Puchevillers British Cemetery
Roll of Honour
I - R
4633 Private
Alfred James Jackson
48th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
6th August 1916.
Plot I. E. 71.
Son of Alfred Augustus and Enorah Jackson. Native of Beverley, Western Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Died That We Might Live."
A labourer of Beverley, WA, prior to enlistment, he embarked with the 14th Reinforcements from Fremantle on HMAT Miltiades (A28) on 12 February 1916.
Alfred James Jackson
48th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
6th August 1916.
Plot I. E. 71.
Son of Alfred Augustus and Enorah Jackson. Native of Beverley, Western Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Died That We Might Live."
A labourer of Beverley, WA, prior to enlistment, he embarked with the 14th Reinforcements from Fremantle on HMAT Miltiades (A28) on 12 February 1916.
4839 Private
Edward Edwin Jennings
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
31st August 1916, aged 23.
Plot III. F. 33.
Son of Edward and Ada Jennings, of 42, Biggerstaffe Rd., Stratford, London, England. Native of Middlesex, England.
Originally from Stratford, England, Pte Jennings was a labourer of no fixed address prior to enlistment and embarked with the 15th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Anchises on 14 March 1916. Whilst serving in France, he was wounded in action and, on 31 August 1916, aged 23, he succumbed to his wounds.
Edward Edwin Jennings
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
31st August 1916, aged 23.
Plot III. F. 33.
Son of Edward and Ada Jennings, of 42, Biggerstaffe Rd., Stratford, London, England. Native of Middlesex, England.
Originally from Stratford, England, Pte Jennings was a labourer of no fixed address prior to enlistment and embarked with the 15th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Anchises on 14 March 1916. Whilst serving in France, he was wounded in action and, on 31 August 1916, aged 23, he succumbed to his wounds.
14353 Private
James Jones
9th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers
2nd July 1916.
Plot I. C. 51.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Never Will Be Forgotten, Never Will His Memory Fade."
Son of Robert and Margaret Jones, of 98, Union St., Lurgan, Co. Armagh.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Never Will Be Forgotten; Never Will His Memory Fade."
Pictures courtesy of Douglas Mowbray (Great Nephew) The pictures of the headstone were taken on 11th November 2018.
Click on images below to enlarge
James Jones
9th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers
2nd July 1916.
Plot I. C. 51.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Never Will Be Forgotten, Never Will His Memory Fade."
Son of Robert and Margaret Jones, of 98, Union St., Lurgan, Co. Armagh.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Never Will Be Forgotten; Never Will His Memory Fade."
Pictures courtesy of Douglas Mowbray (Great Nephew) The pictures of the headstone were taken on 11th November 2018.
Click on images below to enlarge
3819 Private
Clark Mansfield Joy
6th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
20th August 1916, aged 26.
Plot II. F. 47.
Son of William and Johanna Joy. Native of Dargo, Victoria, Australia.
A salesman prior to enlisting on 7 August 1915, Joy embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic on 23 November 1915. He was wounded at Pozieres, France, and died on 20 August 1916, aged 26 years.
Clark Mansfield Joy
6th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
20th August 1916, aged 26.
Plot II. F. 47.
Son of William and Johanna Joy. Native of Dargo, Victoria, Australia.
A salesman prior to enlisting on 7 August 1915, Joy embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic on 23 November 1915. He was wounded at Pozieres, France, and died on 20 August 1916, aged 26 years.
20409 Private
Reginald Lambert
2nd/1st Bucks. Bn. Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
18th January 1917, aged 27.
Plot V. A. 17.
Son of Hezekiah and the late Susan Lambert, of Sherborne, Dorset.
Reginald Lambert
2nd/1st Bucks. Bn. Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
18th January 1917, aged 27.
Plot V. A. 17.
Son of Hezekiah and the late Susan Lambert, of Sherborne, Dorset.
142319 Private
Frederick Llewellyn Lanceley
1st Bn. Canadian Infantry
25th September 1916, aged 33.
Plot IV. E. 12.
Son of William and Jane Lanceley, of Hamilton, Ontario.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Make Us To Be Numbered With Thy Saints In Glory Everlasting." (From the hymn - Te Deum.)
Frederick Llewellyn Lanceley
1st Bn. Canadian Infantry
25th September 1916, aged 33.
Plot IV. E. 12.
Son of William and Jane Lanceley, of Hamilton, Ontario.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Make Us To Be Numbered With Thy Saints In Glory Everlasting." (From the hymn - Te Deum.)
59568 Private
Delphise Lapointe
21st Bn. Canadian Infantry
17th September 1916.
Plot IV. F. 46.
Delphise Lapointe
21st Bn. Canadian Infantry
17th September 1916.
Plot IV. F. 46.
2766 Private
Leonard Barton Leece
15th Bn. Australian Infantry. A. I. F.
29th August 1916.
Plot III. F. 28
Son of Alexander Ellis and Rose Leece, of Casino, New South Wales, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Died To Keep Us Free."
In the first photo, Bart is on the right and his brother Jim (James Andrew Leece) is on the left and in the second photo Bart is with a couple of mates. The third photo is of his grave.
The Life and Times of Leonard Barton Leece
(Text and Images by Christopher Albertson)
Leonard “Bart” Barton Lecce was born in Glen Innes, near Maclean in northern NSW on the 4th of March 1897 to Alexander Ellis Leece and Rose Hutton, and was the fourth born of nine kids. Sadly in 1902, when Bart was five years old, his younger brother Harold died of pneumonia not yet aged four. His family then left Maclean at the end of 1903, arriving in Casino on New Year’s Day 1904. When the family arrived in Casino, which was severely drought affected with Scarlet fever raging, his mother Rose declared that she “would not live in such a dreadful town.” She lived there for the next fifty years until she died aged 85.
Bart attended Casino Public School and later Casino Grammar. After school he choose not to go into the newspaper business like his father or his eldest brother Leslie, and didn’t play a major part in the family’s paper the “Casino and Kyogle Courier” which his father had started and was the editor for. Instead he trained to be a pharmacist, and at the age of just sixteen, he passed his preliminary exams for pharmacy. After school, he did twelve months with W.W. Evans Chemist in Casino and he later took a job as a bank clerk, but continued his pharmaceutical training at night school whilst working these jobs.
When the First World War broke out, Bart was working as a bank clerk for the Casino branch of The London Bank of Australia Limited. He had previously served with the Senior Cadets in Casino and with the 12th Infantry. Bart and his elder brother Jim (James Andrew Leece) enlisted in the AIF together in Brisbane on the 9th of August 1915. It was a decision made after much family discussion during their last Christmas holidays which they spent together at Evans Head. His mother gave permission for him to enlist as he was only eighteen years old, however in her consent letter she wrote allowing her son to enlist on the condition that he worked as a chemist’s assistant or volunteer.
Bart was posted to the 9th Reinforcements to the 15th Battalion with the rank of Private. Later in 1915, Jim and Bart embarked together on a troop ship from Sydney Harbour, when Jim became very sick with meningitis. Bart and a friend rowed Jim ashore to go to hospital. Bart left Sydney aboard HMAT Ayrshire on September 1st 1915, and Jim embarked aboard HMAT Kyarra from Brisbane on January 3rd 1916.
Bart was initially stationed in Egypt where he underwent training and was regularly stationed on guard duty on the canal. He did however manage to do a bit of sightseeing, and visited the Sphinx and the Pyramids and he bought himself an ensignette camera. He also spent time with friends at the pictures and the YMCA. He regularly sent postcards home to his little sister Nellie, of the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
From Zeitoun, Bart proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on October 31st 1915, and embarked for Gallipoli aboard the Minnewaska on November 4th. He was taken on strength on November 13th at Gallipoli, where his 9th Reinforcement met up with the 15th Battalion. Whilst at Gallipoli Bart served with his battalion at Hay Valley. He became sick with influenza on December 8th and was admitted to the casualty clearing station on December 11th where he was transferred to Mudros and then made it back to Heliopolis.
Jim met up with Bart in Egypt in 1916, however they were in different regiments, with Bart serving in B company of the 15th Battalion and Jim the 2nd Pioneers. Bart wrote in his diary that on Saturday February 19th 1916, he along with a few “Casino boys,” “strolled to Zeitoun to meet some new troops, and the first man I recognised was Jim who spied me first and sang out, and I was quite surprised when I saw him standing there in bold relief behind a black MD.”
On April 2nd 1916 in Serapeum, Bart reported to the doctor after a mate found ringworm in his neck the previous day. He was transferred to Ismailia and treated with silver nitrate which “burns very much,” as he described in his diary. After various other ringworm breakouts, dysentery and frequently vomiting blood, he was finally discharged from hospital on May 8th and left Ismailia for Serapeum.
After getting out of hospital, Bart re-joined the 15th Battalion still in Egypt. He was told there was no chance of getting back into the signallers, so on May 10th 1916 he was put into No.6 Platoon and issued with rifle and equipment. He left Serapium for Alexandria on May 31st and arrived the next day. He was taken aboard the Transylvania, which he described in his diary as “a two funnel ship of about 1500 tons and speed 19 knots.” They slipped anchor on June 2nd, disembarking at Marseilles on June 8th.
In France he worked as a signaller and spent time setting up communication lines. He wrote in his diary on July 1st 1916 “Doing shift work on the phone. We are stationed in a wine cellar and are connected up with all companies and headquarters.”
Bart arrived in the Somme district on July 13th 1916. He wrote about some of his tasks which included “Doing running from relay station to headquarters” (August 7th 1916). He continued work as a signaller in the lead up to the Battle of Pozieres, and on August the 8th 1916, he was in the first wave attack against the German trenches in front of Mouquet Farm. He wrote about the day’s experiences in his diary, writing “The usual ceaseless bombardment with high explosives and wiz-bangs. No rifle or machine gun fire. We received instruction to charge at 9.30pm and during the day made every preparation. The barrage started at appointed time and we advanced in three waves capturing the first and second German lines advancing about 400 yards. Went out with first wave.”
The 15th Battalion was destined to undertake a second tour of duty in the trenches at Pozieres, and it was during this time that Bart was mortally wounded. On August 28th 1916 at Mouquet Farm, Pozieres, Bart was wounded in action when he received a gunshot wound to the head which also shattered his jaw. He was evacuated to the 44th Casualty Clearing Station where he died of his wounds the next day. He was only nineteen years old. Bart was buried at Puchevillers British Cemetery 7½ miles SSE of Doullens, France, where he lies today. His family was sent his personals which included his diary, a pocket bible with a bullet hole in it and his dogtag still stained with his blood.
Leonard Barton Leece
15th Bn. Australian Infantry. A. I. F.
29th August 1916.
Plot III. F. 28
Son of Alexander Ellis and Rose Leece, of Casino, New South Wales, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Died To Keep Us Free."
In the first photo, Bart is on the right and his brother Jim (James Andrew Leece) is on the left and in the second photo Bart is with a couple of mates. The third photo is of his grave.
The Life and Times of Leonard Barton Leece
(Text and Images by Christopher Albertson)
Leonard “Bart” Barton Lecce was born in Glen Innes, near Maclean in northern NSW on the 4th of March 1897 to Alexander Ellis Leece and Rose Hutton, and was the fourth born of nine kids. Sadly in 1902, when Bart was five years old, his younger brother Harold died of pneumonia not yet aged four. His family then left Maclean at the end of 1903, arriving in Casino on New Year’s Day 1904. When the family arrived in Casino, which was severely drought affected with Scarlet fever raging, his mother Rose declared that she “would not live in such a dreadful town.” She lived there for the next fifty years until she died aged 85.
Bart attended Casino Public School and later Casino Grammar. After school he choose not to go into the newspaper business like his father or his eldest brother Leslie, and didn’t play a major part in the family’s paper the “Casino and Kyogle Courier” which his father had started and was the editor for. Instead he trained to be a pharmacist, and at the age of just sixteen, he passed his preliminary exams for pharmacy. After school, he did twelve months with W.W. Evans Chemist in Casino and he later took a job as a bank clerk, but continued his pharmaceutical training at night school whilst working these jobs.
When the First World War broke out, Bart was working as a bank clerk for the Casino branch of The London Bank of Australia Limited. He had previously served with the Senior Cadets in Casino and with the 12th Infantry. Bart and his elder brother Jim (James Andrew Leece) enlisted in the AIF together in Brisbane on the 9th of August 1915. It was a decision made after much family discussion during their last Christmas holidays which they spent together at Evans Head. His mother gave permission for him to enlist as he was only eighteen years old, however in her consent letter she wrote allowing her son to enlist on the condition that he worked as a chemist’s assistant or volunteer.
Bart was posted to the 9th Reinforcements to the 15th Battalion with the rank of Private. Later in 1915, Jim and Bart embarked together on a troop ship from Sydney Harbour, when Jim became very sick with meningitis. Bart and a friend rowed Jim ashore to go to hospital. Bart left Sydney aboard HMAT Ayrshire on September 1st 1915, and Jim embarked aboard HMAT Kyarra from Brisbane on January 3rd 1916.
Bart was initially stationed in Egypt where he underwent training and was regularly stationed on guard duty on the canal. He did however manage to do a bit of sightseeing, and visited the Sphinx and the Pyramids and he bought himself an ensignette camera. He also spent time with friends at the pictures and the YMCA. He regularly sent postcards home to his little sister Nellie, of the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
From Zeitoun, Bart proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on October 31st 1915, and embarked for Gallipoli aboard the Minnewaska on November 4th. He was taken on strength on November 13th at Gallipoli, where his 9th Reinforcement met up with the 15th Battalion. Whilst at Gallipoli Bart served with his battalion at Hay Valley. He became sick with influenza on December 8th and was admitted to the casualty clearing station on December 11th where he was transferred to Mudros and then made it back to Heliopolis.
Jim met up with Bart in Egypt in 1916, however they were in different regiments, with Bart serving in B company of the 15th Battalion and Jim the 2nd Pioneers. Bart wrote in his diary that on Saturday February 19th 1916, he along with a few “Casino boys,” “strolled to Zeitoun to meet some new troops, and the first man I recognised was Jim who spied me first and sang out, and I was quite surprised when I saw him standing there in bold relief behind a black MD.”
On April 2nd 1916 in Serapeum, Bart reported to the doctor after a mate found ringworm in his neck the previous day. He was transferred to Ismailia and treated with silver nitrate which “burns very much,” as he described in his diary. After various other ringworm breakouts, dysentery and frequently vomiting blood, he was finally discharged from hospital on May 8th and left Ismailia for Serapeum.
After getting out of hospital, Bart re-joined the 15th Battalion still in Egypt. He was told there was no chance of getting back into the signallers, so on May 10th 1916 he was put into No.6 Platoon and issued with rifle and equipment. He left Serapium for Alexandria on May 31st and arrived the next day. He was taken aboard the Transylvania, which he described in his diary as “a two funnel ship of about 1500 tons and speed 19 knots.” They slipped anchor on June 2nd, disembarking at Marseilles on June 8th.
In France he worked as a signaller and spent time setting up communication lines. He wrote in his diary on July 1st 1916 “Doing shift work on the phone. We are stationed in a wine cellar and are connected up with all companies and headquarters.”
Bart arrived in the Somme district on July 13th 1916. He wrote about some of his tasks which included “Doing running from relay station to headquarters” (August 7th 1916). He continued work as a signaller in the lead up to the Battle of Pozieres, and on August the 8th 1916, he was in the first wave attack against the German trenches in front of Mouquet Farm. He wrote about the day’s experiences in his diary, writing “The usual ceaseless bombardment with high explosives and wiz-bangs. No rifle or machine gun fire. We received instruction to charge at 9.30pm and during the day made every preparation. The barrage started at appointed time and we advanced in three waves capturing the first and second German lines advancing about 400 yards. Went out with first wave.”
The 15th Battalion was destined to undertake a second tour of duty in the trenches at Pozieres, and it was during this time that Bart was mortally wounded. On August 28th 1916 at Mouquet Farm, Pozieres, Bart was wounded in action when he received a gunshot wound to the head which also shattered his jaw. He was evacuated to the 44th Casualty Clearing Station where he died of his wounds the next day. He was only nineteen years old. Bart was buried at Puchevillers British Cemetery 7½ miles SSE of Doullens, France, where he lies today. His family was sent his personals which included his diary, a pocket bible with a bullet hole in it and his dogtag still stained with his blood.
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Looking across the battlefield of 1916 from the AIF memorial at Mouquet Farm and Memorial |
17/321 Private
Sydney Leeming
17th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
16th July 1916, aged 24.
Plot I. E. 7.
Son of John Robert and Henrietta Leeming, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham.
Sydney Leeming
17th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
16th July 1916, aged 24.
Plot I. E. 7.
Son of John Robert and Henrietta Leeming, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham.
7245 Serjeant
George Love
2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles
30th September 1916, aged 34.
Plot V. B. 21.
Son of Robert James and Rachel Love, of Scotch St., Downpatrick, Co. Down.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Third Son Of Robt. J. & Rachel Love Scotch Street, Downpatrick Co. Down."
Picture courtesy of Lorraine Rea, George Love was her husbands great-uncle
George Love
2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles
30th September 1916, aged 34.
Plot V. B. 21.
Son of Robert James and Rachel Love, of Scotch St., Downpatrick, Co. Down.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Third Son Of Robt. J. & Rachel Love Scotch Street, Downpatrick Co. Down."
Picture courtesy of Lorraine Rea, George Love was her husbands great-uncle
1034 Private
Thomas Nicholas Lynch
21st Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
31st July 1916.
Plot II. C. 38.
Son of Alexander and Elizabeth Lynch, of Toorak Rd., Camberwell, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Requiescat In Pace."
He was admitted to No.44 Casualty Clearing Station on 30th July 1916 with multiple wounds, he died of these wounds the following day.
Thomas Nicholas Lynch
21st Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
31st July 1916.
Plot II. C. 38.
Son of Alexander and Elizabeth Lynch, of Toorak Rd., Camberwell, Victoria, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Requiescat In Pace."
He was admitted to No.44 Casualty Clearing Station on 30th July 1916 with multiple wounds, he died of these wounds the following day.
434686 Private
George A. Matthews
28th Bn. Canadian Infantry
15th September 1916.
Plot III. D. 12.
George A. Matthews
28th Bn. Canadian Infantry
15th September 1916.
Plot III. D. 12.
24063 Private
Francis Vincent McCraith
9th Bn. Essex Regiment
4th July 1916, aged 24.
Plot I. C. 10.
Son of Patrick and Ellen McCraith, of 65, Avenue Rd., Southend-on-Sea.
His headstone bears the inscription. "May The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Have Mercy On Him. R.I.P."
Francis Vincent McCraith
9th Bn. Essex Regiment
4th July 1916, aged 24.
Plot I. C. 10.
Son of Patrick and Ellen McCraith, of 65, Avenue Rd., Southend-on-Sea.
His headstone bears the inscription. "May The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Have Mercy On Him. R.I.P."
3395 Private
Norman John McLeod
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th August 1916, aged 24.
Plot III. F. 15.
Son of John and Caroline McLeod, of 80, Lennox St., Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia. Native of Melbourne, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription. "My Dearly Loved Only Son. Loved Brother Of Marion Law. Sadly Missed."
A 23 year old labourer prior to enlisting on 20 July 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 11th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 11 October 1915 aboard HMAT Nestor. After further training in Egypt, he joined the 14th Battalion and proceeded to France. Pte McLeod was wounded at Mouquet Farm, France on 28 August 1916, dying of his wounds one day later.
Information from No.3 Casualty Clearing Station records; "He was admitted, 28.8.16., suffering gun shot wound head (perforating cranium). Died 29.8.16. He was unconscious while in this C.C.S. The Rev. G.S. Duncan officiated at the burial, 30.8.16."
Norman John McLeod
14th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th August 1916, aged 24.
Plot III. F. 15.
Son of John and Caroline McLeod, of 80, Lennox St., Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia. Native of Melbourne, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription. "My Dearly Loved Only Son. Loved Brother Of Marion Law. Sadly Missed."
A 23 year old labourer prior to enlisting on 20 July 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 11th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 11 October 1915 aboard HMAT Nestor. After further training in Egypt, he joined the 14th Battalion and proceeded to France. Pte McLeod was wounded at Mouquet Farm, France on 28 August 1916, dying of his wounds one day later.
Information from No.3 Casualty Clearing Station records; "He was admitted, 28.8.16., suffering gun shot wound head (perforating cranium). Died 29.8.16. He was unconscious while in this C.C.S. The Rev. G.S. Duncan officiated at the burial, 30.8.16."
289 Private
Archibald Joseph McSparron
18th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th August 1916, aged 26.
Plot II. B. 75.
Son of George and Jane McSparron. Native of Straid, Straidarran, Londonderry, Ireland.
A shunter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard the HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 25 June 1915. He was wounded in action at Pozieres, France, on 5 August 1916. He died of his wounds that day at the 44th Casualty Clearing Station, France, aged 26.
Archibald Joseph McSparron
18th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th August 1916, aged 26.
Plot II. B. 75.
Son of George and Jane McSparron. Native of Straid, Straidarran, Londonderry, Ireland.
A shunter prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard the HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 25 June 1915. He was wounded in action at Pozieres, France, on 5 August 1916. He died of his wounds that day at the 44th Casualty Clearing Station, France, aged 26.
141243 Private
Sidney Claridge Millican
58th Bn. Canadian Infantry
21st September 1916, aged 21.
Plot IV. D. 23.
Son of John and Florence Millican, of Liverpool, England.
Sidney Claridge Millican
58th Bn. Canadian Infantry
21st September 1916, aged 21.
Plot IV. D. 23.
Son of John and Florence Millican, of Liverpool, England.
437250 Private
Joseph Nelson Morrison
14th Bn. Canadian Infantry
12th September 1916, aged 20.
Plot IV. B. 44.
Son of Mary Jane and the late Erwin Morrison, of Copper Cliff, Ontario.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Gave His Life For The Loved Ones At Home."
The image shows from left to right; Joseph, William and Fred.
Joseph and Fred were killed during the Battle of the Somme. Fred is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial. It is believed that William survived the war.
Joseph Nelson Morrison
14th Bn. Canadian Infantry
12th September 1916, aged 20.
Plot IV. B. 44.
Son of Mary Jane and the late Erwin Morrison, of Copper Cliff, Ontario.
His headstone bears the inscription. "He Gave His Life For The Loved Ones At Home."
The image shows from left to right; Joseph, William and Fred.
Joseph and Fred were killed during the Battle of the Somme. Fred is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial. It is believed that William survived the war.
2402 Private
James Mullins
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
6th August 1916, aged 28.
Plot II. D. 8.
Son of Michael and Joanna Mullins.
A builder's labourer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ballarat (A70) on 6 September 1915. He died at No 3 Casualty Clearing Station, France on 6 August 1916 from wounds received in action.
James Mullins
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
6th August 1916, aged 28.
Plot II. D. 8.
Son of Michael and Joanna Mullins.
A builder's labourer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ballarat (A70) on 6 September 1915. He died at No 3 Casualty Clearing Station, France on 6 August 1916 from wounds received in action.
139641 Private
David Airel Murphy
60th Bn. Canadian Infantry
18th September 1916, aged 18.
Plot IV. F. 49.
Son of David and Annie Murphy, of Guelph, Ontario.
His headstone bears the inscription. "At The Battle Of The Somme In His Eighteenth Year; May His Soul Rest In Peace."
David Airel Murphy
60th Bn. Canadian Infantry
18th September 1916, aged 18.
Plot IV. F. 49.
Son of David and Annie Murphy, of Guelph, Ontario.
His headstone bears the inscription. "At The Battle Of The Somme In His Eighteenth Year; May His Soul Rest In Peace."
487348 Private
Karl Fletcher Murray
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment)
17th September 1916, aged 20.
Plot IV. D. 11.
Son of Charles H. and Meuta K. Murray, of Clyde, Alberta. Born at Nova Scotia.
Karl Fletcher Murray
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment)
17th September 1916, aged 20.
Plot IV. D. 11.
Son of Charles H. and Meuta K. Murray, of Clyde, Alberta. Born at Nova Scotia.
3756 Sapper
Francis Walter Newell
7th Field Coy. Australian Engineers
29th July 1916, aged 24.
Plot II. C. 16.
Son of Richard and Catherine Newell, of 19, Brown St., Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription. "A Loving Son One Of God's Noblest & Best Loved By All; A Hero At Rest."
From Stanmore, NSW. Son of Richard and Catherine Newell, of Newtown, NSW. A bricklayer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 30 November 1915. He died of wounds, received in action, on 29 July 1916 in France, aged 24.
3741, Sapper Baines gave the following information of the last hours of Francis Newell;
"I saw this man with both legs broken by machine gun fire and his arm also. He was lying in the cemetery about 50yds in front of the village of Pozieres. He was wounded during the attack on July 28th or 29th. It was when the 6th or 7th Australian Brigade made the charge. He was conscious and he rations with him to last 48 hours and two full bottles of water, but the shelling was terrifically bad at the time, he was in a deep shell hole. The attack failed and we were repulsed, so unless we have taken the ground since, he would be reported missing. He would be about 100yds from our line."
In fact Sapper Newell was evacuated from his shell hole but sadly succumbed to his wounds at the Casualty Clearing Station, Puchevillers.
Francis Walter Newell
7th Field Coy. Australian Engineers
29th July 1916, aged 24.
Plot II. C. 16.
Son of Richard and Catherine Newell, of 19, Brown St., Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription. "A Loving Son One Of God's Noblest & Best Loved By All; A Hero At Rest."
From Stanmore, NSW. Son of Richard and Catherine Newell, of Newtown, NSW. A bricklayer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 30 November 1915. He died of wounds, received in action, on 29 July 1916 in France, aged 24.
3741, Sapper Baines gave the following information of the last hours of Francis Newell;
"I saw this man with both legs broken by machine gun fire and his arm also. He was lying in the cemetery about 50yds in front of the village of Pozieres. He was wounded during the attack on July 28th or 29th. It was when the 6th or 7th Australian Brigade made the charge. He was conscious and he rations with him to last 48 hours and two full bottles of water, but the shelling was terrifically bad at the time, he was in a deep shell hole. The attack failed and we were repulsed, so unless we have taken the ground since, he would be reported missing. He would be about 100yds from our line."
In fact Sapper Newell was evacuated from his shell hole but sadly succumbed to his wounds at the Casualty Clearing Station, Puchevillers.
Second Lieutenant
Geoffrey Vaughan Noaks
"D" Company, 1st Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment
18th August 1916, aged 21.
Plot III. A. 8.
Son of Edward and Annie Catherine Noaks, of Wynberg, South Africa. Rhodes Scholar of Oriel College, Oxford.
His headstone bears the inscription. "From Far He Came At Honour's Call For King & Right To Fight & Fall."
Geoffrey Vaughan Noaks
"D" Company, 1st Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment
18th August 1916, aged 21.
Plot III. A. 8.
Son of Edward and Annie Catherine Noaks, of Wynberg, South Africa. Rhodes Scholar of Oriel College, Oxford.
His headstone bears the inscription. "From Far He Came At Honour's Call For King & Right To Fight & Fall."
3908 Private
Bertrand Thomas Nock
16th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F
11th August 1916, aged 23.
Plot II. E. 38.
Son of Arthur William and Cecilia Ann Nock, of Belmont Avenue, Belmont, Western Australia. Native of Albany.
Bertrand Thomas Nock
16th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F
11th August 1916, aged 23.
Plot II. E. 38.
Son of Arthur William and Cecilia Ann Nock, of Belmont Avenue, Belmont, Western Australia. Native of Albany.
2496 Driver
James Cecil Oliver
3rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
23rd August 1916, aged 27.
Plot II. F. 23.
Son of William and Flora Oliver, of Berridale, New South Wales.
A telegraph linesman from Berridale, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Oliver embarked with the 7th Reinforcements from Sydney on HMAT Orsova on 14 July 1915. Following service at Gallipoli, he was re-mustered as a Driver. Whilst serving in France he was wounded in action. On 25 August 1916, aged 27, he succumbed to his wounds.
James was admitted to No.44 Casualty Clearing Station at Puchevillers on 19th August 1916, he was suffering from shrapnel wounds to the shoulder and chest, the latter also penetrating the abdomen. He was operated upon and the internal injuries dealt with. He lived until 23rd August when his condition gradually worsened and he died at 8.30p.m that night.
James Cecil Oliver
3rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
23rd August 1916, aged 27.
Plot II. F. 23.
Son of William and Flora Oliver, of Berridale, New South Wales.
A telegraph linesman from Berridale, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Oliver embarked with the 7th Reinforcements from Sydney on HMAT Orsova on 14 July 1915. Following service at Gallipoli, he was re-mustered as a Driver. Whilst serving in France he was wounded in action. On 25 August 1916, aged 27, he succumbed to his wounds.
James was admitted to No.44 Casualty Clearing Station at Puchevillers on 19th August 1916, he was suffering from shrapnel wounds to the shoulder and chest, the latter also penetrating the abdomen. He was operated upon and the internal injuries dealt with. He lived until 23rd August when his condition gradually worsened and he died at 8.30p.m that night.
4197 Private
Cecil Stewart Owen
25th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th July 1916, aged 21.
Plot II. C. 2.
Son of Charles Stuart Owen and Elizabeth Greenaway Owen. Native of Sydney, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Thy Will Be Done."
A 20 year old Queensland Government Railways porter prior to enlisting on 9 September 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 10th Reinforcements from Brisbane on 28 March 1916 aboard HMAT Commonwealth. While serving on the Western Front, he was wounded in action near Pozieres, France on 29 July 1916 and died of those wounds that same day at the 44th Casualty Clearing Station.
The Chaplain of No.44 C.C.S. gave the following information about the death of Cecil Owen;
"He was admitted on the 29-7-16, with shrapnel wound leg, amputation, and died 29-8-16. I can find no record that any particular message was left or details of his last hours. He was buried with all possible military honours in the cemetery close by."
Cecil Stewart Owen
25th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
29th July 1916, aged 21.
Plot II. C. 2.
Son of Charles Stuart Owen and Elizabeth Greenaway Owen. Native of Sydney, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Thy Will Be Done."
A 20 year old Queensland Government Railways porter prior to enlisting on 9 September 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 10th Reinforcements from Brisbane on 28 March 1916 aboard HMAT Commonwealth. While serving on the Western Front, he was wounded in action near Pozieres, France on 29 July 1916 and died of those wounds that same day at the 44th Casualty Clearing Station.
The Chaplain of No.44 C.C.S. gave the following information about the death of Cecil Owen;
"He was admitted on the 29-7-16, with shrapnel wound leg, amputation, and died 29-8-16. I can find no record that any particular message was left or details of his last hours. He was buried with all possible military honours in the cemetery close by."
109162 Private
John Harley Paul
3rd Div. Signal Coy. Canadian Engineers
20th September 1916, aged 27.
Plot III. D. 24.
Son of Jessie A. Paul, of 83, Fairview Avenue, West Toronto, Ontario.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Born Sept. 30th 1889."
John Harley Paul
3rd Div. Signal Coy. Canadian Engineers
20th September 1916, aged 27.
Plot III. D. 24.
Son of Jessie A. Paul, of 83, Fairview Avenue, West Toronto, Ontario.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Born Sept. 30th 1889."
81696 Private
John Pearson
8th Bn. Canadian Infantry
28th September 1916, aged 25.
Plot V. B. 16.
Son of Daniel and Mary Eleanor Pearson, of Cartmel Fell, Grange-over-Sands, England.
John Pearson
8th Bn. Canadian Infantry
28th September 1916, aged 25.
Plot V. B. 16.
Son of Daniel and Mary Eleanor Pearson, of Cartmel Fell, Grange-over-Sands, England.
891 Private
Charles Pirie
2nd Bn. Gordon Highlanders
8th February 1917, aged 24.
Plot VI. C. 29.
Grandson of Donald and Ann Ross. Native of Keith, Banffshire.
His headstone bears the inscription " Gone But Not Forgotten"
Charlie Pirie was transferred from Egypt to Belgium to initially fight in Battle of Ypres where he sustained injuries during a bayonet charge and minor graze on his head when being stretched away (stretcher bearer's died). He returned to battle some 14 months later and died from an accidental shooting and buried in this site. He had been recommended for the D. C. M. medal but died of his wounds in the clearing station.
His younger brothers Peter Pirie and Donald Pirie were also in combat who survived the war.
Text and images courtesy of Caroline Donaldson (Pirie)
Click on images below to enlarge
Charles Pirie
2nd Bn. Gordon Highlanders
8th February 1917, aged 24.
Plot VI. C. 29.
Grandson of Donald and Ann Ross. Native of Keith, Banffshire.
His headstone bears the inscription " Gone But Not Forgotten"
Charlie Pirie was transferred from Egypt to Belgium to initially fight in Battle of Ypres where he sustained injuries during a bayonet charge and minor graze on his head when being stretched away (stretcher bearer's died). He returned to battle some 14 months later and died from an accidental shooting and buried in this site. He had been recommended for the D. C. M. medal but died of his wounds in the clearing station.
His younger brothers Peter Pirie and Donald Pirie were also in combat who survived the war.
Text and images courtesy of Caroline Donaldson (Pirie)
Click on images below to enlarge
23496 Private
John Radford
4th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment
14th November 1916, aged 19.
Plot VI. A. 26.
Son of Harry and Julia Radford, of 9, Windsor St., Luton, Beds.
His headstone bears the inscription. "A Young Life Nobly Ended. Une Vie Courte Couronee De Gloire."
John Radford
4th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment
14th November 1916, aged 19.
Plot VI. A. 26.
Son of Harry and Julia Radford, of 9, Windsor St., Luton, Beds.
His headstone bears the inscription. "A Young Life Nobly Ended. Une Vie Courte Couronee De Gloire."
5392 Private
Sydney Ratcliffe
64th Bde. Machine Gun Corps
3rd July 1916, aged 19.
Plot I. B. 42.
Son of Richard and Elizabeth Ratcliffe, of 100, Leabrook Rd., Wednesbury, Staffs.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Thou Wilt Keep Him In Perfect Peace. Isaiah XXVI 3."
Sydney Ratcliffe
64th Bde. Machine Gun Corps
3rd July 1916, aged 19.
Plot I. B. 42.
Son of Richard and Elizabeth Ratcliffe, of 100, Leabrook Rd., Wednesbury, Staffs.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Thou Wilt Keep Him In Perfect Peace. Isaiah XXVI 3."
Captain
Evan Selwyn Richards
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th September 1916, aged 26.
Plot I. D. 54.
Son of Thomas Henry and Edith Richards, of "Southmoor," Wentworth Rd., Vaucluse, Watson's Bay, New South Wales. Native of Sydney, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Eldest Son Of The Late T.H. And Mrs. Richards Of Vaucluse Sydney."
A fire insurance inspector prior to enlisting on 5 May 1915, he embarked from Sydney, NSW, aboard HMAT Berrima on 25 June 1915. He died of wounds on 5 September 1916, aged 26.
Evan Selwyn Richards
20th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
5th September 1916, aged 26.
Plot I. D. 54.
Son of Thomas Henry and Edith Richards, of "Southmoor," Wentworth Rd., Vaucluse, Watson's Bay, New South Wales. Native of Sydney, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Eldest Son Of The Late T.H. And Mrs. Richards Of Vaucluse Sydney."
A fire insurance inspector prior to enlisting on 5 May 1915, he embarked from Sydney, NSW, aboard HMAT Berrima on 25 June 1915. He died of wounds on 5 September 1916, aged 26.
151193 Private
William Stanley Charles Richards
16th Bn. Canadian Infantry
8th September 1916, aged 21.
Plot IV. B. 8.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Tho' Absent In The Body Ever Present In Our Hearts."
William Stanley Charles Richards
16th Bn. Canadian Infantry
8th September 1916, aged 21.
Plot IV. B. 8.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Tho' Absent In The Body Ever Present In Our Hearts."
2259 Private
Frank Rigney
10th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th September 1916, aged 21.
Plot IV. A. 12.
Son of William Henry and Thirza Eliza Rigney, of 19, Worshop Avenue, Adelaide, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Greater Love Hath No Man That He Lay Down His Life For His Friend."
A 19 year old packer prior to enlistment on 9 February 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 6th Reinforcements from Adelaide on 23 June 1915 aboard HMAT Borda. After serving at Gallipoli, he went on to serve on the Western Front where he was wounded in action at Mouquet Farm, France on 21 August 1916. Pte Rigney died from his wounds on 4 September 1916.
Frank Rigney
10th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
4th September 1916, aged 21.
Plot IV. A. 12.
Son of William Henry and Thirza Eliza Rigney, of 19, Worshop Avenue, Adelaide, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription. "Greater Love Hath No Man That He Lay Down His Life For His Friend."
A 19 year old packer prior to enlistment on 9 February 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 6th Reinforcements from Adelaide on 23 June 1915 aboard HMAT Borda. After serving at Gallipoli, he went on to serve on the Western Front where he was wounded in action at Mouquet Farm, France on 21 August 1916. Pte Rigney died from his wounds on 4 September 1916.
2207 Private
Francis Henry Roberts
24th Bn. Australia Infantry, A. I. F.
6th August 1916.
Plot II. D. 31.
Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Roberts. Native of Drouin, Victoria, Australia.
Francis Henry Roberts
24th Bn. Australia Infantry, A. I. F.
6th August 1916.
Plot II. D. 31.
Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Roberts. Native of Drouin, Victoria, Australia.
18923 Serjeant
Edward Robinson
1st Bn. The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
18th July 1916, aged 27.
Plot I. E. 14.
Son of James and Mary Jane Robinson, of Preston; husband of Mary Jane Robinson, of 33, Tennyson Rd., Preston, Lancs.
His headstone bears the inscription. "May He Rest In Peace Till We Meet Again From Wife And Children."
(The images above show Edward and his wife, Mary.)
He was wounded on the 14th/15th July 1916 whilst attacking German trenches in the Mametz Wood area during the Battle of the Somme. He died of his wounds on the 18th July 1916. I have added a picture of his widow Mary Robinson. Mary would eventually re-marry to Sidney Carr, Royal Army Medical Corps, who also served in France but survived the war. Mary did not know anything about how Edward died, she did not receive his medals or anything else.
Image courtesy of Steve Cartmell, (Ex Lance Sergeant S Cartmell, 2nd Bn. Scots Guards).
Edward Robinson
1st Bn. The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
18th July 1916, aged 27.
Plot I. E. 14.
Son of James and Mary Jane Robinson, of Preston; husband of Mary Jane Robinson, of 33, Tennyson Rd., Preston, Lancs.
His headstone bears the inscription. "May He Rest In Peace Till We Meet Again From Wife And Children."
(The images above show Edward and his wife, Mary.)
He was wounded on the 14th/15th July 1916 whilst attacking German trenches in the Mametz Wood area during the Battle of the Somme. He died of his wounds on the 18th July 1916. I have added a picture of his widow Mary Robinson. Mary would eventually re-marry to Sidney Carr, Royal Army Medical Corps, who also served in France but survived the war. Mary did not know anything about how Edward died, she did not receive his medals or anything else.
Image courtesy of Steve Cartmell, (Ex Lance Sergeant S Cartmell, 2nd Bn. Scots Guards).
