joseph Shaw served with the 21st Battalion on the Western Front and returned to Australia in April 1918.
Thomas Benjamin Shaw
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
3rd July 1916, aged 23.
Plot IV. E. 44.
Son of Joseph and Sarah Shaw, of 19, Northumberland St., Collingwood, Victoria, Australia.
A 22 year old brass finisher prior to enlisting on 22 July 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 8th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 5 January 1916 aboard HMAT Afric. On arrival in Egypt, he transferred to the 8th Battalion and then to the 14th Battalion and embarked with the latter to the Western Front. He was killed in action near Armentieres, France. His brother, 4789 Private Joseph Shaw served with the 21st Battalion on the Western Front and returned to Australia in April 1918.
3120 Private
Cecil John Stoker
13th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th June 1916, aged 18.
Plot IV. D. 19.
An 18 year old porter prior to enlisting on 16 July 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 10th Reinforcements of the 1st Battalion from Sydney on 8 October 1915 aboard HMAT Warilda. After joining the 1st Battalion in Egypt on 6 January 1916, he transferred to the 13th Battalion on 9 March 1916 and held the rank of Corporal for three months. He deployed with the 13th Battalion to the Western Front, arriving in France on 8 June 1916. Three weeks later, on 29 June 1916 he was killed in action at Erquinghem, France.
Cecil John Stoker
13th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th June 1916, aged 18.
Plot IV. D. 19.
An 18 year old porter prior to enlisting on 16 July 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 10th Reinforcements of the 1st Battalion from Sydney on 8 October 1915 aboard HMAT Warilda. After joining the 1st Battalion in Egypt on 6 January 1916, he transferred to the 13th Battalion on 9 March 1916 and held the rank of Corporal for three months. He deployed with the 13th Battalion to the Western Front, arriving in France on 8 June 1916. Three weeks later, on 29 June 1916 he was killed in action at Erquinghem, France.
2833 Private
Patrick Augustine Wall
18th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
27th April 1916, aged 44.
Plot IV. B. 21.
Son of William and Eliza Ann Wall, of Limestone, Bowning, New South Wales.
He worked as a barman prior to enlisting (under the name Patrick Augustus Wall) in July 1915. Pte. Wall embarked from Sydney with the 6th Reinforcements on board HMAT Euripides (A14) on 2 November 1915. On 27 April 1916, Pte. Wall died at Bois Grenier, Armentieres, France, of wounds received in action.
Patrick Augustine Wall
18th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
27th April 1916, aged 44.
Plot IV. B. 21.
Son of William and Eliza Ann Wall, of Limestone, Bowning, New South Wales.
He worked as a barman prior to enlisting (under the name Patrick Augustus Wall) in July 1915. Pte. Wall embarked from Sydney with the 6th Reinforcements on board HMAT Euripides (A14) on 2 November 1915. On 27 April 1916, Pte. Wall died at Bois Grenier, Armentieres, France, of wounds received in action.
Images in this gallery © Werner Van Caneghem
2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 19th Brigade, 6th and 27th Division, Bois Grenade Sector. A group of men in the trenches. Note the jam-tin bombs, brushwood revetting and dug-out in parapet. One man has an accordion. © IWM (Q 48958)
