FAMILY LIFE

Humphrey Fackerell was born on 5 April 1898 in Kynumboon, New South Wales. His father, Edward Fackerell, was a prominent businessman in the area.  He owned a farm at Dungay; opened a cordial factory in 1902 and purchased the Imperial Hotel in 1911. He was also very active in the community serving as an Alderman from 1903 to 1905 and was involved in a range of other community organisations.

Humphrey was his sixth child but his first child with his new wife, Amy. Humphrey spent his childhood growing up with his half-siblings in the region, and soon two more sons joined the family. Around 1911, his parents separated, and his mother moved him and his two younger brothers to Sydney. Despite the idyllical childhood growing up in the bush and his later teen years in the big city, Humphrey was to exchange it all as a "boy soldier" for the muddy and bloody front line of World War One.

WAR NEWS

In May 1915, the Great War had been raging on for nearly a year. At the time, Humphrey was living in Sydney, working as an apprentice engineer. The news of a German U-boat being responsible for the sinking of the civilian ship Lusitania and the death of her 1200 passengers was published in a Sydney newspaper. These deaths were published alongside a report involving German atrocities in Belgium. The news of the heavy losses sustained at Gallipoli were also starting to reach Australia.

The Australian Imperial Force was made up entirely of volunteers, and these events led to 36,575 men enlisting in July 1915. This month became Australia's highest total of enlistments for the whole war. 

His older half-brother, Herbert, enlisted in June at Sydney. These events may have been why Humphrey volunteered to enlist in September despite being only 17 years old and lying about his age to be able to join. Edward's father was said to have been very proud of Humphrey, and his eyes shone when Humphrey asked him for permission to enlist.

APPLICATION

Humphrey was single engineer, eager to do his bit. He had spent 3 years as an apprentice with Mr. John Close in Sydney. He travelled to Holdsworthy on 27^th September 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Edward, of the Imperial Hotel, Murwillumbah. His medical showed he was 18 years 5 months old, 5ft 11 ½ inches tall (1.68m), weighed 126 lbs (57kgs), with a fresh complexion, grey eyes & black hair. His eyesight was good. Humphrey was Church of England.  He was enlisted as a gunner into the 1st Divisional Ammunition Column - Reinforcements [1-11] with service number 5533

GUNNER’S ROLE

A gunner’s primary duty was to operate large-calibre guns (e.g., howitzers, field guns, mortars). They would load shells into the gun, aim using range finders or coordinates provided by forward observers, fire on enemy positions, often miles away.  & maintain the gun to keep it in working condition.

AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On 11^th October 1915, Humphrey & the recruits embarked on the HMAT Nestor from Melbourne, Victoria, to begin his military career. 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. 

TRANSFERRED TO 21^ST HOWITZER BRIGADE MARCH 1916

The ship arrived the following month in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt had become home to many British military bases, and Australian soldiers lived and trained in these camps. In March 1916, Humphrey joined the 21st Howitzer Brigade.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE APRIL 1916

The brigade soon moved to Alexandria harbour to embark on a ship to join the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front in France. The Western Front was often described as "one of the darkest periods of the First World War." On 1 April 1916, Humphrey and his brigade disembarked at Marseilles. 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.

On 13 April 1916, Humphrey and his brigade arrived at Borre to be billeted. Billets were temporary accommodations for the soldiers to rest while stationed behind the front lines. The French civilians would provide farmhouses, barns, and halls or whatever was available. A Lieutenant Doughty arrived to be billeted in Borre the following night. The Lieutenant's diary at the time spoke of now being in the war zone and of the knee-deep mud that was the road in Borre. Every available cottage was a billet for the soldiers. On the night of 14 April, the sounds of the guns were audible and lit up the night sky with their firing.  

RANK CHANGE TO DRIVER

Two days after arriving, Humphrey's rank was changed from Gunner to Driver. Humphrey's new job as Driver in an ammunition column was to move the artillery ammunition from the third line supply depot to the Front, the first line. The drivers drove the horse teams pulling the guns and ammunition, which was made extra dangerous by combining horses that are naturally sensitive to all forms of artillery while carrying loads of live ammunition.

In May 1916, orders were received the reorganise the Brigades and divisional ammunition columns. Humphrey was taken on strength to the Divisional Ammunition Column. Reorganising the brigade ammunition columns into the Divisional Ammunition Column, rather than having them run as separate entities to each other, gave them greater flexibility in supplying the ammunition to the guns. It was reported that the batteries were satisfied with the communication with the Divisional Ammunition Column, and the supply was running smoothly, along with the wagons arriving regularly. 

DISCIPLINED JULY 1916

In July, Humphrey appeared to have lost his enthusiasm for the war. He was disciplined for ill-treating a horse. He received three days of punishment of heavy labouring duties The following month, he was disciplined for "Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline." This time he was given 14 days of hard labour.

TRANSFER TO 3RD FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION

With the war entering its third year, Humphrey was transferred to the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade in August 1916. 

BETWEEN AUGUST 1916 AND AUGUST 1917

Between August 1916 and August 1917, the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade (3rd FAB) of the Australian Imperial Force was actively engaged on the Western Front, providing crucial artillery support during several significant battles.

In August 1916, the 3rd FAB was stationed in the Flanders region. During this period, they faced numerous challenges, including enemy air raids. THE BATTLE OF POZIERES (LAST STAGES) AUGUST 1916

The 3^rd FAB provided artillery support to the 1st Australian Division as it fought to secure and hold Pozières Ridge. Notably, in August 1916, a German aeroplane dropped seven bombs on the brigade, resulting in nine fatalities and 39 wounded personnel. The brigade's primary role involved firing high-explosive and shrapnel shells to support infantry advances and target German fortifications.

The harsh winter conditions, with snow lasting into April 1917, further complicated their operations, making movement and maintenance of artillery equipment arduous.

In early 1917, the 3rd FAB underwent a structural change, being reallocated from the 1st Division Artillery to Army-level control. This reorganization aimed to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of artillery support across different sectors of the front. The brigade continued to provide essential firepower during this transitional phase, adapting to the evolving dynamics of trench warfare

HOSPITALISATION SCABIES MARCH 1917

On 3^rd March 1917 Humphrey was admitted to hospital with scabies. Scabies is a very itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite (bug) Scabies is very contagious and spreads quickly. Scabies causes intense itching, threadlike tracks on your skin and sometimes a rash. The rash looks like tiny red lumps and is caused by an allergic reaction to the mite. The treatment of scabies was on the first day the patient was thoroughly rubbed with soft soap for fifteen minutes. He then entered a warm bath where he lay for twenty minutes; during the last five minutes the infected sites were gently scrubbed with a soft brush. This procedure was designed to open the burrows and expose the acari and ova. Steam or shower baths could not accomplish this satisfactorily and were therefore unsuitable. After drying, a liberal quantity of sulphur ointment was rubbed over the whole body below the neck, special attention being paid to the hands, feet, and penis. This inunction was repeated on the second and third days. On the fourth day, but not before, the patient was given a second bath and supplied with clean clothing and bedding. Such articles as socks, wrist straps, gloves, and the string of identification discs also required disinfection. He rejoined his unit on 18^th March 1917

THE THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES OR PASSCHENDAELE APRIL 1917

By the summer of 1917, the 3rd FAB had moved into the Ypres sector in Belgium. Here, they played a pivotal role in the preparations for the upcoming Ypres offensive, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres or Passchendaele. Their responsibilities included conducting preliminary bombardments to weaken enemy defences and providing covering fire for infantry units during assaults. The brigade's actions during this period were instrumental in the broader strategic objectives of the Allied forces

DISCIPLINED SEPTEMBER 1917

In August 1917, Humphrey failed to return to Victoria Station, London, after having leave. He remained absent from 5 August until 3 September 1917, when military authorities apprehended him. He plead guilty to absenting himself while on active duty. He was given 90 days of detention. Despite the seriousness of the crime, 18 days were remitted from Humphrey's sentence, and he returned to France to rejoin his unit in November. 

HOSPITALISATION VENEREAL DISEASE SEPTEMBER 1917

During this detention, on 13^th September Humphrey was admitted to 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital, Bulford which specialised in venereal disease. The sense of adventure, the loneliness, and the loss of family life that overwhelmed many of the overseas volunteers during the First World War often found them on leave in large cities or small towns where alcohol and women were plentiful, and a lack of available prophylaxis allowed the spread of diseases such as gonorrhoea and syphilis to reach epidemic levels. Historians claim that the average incidence rate for this disease in the AIF was around 12 per cent

Treatment for VD was a punishment in its own right. Special hospitals for VD patients were set up and often regarded as deterrent. Patients would be treated with Salvarsan and mercury which offered uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects such as jaundice and convulsions. Other treatments included irrigation, which was painful and undignified resulting in many men to opt for chemical treatment instead. These long and uncomfortable stays in VD hospitals often averaged between 50 and 60 days, with most patients recovering and returning to the front. Humphrey spent only 13 days in hospital

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 1917: YPRES SECTOR, BELGIUM

During this period, the 3rd FAB was involved in the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele. Their primary role was to deliver sustained artillery barrages to support infantry advances and to neutralize enemy artillery positions. The brigade faced challenging conditions, including difficult terrain and adverse weather, which impacted the effectiveness of artillery operations.

NOVEMBER 1917 – MARCH 1918: WINTER OPERATIONS AND REORGANIZATION

Following the intense battles in Ypres, the 3rd FAB entered a period of relative operational pause during the winter months. During this time, the brigade underwent reorganization and maintenance of equipment, preparing for upcoming offensives. The harsh winter conditions posed logistical challenges, but the period allowed for rest and refitting of the units.

WILL AND LETTER TO HIS MOTHER MARCH 1918

In March 1918, Humphrey made a will leaving all his effects to his mother. At 19 years old, he must have seen enough of the last two and half years of war to be contemplating his mortality. Humphrey wrote a letter to his mother informing her of the will, but there was no mention of the war. He instead chose to focus on the weather and his efforts at trench art.

"it is a lovely sunny day to-day, we have a little frost in the nights and the day are so lovely and warm, they are beginning to get longer, I am passing the time away by making souvenirs out of old shell cases and coper driving bands of shell that have been fired by old Fritz."

MARCH 1918: RESPONSE TO GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE

In March 1918, the German Army launched its Spring Offensive (Operation Michael), targeting the Allied lines on the Western Front. The 3rd FAB was mobilized to provide artillery support in response to this offensive, delivering counter-battery fire and supporting defensive operations to halt the German advance. Their actions were instrumental in stabilizing the front during this critical period.

APRIL 1918: DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN THE HAZEBROUCK SECTOR

In April 1918, the 3rd FAB was engaged in defensive operations in the Hazebrouck sector of northern France. This area was under threat from the German Spring Offensive, and the brigade's artillery units were instrumental in halting the German advance. Their tasks included delivering counter-battery fire, disrupting enemy formations, and supporting infantry positions.

MAY–JUNE 1918: CONTINUED ENGAGEMENTS AND SUPPORT

Throughout May and June, the 3rd FAB maintained its positions in the Hazebrouck sector, continuing to provide essential artillery support. The brigade's efforts were vital in sustaining the defensive line and preparing for subsequent Allied offensives.

JULY 1918: PREPARATIONS FOR THE ALLIED COUNTER-OFFENSIVE

In July, the 3rd FAB began preparations for the upcoming Allied counter-offensive. This involved repositioning artillery units, stockpiling ammunition, and coordinating with infantry divisions to ensure effective support during the planned attacks. The brigade's readiness was a key factor in the success of subsequent operations.

THE BATTLE OF MONT ST QUENTIN

The Australian Imperial Force launched an attack on Mont St Quentin, France, at the end of August 1918. Mont St Quentin was the last German stronghold and key to the Somme line's German defence. Soon the soldiers had captured the village of Mont St Quentin, but the Germans quickly reorganised and began a counter-attack. Once the Germans retook the summit of Mont St Quentin on 1 September, the Australians were forced to retreat. Soon Australian reinforcements arrived, and the area was able to be retaken. Humphrey was part of the 103rd Howitzer Battery of the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade. His battery was on the guns just outside of Mont St, Quentin, on 2 September.

WOUNDED IN ACTION 2^ND SEPTEMBER 1918

A shell wounded Humphrey in the arm and chest as he pulled the gun into position. 

DIED ON WOUNDS 4^TH SEPTEMBER 1918

He was transferred to the 5th Casualty Clearing Station but sadly died of his wounds on 4 September 1918.  The Battles of Mont St Quentin and Peronne are regarded among the finest Australian feats on the Western Front. The three days came at the cost of 3,000 casualties but caused the Germans to withdraw towards the Hindenburg Line, their last line of defence. Sixty-eight days after Humphrey's death, Armistice Day was declared on 11 November, and the Great War was over.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Humphrey was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Dungay Public School First World War Honor Roll. His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial No. 12 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

Humphrey was buried at the British Military Cemetery, Proyart. After the war, his remains were reinterred in the Health Military Cemetery, Harrbonnieres, France, plot 9, row A, grave 7

His mother received his Memorial scroll on 9^th December 1921, his Victory medal on 29^th January 1923, his memorial plaque on 13^th February 1923.

His personal effects consisting of gift kin containing 3 silk handkerchiefs, cards, hat ornament, and one devotional book were forwarded to his mother and a separate package containing disc, wallet, notebook, photos, cards, 2 pipes, a knife, a fountain pen, matchbox cover, one purse, metal cigarette case, 2 mark note & 1 key was also sent to her in July 1919

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