FAMILY LIFE

Clive Russell Bray was born Kynnumboon, Murwillumbah on 26th July 1888, son of Joshua and Rosalie Gertrude (Nixon) Bray being the youngest of 14 children. He attended Brisbane Grammar School between 1903 and 1905, and had working been in the Commercial Bank for 5 years before becoming a surveyor’s assistant. Three of his brothers, Clive, Percy & Frank, also enlisted.

His father, Joshua, arrived on the Tweed in the early 1860s and established his home, Kynnumboon, on the outskirts of Murwillumbah. He was joined by his new wife, Rosalie Gertrude (nee Nixon), soon after and they established the Tweed’s first official post office in 1866. Joshua was the man of action, the – 'King of the Tweed'— the first Magistrate, first C.P.S., first Postmaster. Joshua was the first man to drive stock from the Richmond though the tracks over the ranges to the Tweed, and in this connection materially assisted the cattle industry here. He was also interested largely in the cedar industry, he and his partner opening many fresh centres on the Tweed River. 

He was involved in the Crown Land Agency, was Police Magistrate, presiding at Murwillumbah and Cudgen—: he celebrated marriages, doctored the ailing and was also the Gold Mining Warden.

ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS

Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914, and both Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher pledged full support for Britain. Britain was Australia’s closet ally, best trading partner and the source of most of Australia’s immigrants. The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia, as in many other places, with great enthusiasm.

There were many reasons why Australian men volunteered to join the forces- the pay was good (5shillings per day), they shared Britain’s values & culture, they thought it would be an adventure and family or friends had joined and they thought they should go as well.

 NEWSPAPER NOTICES- PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

(Tweed Daily, Murwillumbah, NSW – 22 August, 1914)

Mr. Clive Bray, son of Mr. Joshua Bray, Kynumboon, has received a letter from the military authorities to report himself at the barracks in connection with A.I. Expeditionary Force. If he succeeds, he will be the third son of Mr. Bray to serve this country on active service.

APPLICATION

Clive enlisted on 22 Aug 1914 (just 18 days after England declared war on Germany) at Enoggera.  He listed his next of kin as his father, Joshua, of Murwillumbah. He had served with Brisbane Grammar School Cadets for 1 ½ years. According to his military record, he was 26 years old, 5ft 9½in (1.765m) tall, weighing 152lbs (69kg) with blue eyes and brown hair. Clive was assigned to the 5th Company Army Service Corps, 1st Light Horse Brigade Train as a Private/Driver with service number 26a

 5^TH COMPANY ARMY SERVICES CORPS, 1^ST LIGHT HORSE BRIGADE TRAIN

The 5th Company of the Army Service Corps (ASC) was attached to the 1st Light Horse Brigade Train during World War I. This unit was responsible for providing logistical support, including the transportation of supplies, equipment, and rations, to the 1st Light Horse Brigade. The brigade train played a vital role in ensuring that the mounted troops had the resources they needed for their operations.

 The 5th Company ASC was formed in Queensland in August 1914 and embarked for overseas service shortly thereafter. They served in various campaigns, including the Gallipoli Campaign and later in the Sinai and Palestine Campaigns, where the Light Horse units were heavily involved in mounted operations. The work of the 5th Company ASC was crucial in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Light Horse Brigade, often operating under challenging conditions in harsh environments.

 2^ND INFANTRY BATTALION 9^TH MARCH 1916

He was later transferred to the 2^nd Infantry Battalion on 9^th March 1916. The 2nd Infantry Battalion has a rich history. It was initially raised in 1914 as part of the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. The battalion played a significant role in major campaigns, including Gallipoli and the Western Front

 NEWSPAPER NOTICES-PERSONAL AND SOCIAL- OFF TO THE FRONT

(Tweed Daily, Murwillumbah, NSW – 22 August, 1914)

Yesterday, Mr. Clive Bray, son of Mr. Joshua Bray, left for Brisbane, in response to a letter from the military authorities to report himself for service with the expeditionary force, he having offered his services. If he is accepted, like all Tweedites, we wish him luck, honour, and safe return.

 VOYAGE OVERSEAS

Following a brief period of training in Australia, Craig set sail with his unit from Brisbane on the “Omrah” on 24 September 1914. They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

ARRIVAL IN EGYPT

Initially it had been planned that the Australians would be sent to the United Kingdom, where they would undertake further training prior to being sent to the Western Front in France and Belgium. However, the Ottoman Empire's entry into the war on Germany's side on 29 October meant that the strategically vital Suez Canal was threatened, and upon the convoy reaching the Suez at the end of November  they were disembarked in Egypt instead. The 2nd Battalion arrived in Egypt on 2 December 1914. After arrival Egypt, his unit was involved in delivering horses by ship from Alexandria and later from Lemnos to Cape Helles. The following month, it undertook further training along with the rest of the 1st Division.

LETTERS FROM EGYPT MAY 1915

(Northern Star, Lismore, NSW – 27 May, 1915)

The last Egyptian mail brought the following letters from Jack Snow, a Bangalow boy. Writing from Heliopolis he says: —"I dug up Clive Bray last Tuesday night and we went down to the New Zealand camp at Zeitoun to see the welcome to the Maori troops. The Maoris are a fine stamp of men and ought to give a good account of themselves if they get into the fighting line. At the conclusion of the welcome, about 25 or 30 Maoris, stripped to the waist, jumped upon the platform, and gave the "Haka," their war dance and war cry. It was a great sight to watch them, and some of the local natives, standing on the outside of the crowd, got old Nick frightened out of them, when the Maoris began to yell.”

LIFE IN EGYPT

The 5^th Army Service Corps was responsible for transporting essential supplies like food, ammunition, and medical equipment. The ASC units often used horses and wagons to move these supplies, especially in regions where mechanized transport was not feasible. Clive was transferred from Heliopolis to Minia on 18th February, 1915. He embarked from Alexandria on HMTS Melville on 9th May, 1915 and disembarked at Dardanelles on 31st May, 1915. He would have involved in providing logistical support to these operations, transporting troops, ammunition, and supplies, and helping to evacuate wounded soldiers.

DISCIPLINED AUGUST 1915

Clive was written up for Insolence to an N.C.O. on 15th August, 1915 at Sidi Biskr while attached to 5th A.S.C. The punishment was discharged on 17th August, 1915.

TRANSFERRED TO 9^TH BATTALION FEBRUARY 1916

Clive was transferred to 9th Battalion at Cairo on 16th February, 1916 & reverted from Driver to the rank of Private. He proceeded to join 9th Battalion on 17th March, 1916 from Zeitoun. He proceeded to join (British from Alexandria on 27th March, 1916 & disembarked at Marseilles, France on 3rd April, 1916.

TRENCH WARFARE

The soldiers now found themselves fighting the German in trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

 The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

THE BATTLE OF VERDUN APRIL 1916

The Battle of Verdun becomes World War I’s longest single battle. It lasts nearly a year as the French Army fends off a surprise German offensive that causes mass losses on both sides, with more than approximately 700,000 casualties (dead, wounded, and missing)

 To cripple France’s part in the war and cause a massive blow to its army’s morale, the Germans choose to attack the fort of Verdun, along the banks of the Meuse River. The Germans make advances in the bloody conflict until July when their offensive is called off. The French then begin retaking the stronghold and, as winter sets in and the first Battle of the Somme rages, the Verdun fighting finally comes to an end.

 The Battle of Verdun is remembered as one of the greatest symbols of sacrifice during World War I. It epitomized the horrors of trench warfare and the brutal reality of a war of attrition, where victory was measured not by territorial gains but by the ability to withstand the other's attempts to destroy you.

 Verdun became a war of attrition, with both sides suffering enormous casualties. The battle saw constant back-and-forth fighting over a small stretch of land, with control of various forts and defensive positions changing hands numerous times. The front lines barely moved, but the casualties were staggering

WOUNDED IN ACTION AND HOSPITALISED APRIL 1916

Less than three weeks after arriving Clive was a casualty of this battle, wounded in action on 20th April 1916, receiving gunshot wounds to his back and arm. He was admitted to 7th Casualty Clearing Station Private then travelled by train and was admitted to Lahore British General Hospital at Calais, France on 28th April, 1916. Clive embarked for England on the Hospital Ship Brighton on 6th May, 1916. He was admitted to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, England on 6th May, 1916 with shrapnel wounds to back & right forearm. He was discharged on 13th May, 1916.

COMMAND POSTS

After being discharged from hospitals it became essential to establish a depot for them to report to for convalescence and retraining as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units before returning to active service. Clive was marched into Perham Downs and was discharged on 25^th July.

DISCIPLINED JULY 1916

While in the command post Clive was written up for being Absent from 07.00 Parade on 18th July, 1916. He was awarded 24 hours confined to Camp.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH JULY 1916

He was marched in to 1st Australian Divisional Base Depot at Etaples, France on 26th July, 1916. Clive proceeded to join 9th Battalion on 8th August, 1916 & was taken on strength of 9th Battalion in France on 9th August, 1916. The 9^th throughout early 1917 remained on the Somme as they followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg line. The battalion spent much of the rest of 1917 fighting in increasingly horrendous conditions around Ypres.

WOUNDED IN ACTION FEBRUARY 1917

Clive was wounded in action in France on 25th February, 1917. He was admitted to No. 1 Casualty Clearing Station on 25th February, 1917 with shrapnel wounds to leg & hand then transferred on 26th February, 1917 to 45th Casualty Clearing Station. Private Bray was transferred to Ambulance Train on 3rd March, 1917

AMPUTATION

Clive was then admitted to 3rd Stationary Hospital at Rouen on 4th March, 1917 with gunshot wounds to thorax, compound fracture of left leg. Here his leg was amputated before he was moved to No.3 Stationary Hospital at Rouen. He was transferred to England on 6th March, 1917 on Hospital Ship St. David and was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, Hampshire, England on 7th March, 1917 with gunshot wounds to Chest – penetrating.

HOSPITAL RECORDS

The Hospital Admissions form has the following information:

·      On admission at 1 PM. Patient looked as if dying. Saline given and patient slowly rallied.

·      9th Mar 1917 – Pint of ___fluid removed from chest by aspiration

·      10th Mar 1917 By aspiration another 6 pints removed.

·      11th Mar 1917 – Incision made into chest and tube inserted- foul fluid removed.

·      12th Mar 1917 – Slightly better

·      13th Mar 1917 – Patient looks worse, breathing distressed. Patient died of septic

 NEWSPAPER NOTICES- PERSONAL

(Tweed Daily, Murwillumbah, NSW – 16 March, 1917)

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Bray received a telegram from the Defence Department yesterday, stating that their son, Private Clive Bray, had been admitted to hospital suffering from a gunshot wound in the left leg, a compound fracture of the leg and gunshot wounds in the throat. His condition is dangerous. Progress reports will be sent.

DEATH MARCH 1917

However, Clive had died on night of 13th March, 1917, aged 28, at Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, Hampshire, England from multiple gunshot wounds received in action in France – gunshot wounds to left leg, left chest, hands & shoulders.

THE RED CROSS WOUNDED AND MISSING FILES

The Red Cross Wounded & Missing file for Private Clive Russell Bray contains a request from the Red Cross on behalf of the relatives to obtain the fullest details possible into his wounds, death, and burial. A reply was sent from The Matron, Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley which reads: ―Pte Bray was brought to this hospital from France very seriously ill. His left leg had been amputated and he was also suffering from a gunshot wound in his chest, which necessitated a further operation in this hospital. Although everything possible was done to save or prolong his life he passed away on March 13th at 10.30 pm. His sister-in-law visited him whilst he was in hospital and attended the funeral which took place on March 16th at 2.30 pm. Pte Bray bore his sufferings most bravely and quietly, but his wounds were such that he would never have felt strong or free again. The number of his grave is 1902 and the cemetery is in a quiet and peaceful part of the grounds of this hospital. The Matron imagines that Pte Bray’s sister-in-law will have sent some particulars to the relations in Australia, and hopes that these few details will be a little comfort to the friends who are so far away.

DEATH REGISTERED

A death for Clive R. Bray, aged 28, was registered in the March quarter, 1917 in the district of South Stoneham, Hampshire, England

NEWSPAPER NOTICES- PERSONAL-PRIVATE CLIVE BRAY

(Tweed Daily, Murwillumbah, NSW – 22 March, 1917)

Died of wounds; Son of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Bray, Kynnumboon.

NEWSPAPER NOTICES- PERSONAL NOTES

(The Brisbane Courier, Queensland – 26 March, 1917) & (The Queenslander, Brisbane, Queensland – 31 March, 1917)

Word has been received at Murwillumbah of the death from wounds of Private Clive Bray, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs.  Joshua Bray, two of the earliest and best-known setters on the Tweed River. The deceased was 29 years of age. Three of his brothers are on active service.

NEWSPAPER NOTICES- ROLL OF HONOUR BRAY

(The Brisbane Courier, Queensland – 26 March, 1917) & (The Queenslander, Brisbane, Queensland – 31 March, 1917)

Died on 13th March, in the Royal Victoria Hospital, London, from wounds received on 4th instant, Private Clive Russell Bray, youngest son of Joshua and Gertrude Bray, of Kynnumboon, Murwillumbah, aged 28 years.

BURIAL

Clive was buried at Netley Military Cemetery with his sister-in-law in attendance. Netley Military Cemetery is a permanent military cemetery, the property of the Ministry of Defence. The cemetery was at the back of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital and was used during both wars for burials from the hospital. The cemetery contains 637 First World War burials but only 35 from the Second World War. He does not have a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone, like other Australians buried in this Cemetery but his death is still acknowledged by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial. His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial Number 55 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War. His medals were sent to his mother as his father had died on 20th February, 1918. A Memorial Scroll & Memorial Plaque were also sent to Pte Bray’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Bray in England (Scroll & Plaque issued in England in January, 1922).

His personal effects from the Royal Hospital Netley & Kit Store were sent to his sister-in-law, Mrs. Bray of 4 Parklands, Surbiton Hill, England in 2 separate packages. The first package contained his leather purse, his cigarette case, his brush & comb, his identity discs, photos, post cards, cap comforter, cotton bag & a letter. The second contained letters, photos, notebook, and his kit bag handle

BRISBANE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Clive Russel Bray is remembered in The Golden Book at Brisbane Grammar School. The volumes contain the names and records of the known 1020 Old Boys who volunteered for service in the First World War. Each name and record occupies an entire page, surrounded by an interlacing border of Flanders poppies.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT ALL SAINTS’

A Memorial service to the late Private Clive R. Bray, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Joshua Bray, who recently died of wounds in Europe, was held in All Saints Church on Sunday last (Whitsunday), at 11 am. The church was practically filled, and the service was a particularly fine one. A short war litany was said at the commencement, after which the Rev. Madden gave an appropriate address, in which he dealt with the great loss suffered by the deceased’s relations and the general community. In a second short address, during the Communion service, he explained the meaning of Whitsunday or Pentecost Day, and its relation to the birth of the church. The Communion service was choral, Woodward’s ―Office of the Holy Communion being sung by the choir. (Tweed Daily, Murwillumbah, NSW – 29 May, 1917)

EXTRACT FROM AUSTRALIA’S FIGHTING SONS OF THE EMPIRE (P. 130):

Mrs. Rosalie G. Bray, of Kynnumboon, Murwillumbah, is the mother of four sons who are serving the Empire. Lieut. Percy Russell Bray is 36 years of age, and enlisted in England early in February, 1915, and trained at Hornchurch. He gained his commission, and was sent to the Cameroons, West Africa, where he served under General Smuts, and was mentioned in despatched. He was wounded in the leg, and after some months returned to duty. Private John Frank Russell (409) is 35 years of age, and was married to Miss Evelyn Towes on 4th April, 1911, and has four children. He enlisted at Sydney in June, 1916, and trained at Seymour, Victoria, in the Machine Gun Section. He was also training at Perham Downs, and Grantham, England, and went to France in February 1917. Private Clive Russell Bray (26a) enlisted in the A.S.C. in August 1914, and sailed for Egypt the following October. He remained there until April, 1916, when he was transferred to Infantry and sent to France. He was slightly wounded on 20th April, 1916, and on his return to the firing line was mortally wounded, and died in the Netley Hospital on 13th March, 1917. Lieut. Edward Llewellyn Russell Bray returned to England after serving for one year in the Gold Coast Regiment, East Africa, and joined the Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. After being in France for some months he was invalided to England, and is now at Chatham on home service.

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.