QUERRIEU BRITISH CEMETERY
Somme
France
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 49.93493, Longitude: 2.42977
Location Information
Querrieu is a village 10 kilometres east-north-east of Amiens on the road (D929) to Albert, Bapaume and Cambrai.
The cemetery is south of the village, 100 metres after the church on the left hand side of the road (VC201) leading to the neighbouring village of Bussy-les-Daours.
Visiting Information
The location or design of this site makes wheelchair access impossible.
Historical Information
The cemetery was opened at the end of March 1918 by the 3rd Australian Division and was used by some of the divisions which took part in the defence of Amiens against the German advance. It was closed in August 1918.
Querrieu British Cemetery contains 187 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and the grave of one Second World War airman. There are also 12 German burials.
Total Burials: 200.
World War One Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 103, Australia 84, Germany 6. Total 193.
World War One Unidentified Casualties: Germany 6.
World War Two Identified Casualty: United Kingdom 1.
The cemetery was designed by George Hartley Goldsmith
|
|
Lieutenant Colonel, Christopher Bushell, V. C. D. S. O. & Twice Mentioned in Despatches
7th Bn. The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
8th August 1918, aged 30,
Row E. 6.
Younger son of the late Reginald Bushell, of Hinderton Lodge, Neston, Cheshire, and of Mrs. Caroline Bushell, of Hillside, St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe, Dover; husband of Rachel Bushell, of Boughton Aluph, Kent, late of Wye Vicarage, Kent.
His headstone bears the inscription "There Is No Fear In Love"
Citation:
An extract from The London Gazette No. 30667, dated 30th Apl., 1918, records the following:- For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion. Lt. Col. Bushell personally led "C" Company of his battalion, who were co-operating with an Allied regiment in a counter-attack, in face of very heavy machine gun fire. In the course of this attack he was severely wounded in the head, but he continued to carry on, walking about in front of both English and Allied troops encouraging and re-organising them. He refused even to have his wound attended to until he had placed the whole line in a sound position, and formed a defensive flank to meet a turning movement by the enemy. He then went to brigade headquarters and reported the situation, had his wound dressed, and returned to the firing line, which had come back a short distance. He visited every portion of the line, both English and Allied, in the face of terrific machine-gun and rifle fire, exhorting the troops to remain where they were, and to kill the enemy. In spite of his wounds this gallant officer refused to go to the rear, and had eventually to be removed to the dressing station in a fainting condition. To the magnificent example of energy, devotion and courage shown by their Commanding officer is attributed the fine spirit displayed and the keen fight put up by his battalion not only on the day in question but on each succeeding day of the withdrawal."
Picture © Johan Pauwels
Images in gallery below © Johan Pauwels
Lieutenant
Francis Joseph Burtenshaw, M. C.
41st Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
15th May 1918, aged 25.
Row C. 11.
Son of William Alfred and Julia Helen Burtenshaw, of Woodville St., Hendra, Brisbane, Queensland. Native of Bowen, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "The Lord Is Our Defence."
A farmer prior to his enlistment on 15 November 1915 he embarked from Sydney on 18 May 1916 on board HMAT Demosthenes. Burtenshaw was killed in action on 15 May 1918 aged 25.
Francis Joseph Burtenshaw, M. C.
41st Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
15th May 1918, aged 25.
Row C. 11.
Son of William Alfred and Julia Helen Burtenshaw, of Woodville St., Hendra, Brisbane, Queensland. Native of Bowen, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "The Lord Is Our Defence."
A farmer prior to his enlistment on 15 November 1915 he embarked from Sydney on 18 May 1916 on board HMAT Demosthenes. Burtenshaw was killed in action on 15 May 1918 aged 25.
3017 Private
Thomas Ernest Byers
40th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
28th March 1918.
Row A. 2.
Son of James and Clara Byers. Native of Tunnack, Tasmania.
Two Australians in the front line trenches, south of the Douve River, near Messines. This post was held by D Company, 40th Battalion, and was subjected to heavy minesweeper strafes. Identified, left to right: 3012 Private (Pte) James Basil Brooks, and 3017 Pte Thomas Ernest Byers. Pte Brooks, labourer of Waratah, Tasmania, enlisted on 9 October 1916 and Pte Byers, farm labourer of Tunnack, Tasmania, enlisted on 1 November 1916. Both embarked from Adelaide aboard HMAT Seang Bee on 10 February 1917 for Devonport, England. After training in England, both joined the battalion on the Western Front, France, on 20 October 1917. Pte Byers was wounded in action near Albert, France, on 28 March 1918 and died later that day in 11 Australian Field Ambulance at Franvillers. He was aged 22 years. Pte Brooks survived the war and returned to Australia on 21 July 1919 for discharge in Hobart on 6 September 1919.
Thomas Ernest Byers
40th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
28th March 1918.
Row A. 2.
Son of James and Clara Byers. Native of Tunnack, Tasmania.
Two Australians in the front line trenches, south of the Douve River, near Messines. This post was held by D Company, 40th Battalion, and was subjected to heavy minesweeper strafes. Identified, left to right: 3012 Private (Pte) James Basil Brooks, and 3017 Pte Thomas Ernest Byers. Pte Brooks, labourer of Waratah, Tasmania, enlisted on 9 October 1916 and Pte Byers, farm labourer of Tunnack, Tasmania, enlisted on 1 November 1916. Both embarked from Adelaide aboard HMAT Seang Bee on 10 February 1917 for Devonport, England. After training in England, both joined the battalion on the Western Front, France, on 20 October 1917. Pte Byers was wounded in action near Albert, France, on 28 March 1918 and died later that day in 11 Australian Field Ambulance at Franvillers. He was aged 22 years. Pte Brooks survived the war and returned to Australia on 21 July 1919 for discharge in Hobart on 6 September 1919.
1156 Private
Austin Clifford Collis
18th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
14th May 1918, aged 25.
Row C. 4.
Son of Walter and Ellen E. Collis, of "The Pines," Jersey Avenue, Penshurst, New South Wales. Native of Marrickville, Sydney.
A poultry farmer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 25 June 1915. On 13 May 1918, he was wounded in action (5th occasion) while engaging the enemy in the Ville Sur Ancre Sector, France. Pte Collis was pronounced dead on arrival at the 5th Australian Field Ambulance Dressing Station on 14 May 1918, aged 25.
Austin Clifford Collis
18th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
14th May 1918, aged 25.
Row C. 4.
Son of Walter and Ellen E. Collis, of "The Pines," Jersey Avenue, Penshurst, New South Wales. Native of Marrickville, Sydney.
A poultry farmer prior to enlisting, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic (A40) on 25 June 1915. On 13 May 1918, he was wounded in action (5th occasion) while engaging the enemy in the Ville Sur Ancre Sector, France. Pte Collis was pronounced dead on arrival at the 5th Australian Field Ambulance Dressing Station on 14 May 1918, aged 25.
9058 Private
Frederick George Crack
1st/1st Bn. Cambridgeshire Regiment
10th August 1918, aged 28.
Plot E. 10.
Husband of Ethel Hannah Crack, of 41, Westgate Rd., Bury St. Edmund's.
Frederick George Crack
1st/1st Bn. Cambridgeshire Regiment
10th August 1918, aged 28.
Plot E. 10.
Husband of Ethel Hannah Crack, of 41, Westgate Rd., Bury St. Edmund's.
Querrieu - 28th July 1918; Group portrait of the 14th Field Ambulance Transport Section AIF, 5th Division, in front of three vehicles. Back row, left to right: G. Grace; Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Davies; B. Forest; W. Bliss. Middle row: G. Harvey; R. Wightman; J. Jennings; H. Drake; J. Smith; C. Lee; G. Walters; S. Chandler; H. Top; W. J. Farrelly; L Cpl Peters; W. O. Currie. Front row: T. Ferguson; S. Maloney; 9461 Private William George Helson; W. Wilson; 692 Driver George Gilbert Bigmore; Sefton; V. Hurley; 17293 Frederick Henry Messer.
5824 Private
John Henry Elliott
25th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
11th June 1918, aged 32.
Row B. 35.
Son of Alexander and Mary Elliott. of Numulgi, Lismore, New South Wales. Native of Exeter, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Peace Perfect Peace With Loved Ones For Away."
A farmer of Richmond River, NSW, he enlisted on 13 May 1916 and sailed with the 16th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Boonah on 21 October 1916. He died of wounds, aged 32, on 11 June 1918.
John Elliott was hit by a shell near Morlancourt, the explosion blowing both his legs off and he died on the way to the Dressing Station.
John Henry Elliott
25th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
11th June 1918, aged 32.
Row B. 35.
Son of Alexander and Mary Elliott. of Numulgi, Lismore, New South Wales. Native of Exeter, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Peace Perfect Peace With Loved Ones For Away."
A farmer of Richmond River, NSW, he enlisted on 13 May 1916 and sailed with the 16th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Boonah on 21 October 1916. He died of wounds, aged 32, on 11 June 1918.
John Elliott was hit by a shell near Morlancourt, the explosion blowing both his legs off and he died on the way to the Dressing Station.
31691 Driver
John Phillip Farrell
9th Bty. 3rd A.F.A. Bde. Australian Field Artillery
28th May 1918, aged 20.
Row A. 45.
Son of Phillip and Kathleen Farrell, of Ulverstone, Tasmania. Native of Deloraine, Tasmania.
He died of wounds received in the waggon lines at Franvillers, at 5th Australian Field Ambulance, Querrieu, his right thigh was shattered by shrapnel and he also had shrapnel wounds to his scalp.
John Phillip Farrell
9th Bty. 3rd A.F.A. Bde. Australian Field Artillery
28th May 1918, aged 20.
Row A. 45.
Son of Phillip and Kathleen Farrell, of Ulverstone, Tasmania. Native of Deloraine, Tasmania.
He died of wounds received in the waggon lines at Franvillers, at 5th Australian Field Ambulance, Querrieu, his right thigh was shattered by shrapnel and he also had shrapnel wounds to his scalp.
Images below © Johan Pauwels
Click on images to enlarge
2404 Private
John Finch
55th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
22nd July 1918, aged 24.
Row D. 6.
A farmer prior to enlistment, he embarked from Sydney with the 5th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Aeneas on 30 September 1916. Pte Finch was wounded in action in France on 22 July 1918, and died shortly after, aged 24, at the Main Dressing Station.
John Finch
55th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
22nd July 1918, aged 24.
Row D. 6.
A farmer prior to enlistment, he embarked from Sydney with the 5th Reinforcements aboard HMAT Aeneas on 30 September 1916. Pte Finch was wounded in action in France on 22 July 1918, and died shortly after, aged 24, at the Main Dressing Station.
27155 Gunner
Robert Head
31st Bty. 8th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
12th May 1918.
Row C. 1.
Son of Joshua and Janet Head, of Maryborough St., Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. Native of North Baffle Creek, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Beautiful Memories Of A Good & Noble Son Shall Live With Us For Ever."
Robert Head was wounded in the chest and head at Heilly. At the time there was great deal of gas in the area and due to his injuries, Robert was unable to keep his gas mask on. He was recorded as being 'dead on admission' at 5th Australian Field Ambulance with chest and head wounds - penetrating.
Robert Head
31st Bty. 8th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
12th May 1918.
Row C. 1.
Son of Joshua and Janet Head, of Maryborough St., Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. Native of North Baffle Creek, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Beautiful Memories Of A Good & Noble Son Shall Live With Us For Ever."
Robert Head was wounded in the chest and head at Heilly. At the time there was great deal of gas in the area and due to his injuries, Robert was unable to keep his gas mask on. He was recorded as being 'dead on admission' at 5th Australian Field Ambulance with chest and head wounds - penetrating.
6829 Private
John Hehir
23rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
20th May 1918, aged 46.
Row C. 19.
Son of Patrick and Margaret Hehir, of 32, Parade, Ascot Vale, Melbourne, Australia. Native of Trawalla, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription; "We Hold You Still In Memory As The Years May Come And Go. Mother."
A single, 44 year old labourer from Toorak, Victoria when he enlisted and embarked for overseas with the 19th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 11 May 1917 aboard HMAT Ascanius. After joining the 23rd Battalion in France on 7 April 1918, he was wounded in action on 20 May 1918 and died of wounds that same day.
John Hehir
23rd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
20th May 1918, aged 46.
Row C. 19.
Son of Patrick and Margaret Hehir, of 32, Parade, Ascot Vale, Melbourne, Australia. Native of Trawalla, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription; "We Hold You Still In Memory As The Years May Come And Go. Mother."
A single, 44 year old labourer from Toorak, Victoria when he enlisted and embarked for overseas with the 19th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 11 May 1917 aboard HMAT Ascanius. After joining the 23rd Battalion in France on 7 April 1918, he was wounded in action on 20 May 1918 and died of wounds that same day.
5602 Private
Walter Robert Herman
26th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
25th May 1918, aged 21.
Row A. 21.
Son of Jacob and Christina Herman, of Lawnton, North Coast Line, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Only A Boy In Years But Nobly He Played A Man's Part. Aged 21 Years."
Walter Robert Herman
26th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
25th May 1918, aged 21.
Row A. 21.
Son of Jacob and Christina Herman, of Lawnton, North Coast Line, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Only A Boy In Years But Nobly He Played A Man's Part. Aged 21 Years."
German prisoners playing chess being watched by a soldier from the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, Querrieu, October 1916. © IWM (Q 1598)
1724A Gunner
Cecil St. Leger Lousada, D. C. M., M. S. M.
14th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
10th April 1918.
Row A. 13.
Son of Edward Charles and Beatrice Hall Lousada, of "Clanville," Kardella South, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Native of Gippsland. His brother Barrow Helbert Ellis Lousada also fell on 26th August 1918 and is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.
From Toora, Victoria. Gnr Lousada, who enlisted on 14 May 1915, was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) in April 1917 "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion in volunteering to carry water across open ground, and through an extremely heavy barrage of artillery fire, to severely wounded men. He later displayed great bravery as a stretcher bearer, exhibiting a fine example of endurance and soldierly spirit." In November 1918 he was posthumously awarded a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). Between 23 September and 12 November 1917 he had been responsible for the production of operation orders and clerical work for the entire 5th Australian Division Artillery. The recommendation for the award includes "This NCO - devotion to duty and meritorious service, without previous experience, is worthy of special recognition." He died of wounds on 10 April 1918.
Cecil St. Leger Lousada, D. C. M., M. S. M.
14th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
10th April 1918.
Row A. 13.
Son of Edward Charles and Beatrice Hall Lousada, of "Clanville," Kardella South, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Native of Gippsland. His brother Barrow Helbert Ellis Lousada also fell on 26th August 1918 and is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.
From Toora, Victoria. Gnr Lousada, who enlisted on 14 May 1915, was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) in April 1917 "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion in volunteering to carry water across open ground, and through an extremely heavy barrage of artillery fire, to severely wounded men. He later displayed great bravery as a stretcher bearer, exhibiting a fine example of endurance and soldierly spirit." In November 1918 he was posthumously awarded a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). Between 23 September and 12 November 1917 he had been responsible for the production of operation orders and clerical work for the entire 5th Australian Division Artillery. The recommendation for the award includes "This NCO - devotion to duty and meritorious service, without previous experience, is worthy of special recognition." He died of wounds on 10 April 1918.
3092 Private
Vivian Mann
3rd Bn. Australian Machine Gun Corps
5th April 1918.
Row A. 11.
Son of William and Dora E. Mann, of Grange St., Toowoomba, Queensland. Native of Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died An Australian Hero."
Vivian Mann
3rd Bn. Australian Machine Gun Corps
5th April 1918.
Row A. 11.
Son of William and Dora E. Mann, of Grange St., Toowoomba, Queensland. Native of Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died An Australian Hero."
3971 Driver
Albert Joseph Nobbs
5th Div. Ammunition Col. Australian Field Artillery
26th April 1918, aged 22.
Row B. 8.
Son of Isaac Albert and Lydia Lilly Nobbs, of Westbrook, via Toowoomba, Queensland. Native of Westbrook, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "In Memory Of The Dearly Loved Son Of Mr.& Mrs. Nobbs Of Westbrook."
Albert Joseph Nobbs
5th Div. Ammunition Col. Australian Field Artillery
26th April 1918, aged 22.
Row B. 8.
Son of Isaac Albert and Lydia Lilly Nobbs, of Westbrook, via Toowoomba, Queensland. Native of Westbrook, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription; "In Memory Of The Dearly Loved Son Of Mr.& Mrs. Nobbs Of Westbrook."
4489 Lance Corporal
John Adolph Packendorff
32nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
16th June 1918, aged 27.
Row C. 22.
Son of Henrich Christopher and the late Araminta Packendorff. Native of Norwood, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Devoted Brother Faithful Friend One Of The Best God Could Send."
A driver from Norwood, South Australia, he embarked with the 11th Reinforcements from Adelaide on 25 March 1916 aboard HMAT Shropshire (A9) for England. Following training in England he proceeded to France and was transferred to the 32nd Battalion on the Western Front near Strazeele. He was hospitalised from mid-December 1916 until late April 1917. Pte Packendorff was appointed Lance Corporal on 10 December 1917. L. Cpl Packendorff was wounded in action near Warneton on 10 February 1918 and was evacuated to England for treatment and recuperation before rejoining his battalion in late May 1918. L. Cpl Packendorff was wounded in action on the second occasion near Amiens, France, on 16 June 1918 and died of these wounds later that day in No.5 Australian Field Ambulance. He was aged 27 years.
John Adolph Packendorff
32nd Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
16th June 1918, aged 27.
Row C. 22.
Son of Henrich Christopher and the late Araminta Packendorff. Native of Norwood, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Devoted Brother Faithful Friend One Of The Best God Could Send."
A driver from Norwood, South Australia, he embarked with the 11th Reinforcements from Adelaide on 25 March 1916 aboard HMAT Shropshire (A9) for England. Following training in England he proceeded to France and was transferred to the 32nd Battalion on the Western Front near Strazeele. He was hospitalised from mid-December 1916 until late April 1917. Pte Packendorff was appointed Lance Corporal on 10 December 1917. L. Cpl Packendorff was wounded in action near Warneton on 10 February 1918 and was evacuated to England for treatment and recuperation before rejoining his battalion in late May 1918. L. Cpl Packendorff was wounded in action on the second occasion near Amiens, France, on 16 June 1918 and died of these wounds later that day in No.5 Australian Field Ambulance. He was aged 27 years.
255 Corporal
Charles Montgomery Paget
24th Bn. Australian infantry, A. I. F.
16th June 1918, aged 34.
Row C. 25.
Son of Elizabeth Charlotte Paget, of Baddaginnie, Victoria, Australia, and the late James Reginald Paget.
His headstone bears the inscription; "In Memory Of The Dearly Loved Son Of Mrs. Paget Of Baddaginnie."
Informal group of eight soldiers. Identified, lying on the right is 255 Private (Pte) Charles Montgomery Paget, A Company, 24th Battalion, of Baddaginnie, Victoria. Pte Paget enlisted on 18 March 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Euripides on 10 May 1915. He died of wounds on 16 June 1918.
1st April 1918; Members of the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company, and their pet dog, in a billet at Querrieu. Left to right: Corporal (Cpl) Hill; Sapper (Spr) H. Dodd; Spr Kershaw; Spr G. J. Whitmarsh; Cpl S. Blight.
4904 Sergeant
William Andrew Schiff, M. M.
16th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
28th July 1918, aged 30.
Row D. 5.
Son of Anna Alice Schiff, of 31, Melba St., Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, and the late William Schiff. Native of Adelaide, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Our Beloved Son And Brother. To Memory Ever Dear."
William Andrew Schiff, M. M.
16th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
28th July 1918, aged 30.
Row D. 5.
Son of Anna Alice Schiff, of 31, Melba St., Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, and the late William Schiff. Native of Adelaide, South Australia.
His headstone bears the inscription; "Our Beloved Son And Brother. To Memory Ever Dear."
40 Sergeant
Oswald Urbin Tardent
25th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
14th June 1918, aged 24.
Row B. 40.
Son of Mark Alexis and Julie Elise Tardent. Native of Roma, Queensland.
A labourer prior to enlisting on 26 July 1915, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana on 13 May 1916. Sgt Tardent was transferred to the 25th Battalion and was wounded at Morlancourt, France, and died on 14 June 1918, aged 24 years. Three other members of his family also served with the AIF. They were: Lieutenant Jules Louis Tardent, 42nd Battalion, who was awarded the Croix de Guerre; 7359 Lance Corporal Emile Augusta Tardent, 42nd Battalion, who was awarded the Military Medal (MM), and 729 Private Edward Felix Tardent, 42nd Battalion, who was killed in action on 31 July 1917, in Belgium and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.
Oswald Urbin Tardent
25th Bn. Australian Infantry, A. I. F.
14th June 1918, aged 24.
Row B. 40.
Son of Mark Alexis and Julie Elise Tardent. Native of Roma, Queensland.
A labourer prior to enlisting on 26 July 1915, he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana on 13 May 1916. Sgt Tardent was transferred to the 25th Battalion and was wounded at Morlancourt, France, and died on 14 June 1918, aged 24 years. Three other members of his family also served with the AIF. They were: Lieutenant Jules Louis Tardent, 42nd Battalion, who was awarded the Croix de Guerre; 7359 Lance Corporal Emile Augusta Tardent, 42nd Battalion, who was awarded the Military Medal (MM), and 729 Private Edward Felix Tardent, 42nd Battalion, who was killed in action on 31 July 1917, in Belgium and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.
52135 Private
Robert Thompson
6th Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment
8th August 1918, aged 19.
Row D. 35.
Son of John and Annie Thompson, of Laburnum Cottage, Allithwaite, Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire.
Robert Thompson
6th Bn. Northamptonshire Regiment
8th August 1918, aged 19.
Row D. 35.
Son of John and Annie Thompson, of Laburnum Cottage, Allithwaite, Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire.
7864 Sapper
Cyril Hubert Todman
2nd Coy. Australian Tunnelling Corps
29th April 1918.
Row B. 15.
Cyril Hubert Todman
2nd Coy. Australian Tunnelling Corps
29th April 1918.
Row B. 15.
12454 Sergeant
Cuthbert William Urwin
3rd Mechanical Transport Coy. Australian Army Service Corps
24th April 1918, aged 27.
Row B. 11.
Son of William James and Eliza Urwin, of "Tanfield Tea," 229, Cotham Rd., Kew, Victoria, Australia. Native of Williamstown, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died, If It Were Death, To Give His Life That We Might Live."
Cuthbert William Urwin
3rd Mechanical Transport Coy. Australian Army Service Corps
24th April 1918, aged 27.
Row B. 11.
Son of William James and Eliza Urwin, of "Tanfield Tea," 229, Cotham Rd., Kew, Victoria, Australia. Native of Williamstown, Victoria.
His headstone bears the inscription; "He Died, If It Were Death, To Give His Life That We Might Live."
Private 3235
Ubert Victor Willis
55th Bn. Australian Infantry A. I. F.
20th July, aged 32.
Row D. 3.
Son of Jonathan and Emily Willis, of Kangaloon Rd., Bowral, New South Wales.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Though I Walk Through The Valley Of Death I Will Fear No Evil."
Picture above is Bert Willis (left) and a friend
Remembered by Christopher Albertson, Mr and Mrs Graeme and Doreen Willis, and Mrs Lois Albertson.
The Life and Times of Ubert Victor Willis
(Text and Images by Christopher Albertson)
Ubert “Bert” Victor Willis was born in Bowral, NSW in 1885 to parents Jonathan and Emily May Willis (nee Tickner). He came from a large family and was the eldest of seven children, with younger brothers Harry, Charles, Joseph, Camden and Jack, and a younger sister Mary. He also had a large extended family in the district as his father Jonathan, or Jack as he was known, was one of eleven kids.
Interestingly, Ubert was originally to be named Hubert Victor Willis. However one of his uncles suggested that if the 'h' was dropped from his first name, his initials would read U.V.W. which his uncle thought would be nice! And so his parents did, and Bert was born as Ubert Victor Willis.
As a student Bert attended Bowral District School. After school he found employment as a butcher, though he had also done training as a brick maker. Brick making ran in the family as Bert’s grandfather Timothy Willis, after emigrating from England in 1839 aboard the “Cornwall,” later moved to Bowral where he established a brickworks to supply bricks for the railway tunnel between Bowral and Mittagong, which opened in 1886. Bert’s father Jonathan was also a brick maker and helped his father on the railway tunnel project. Bert too had been trained as a brick maker, although at the time of enlisting he was a butcher. This too was most likely due to his father’s influence, as Jonathan after brick making became a butcher and had a slaughter yard in Bowral. He became a successful and prosperous business man in Bowral where he built a large homestead, “Rookwood,” on Kangaloon Road. It was described as a large and beautiful terrace style two story house, decorated with much iron lacework. This was where Bert grew up and was the address used for his next of kin, his mother, in all his records during his service. Prior to enlistment Bert had been a member of the Bowral Association Band, and he often wrote letters home to his youngest brother Jack during the war.
Bert enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on October 2nd 1916 in Goulburn NSW, aged 30 years. He was posted to the 8th Reinforcements to the 55th Battalion with the rank of Private. He embarked aboard HMAT Suevic from Sydney on November 11th, disembarking at Devonport, England on January 30th 1917. Whilst in England, he trained with the 14th Training Battalion in Hurdcott, until he proceeded overseas on May 22nd via Southampton, marching in to the 5th Australian Divisional Base Depot in Le Harve, France the next day. He marched out on June 11th to join the 55th Battalion in the field, where he was taken on strength the following day. He fought with his unit through Passchendaele in late 1917 and into 1918, where the AIF fought desperately to stop the great German advance of March 1918.
Tragically, Bert was mortally wounded on July 19th 1918, as the 55th Battalion held support trenches just north of the village of Sailly le Sec on the River Somme. He was the victim of a German gas attack, receiving serious phosgene gas injuries. He was evacuated to the 15th Australian Field Ambulance where he died the following day, no doubt in great pain. He was 32 years old. In an article printed in the local Bowral newspaper after his death, Bert was described as being “of a very quiet and unassuming disposition, greatly esteemed by all who knew him, and many friends in Bowral and district will mourn his death.” Bert was buried at Querrieu British Cemetery, 3½ miles NW of Corbie on the River Somme, France.
In Bert's memory, the first son of each of his brothers was named Ubert.
Further to this article, we received the following email which is included in it's entirety;
I was researching Ubert Victor Willis recently, and came across your site. I was very glad to learn more about him and especially glad to know that someone was caring enough to record this piece of history. Well done! I also had a great Uncle Arthur Stanley McCallum (4174) who fought in France and came home wounded, finally.
To explain, my grandmother Miriam Riley lived in Bowral NSW 1916-1926 and she had a great friend May Willis, who was Ubert’s sister. This lead me enquire about him. My grandmother had a photo of Ubert given to her by May Willis with a moving tribute to her brother on the resverse. Unfortunately the original of the photo I don’t have at the moment but it said….’Ubert Victor Willis from his broken-hearted sister’ (May).
Attaching the image of Ubert as it appeared on the postcard.
Best Regards, Heather Taylor
I was researching Ubert Victor Willis recently, and came across your site. I was very glad to learn more about him and especially glad to know that someone was caring enough to record this piece of history. Well done! I also had a great Uncle Arthur Stanley McCallum (4174) who fought in France and came home wounded, finally.
To explain, my grandmother Miriam Riley lived in Bowral NSW 1916-1926 and she had a great friend May Willis, who was Ubert’s sister. This lead me enquire about him. My grandmother had a photo of Ubert given to her by May Willis with a moving tribute to her brother on the resverse. Unfortunately the original of the photo I don’t have at the moment but it said….’Ubert Victor Willis from his broken-hearted sister’ (May).
Attaching the image of Ubert as it appeared on the postcard.
Best Regards, Heather Taylor
1123 Gunner
Francis (Frank) Melbourne Zillman
50th Bty. 13th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
4th April 1918, aged 21.
Row A. 6.
Son of James Rudolph and Jessie Sophia Zillman, of Armadale, Western Australia. Native of Brisbane, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Duty Nobly Done."
An 18 year old fence contractor prior to enlisting on 15 April 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 7th Reinforcements of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment from Sydney on 20 August 1915 aboard HMAT Shropshire. After serving at Gallipoli with the Light Horse, he transferred to the 5th Divisional Ammunition Column and mustered as a Gunner in April 1916 and was then appointed a Driver in May 1916. He arrived in France in June 1916 and in June 1917 re-mustered as a Gunner and transferred to the 13th Field Artillery Brigade. After being wounded in action on 4 April 1918, he died of his wounds later that same day.
Francis (Frank) Melbourne Zillman
50th Bty. 13th Bde. Australian Field Artillery
4th April 1918, aged 21.
Row A. 6.
Son of James Rudolph and Jessie Sophia Zillman, of Armadale, Western Australia. Native of Brisbane, Queensland.
His headstone bears the inscription: "Duty Nobly Done."
An 18 year old fence contractor prior to enlisting on 15 April 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 7th Reinforcements of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment from Sydney on 20 August 1915 aboard HMAT Shropshire. After serving at Gallipoli with the Light Horse, he transferred to the 5th Divisional Ammunition Column and mustered as a Gunner in April 1916 and was then appointed a Driver in May 1916. He arrived in France in June 1916 and in June 1917 re-mustered as a Gunner and transferred to the 13th Field Artillery Brigade. After being wounded in action on 4 April 1918, he died of his wounds later that same day.
Men of Indian Hotchkiss Gun Team practising near Querrieu, 29 July 1916. © IWM (Q 4070)
