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.

ATTESTATION

Humphrey travelled to Holdsworthy on 27^th September 1915 to complete his application. He answered several questions on the document, and we find out he was born in Kynumboon, was 18 years and 6 months old and a single man. He gave his occupation as engineer. He had spent 3 years as an apprentice with Mr. John Close in Sydney. His next of kin was his father, Edward, of the Imperial Hotel, Murwillumbah.

He then signed a declaration confirming he had answered the questions correctly and was willing to voluntarily agree to service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia

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CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER

On the second page of the attestation documents the attesting confirms the following

“The foregoing questions were read to the person enlisted in my presence. I have taken care that he understood each question, and his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to by him

OATH

He also made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Humphrey Fackerell, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War, and a further four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed therefrom: and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and case His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained; and I will in all matters appertaining to my services faithfully discharge my duty according to law

SO, HELP ME, GOD.” 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

His medical showed he was 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.  

CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINER

The medical examiner certifies I have examined the abovenamed person, and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz: -

Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence; defects of vision, voice, or hearing; hernia’ haemorrhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendent testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease’ chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C; contracted or deformed chest; abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.

He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description

I consider him fit for active service

CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER

This is completed during the recruits training.

The commanding officer certifies that this attestation of the abovenamed person is correct, and that the required forms have been complied with. He then states “I accordingly approve, and appoint him as a gunner into the 1st Divisional Ammunition Column - Reinforcements [1-11] with service number 5533

PERMISSION TO ENLIST AS UNDERAGE

Although not on the records he must have received permission from his parents to enlist as he was under 21 years old

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

INNOCULATIONS

All recruits were given a range of inoculations while in camp. The most important jab was to protect against smallpox and typhoid – indeed, having this was an essential precondition of enlisting.

THE UNIFORM

The recruits were issued with their uniform- service dress jacket was made of Australian wool and its loose fit gave the wearer more allowance for movement. The four large pockets were very useful. A unique feature designed for comfort was the pleated back, which provided a double thickness of cloth down the back that the pack rubbed against. Breeches were corduroy worn with wool wrap puttees. The famous khaki felt slouch hat or early service cap is probably the most distinctive part of the uniform. turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge.

SOLDIER’S KIT

Australia's World War I soldiers went to war weighed down by almost 30 kilograms of clothes, weapons, tools and kit.

·      Breeches: made from khaki woollen cord fabric, with side pockets and button flies. Soldiers were issued with two pairs of breeches, plus a pair of dungarees. The breeches ended above the ankles and the gap was filled with puttees.

·      Braces: worn with breeches.

·      Puttees: The men wound these strips of woollen cloth, almost three metres long, upwards from the ankle to just below the knee. Soldiers disliked the puttees, probably with good reason: the tight binding restricted circulation and might even have contributed to the high incidence of trench foot. Mounted troops wore leather leggings.

·      Shirt: Soldiers were given two grey, collarless, flannel shirt, plus a military shirt.

·      Ankle boots: brown and lace-up.

·      Socks: Made from wool or cotton. Soldiers were issued with three pairs.

·      Greatcoat: the khaki woollen coat (which weighed about 3kg) often doubled as a soldier's bedding and was his chief protection against the cold and wet. The coat came into its own when snow hit Gallipoli in November 1915 and also on the Western Front.

·      Jersey

·      Singlets: Soldiers were issued with 2 woollen singlets.

·      Cotton "drawers" (underpants): Soldiers were issued with two pairs.

·      Abdominal belts: a sort of cummerbund that was issued to keep soldiers warm and supposedly ward off disease.

·      Backpacks and webbing: The main backpack was a rectangular sack measuring about 15 inches x 13 inches, closed at the top by a folding cover secured by two straps. The webbing included a web belt, cartridge pouches, small haversack, bayonet frog, an entrenching tool holder (plus another holder for its handle), and a water-bottle holder.

·      Identity disc: Soldiers were initially issued with one medal "dog tag" on a cord, but later in the war they were given two tags, made of compressed fibre.

·      Soldiers were also issued with a "housewife" - a sewing kit containing such items as needles, thimble, thread, wool and button so they could carry out running repairs.

·      Also in their kit were a short-magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, a rifle sling, a bayonet and scabbard, and an "entrenching tool" (they were "diggers" after all). This came in two parts, with the helve (handle) separate from the spade part.

·      Soldiers were issued with eating equipment (knife, fork, spoon, an enamel mug, water bottle (with two-point capacity), and a mess tin with carrier.

·      They also had a clasp knife (with marlin spike, tin-opener and lanyard), razor, shaving kit, soap, comb, two towels, field dressing (carried in the tunic's inside pocket), and a hold-all, in which they could pack their private possessions.

·      No item was probably looked after more carefully than their service pay book: privates were paid six shillings a day

VOYAGE OVERSEAS TO EGYPT

On 11^th October 1915, Humphrey & the recruits embarked on the HMAT Nestor from Melbourne, Victoria, to begin his military career. Alongside his comrades, Humphrey marched aboard, his boots ringing on the gangway. As the ship’s lines were cast off and the quay began to slip away, the reality of war lay ahead, but for now, the sea breeze carried only the sound of voices and the excitement of men bound for adventure, duty, and the unknown.

The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” 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. On the voyage, due to overcrowding, training was limited to mainly to lectures and a little physical training.

SLEEPING & LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Recruits likely slept in a crowded troop deck below, where rows of hammocks or three-tier wooden bunks were crammed close together.

Air below decks could be stuffy, especially in warmer climates, and seasickness was common during the first few days.

DAILY ROUTINE

Reveille early each morning, followed by physical exercises on the open decks (weather permitting). There were parades and inspections—officers ensured uniforms, rifles, and kit were clean and in order. Training was a little problematic—drill without much space, rifle maintenance, lectures on military discipline, signalling, and trench warfare theory. The ship’s decks were used for marching in tight circles or practising bayonet thrusts into stuffed sacks. Rifle shooting was impossible at sea, so soldiers learned to strip and clean their weapons until it was second nature.

MEALS

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. The meals were served in shifts from the ship’s galley. Queues were long, and eating on a rolling ship meant many tried to eat quickly before nausea set in.

HEALTH & SANITATION

Shipboard hygiene was critical—every man was ordered to scrub his section daily to prevent disease. Saltwater baths were the norm, with freshwater rationed for drinking.

THE VOYAGE EXPERIENCE

Entertainment included church drill, concerts, singalongs, card games, and makeshift cricket matches on deck when the weather allowed. To keep up morale, an area of the ship was roped off where regular boxing and wrestling tournaments were held. This became commonly known as the Stoush Stadium. No letters could be sent until they reached port, but men often wrote diaries or unsent letters to be posted later.

The 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

CROSSING THE EQUATOR CEREMONY

The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

SIGHTS AT SEA

On the way to Egypt the ship would pass through the Great Australian Bight, cross the Indian Ocean, and stop at Colombo (Ceylon now Sri Lanka) for coal and supplies.

SECURITY

By late 1914, German raiders were active, so lifeboat drills were frequent, and lookouts kept watch for suspicious ships. Troopships generally sailed in convoys or at least took zig-zag courses to make torpedo attacks harder. Ships often travelled under blackout conditions at night, with lookouts specifically watching for periscopes or torpedo wakes.

APPROACHING EGYPT

After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. The reality of leaving home truly sank in. The recruits would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the sandy training grounds of Egypt, preparing for what lay ahead.

EGYPT NOVEMBER 1915

After several weeks at sea, he arrived in a country that had become the principal training and administrative base for Australian troops following the Gallipoli campaign. Upon arrival he was taken on strength with the Divisional Ammunition Column and posted to No. 1 Section in Cairo.

The Divisional Ammunition Column was responsible for transporting shells, small-arms ammunition, and other military stores from railheads and supply depots to the artillery batteries in the field. The work depended heavily on horses and wagons, and men serving in the unit had to become skilled horsemen, teamsters, and drivers. During these months in Egypt, Humphrey would have spent long hours learning to manage horse teams, care for animals, load and unload ammunition wagons, and operate as part of a disciplined military transport organisation.

DIVISIONAL AMMUNITION DUMP FEBRUARY 1916

On 9 February 1916 he was transferred to the Divisional Ammunition Dump at Serapeum, situated near the Suez Canal. At this time British and Imperial forces were strengthening the canal's defences against Ottoman attacks from the Sinai Desert. The ammunition dumps at Serapeum were major supply centres, storing vast quantities of ammunition and equipment. Humphrey's duties would have involved receiving, organising, and distributing supplies while maintaining the constant flow of stores required by troops guarding the canal.

21ST HOWITZER BRIGADE MARCH 1916

While at Serapeum he was taken on strength with the 21st Howitzer Brigade and posted to its Brigade Ammunition Column. The brigade's howitzers were designed to fire high-explosive shells in a steep arc, making them particularly effective against trenches, dugouts, and fortified positions. The Brigade Ammunition Column existed to ensure these guns never ran short of shells. Humphrey's role as a driver would have involved moving ammunition wagons, caring for horse teams, and transporting supplies under demanding conditions.

WESTERN FRONT MARCH 1916

By March 1916 the Australian divisions in Egypt were preparing for transfer to the Western Front. On 25 March Humphrey was posted to join the British Expeditionary Force and travelled to Alexandria for embarkation. There he boarded a transport ship for France, leaving behind the desert landscapes of Egypt for the battlefields of Europe.

FRANCE & 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. Like thousands of Australian soldiers arriving in France for the first time, Humphrey would have been struck by the contrast between the warm, dusty conditions of Egypt and the green countryside of southern France. From Marseilles he travelled north by train through the French countryside toward the areas where the Australian forces were concentrating and training.

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.

BONNE APRIL 1916

On 13 April 1916, Humphrey and his brigade arrived at Bonne 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 Bonne 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 APRIL 1916

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

DIVISIONAL AMMUNITION COLUMN MAY 1916

In May 1916, orders were received the reorganise the Brigades and divisional ammunition columns. On 15 May 1916, after a month of training and organisation, Humphrey was taken on strength of the Divisional Ammunition Column in France and posted to No. 4 Section. From this point he became part of the logistical network that kept the Australian artillery supplied with ammunition. His duties involved transporting shells and stores from supply dumps to the gun batteries, often travelling by night to avoid enemy observation. Although not usually serving directly in the front-line trenches, drivers frequently worked under hazardous conditions, with roads and transport routes often subjected to enemy shellfire.

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. 

SETTLED IN

After being taken on strength of the Divisional Ammunition Column and posted to No. 4 Section on 15 May 1916, Humphrey settled into the demanding routine of artillery supply work on the Western Front. The Australian forces were then occupying the relatively quiet Armentières sector, often described by veterans as an apprenticeship in trench warfare. Although not yet involved in the major battles that would follow on the Somme, the area was far from peaceful. Enemy shelling, trench raids, sniping, and mining operations were common occurrences.

As a driver, Humphrey's responsibilities centred on maintaining the constant flow of ammunition required by the artillery batteries. Working with horse-drawn wagons, he transported shells from ammunition dumps and railheads to forward supply points closer to the guns. The work was physically exhausting and frequently carried out at night to avoid enemy observation from balloons and aircraft. Long hours were spent caring for horses, loading and unloading heavy shells, maintaining harness and wagons, and navigating roads that could quickly deteriorate in wet weather.

During June and July 1916, the Australian divisions began moving south towards the Somme battlefield. The artillery faced an enormous task in supporting this movement. Vast quantities of ammunition had to be transported and stockpiled in preparation for the major offensive then underway. Humphrey and his fellow drivers would have been heavily involved in moving supplies to support the growing concentration of guns behind the front. The roads became crowded with infantry, artillery, transport columns, engineers, and supply wagons, all converging on the Somme sector.

By the time disciplinary action was taken against Humphrey on 25 July 1916, he had spent more than two months engaged in the often-overlooked but essential work that kept the Australian artillery operational. Every shell fired by the guns depended on men such as Humphrey ensuring ammunition reached the batteries when required.

DISCIPLINED JULY & AUGUST 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. This move brought him directly into one of the busiest periods experienced by the Australian artillery during the Somme campaign. The brigade was supporting Australian infantry engaged in the bitter fighting around Pozières and Mouquet Farm, where repeated attacks were being launched against heavily defended German positions.

Following his transfer, Humphrey would have joined the brigade's transport and supply organisation, helping maintain the steady stream of ammunition needed by the guns. The artillery was firing enormous quantities of shells in support of infantry attacks and defensive barrages. Drivers worked day and night moving ammunition forward under difficult and often dangerous conditions.

THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME 1916

For the remainder of 1916, Humphrey served during the bitter fighting on the Somme. The artillery played a crucial role in supporting the Australian attacks at Pozières and Mouquet Farm, firing barrages against German trenches, strongpoints, and artillery positions. The demand for ammunition was immense, requiring constant work from the drivers and transport personnel who kept the guns supplied. Roads behind the front were crowded with men, horses, wagons, and artillery, while enemy shellfire frequently endangered supply routes.

WINTER 1916- 1917

As winter approached, conditions deteriorated. Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures turned roads and tracks into deep mud. The welfare of the horses became a major concern, and drivers spent countless hours feeding, grooming, and caring for exhausted animals while continuing their transport duties.

HINDENBURG LINE EARLY 1917

During early 1917, the brigade participated in operations associated with the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. As the Germans retreated, the artillery moved forward in support of advancing Allied troops. This involved relocating guns, ammunition dumps, and transport services over ground devastated by years of 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

BULLECOURT SPRING 1917

In the spring of 1917, Humphrey and the brigade took part in the operations around Bullecourt. The artillery provided supporting fire for Australian infantry attacks against the formidable Hindenburg Line defences. Although drivers generally worked behind the gun positions, they remained exposed to enemy shelling and the constant dangers of an active battlefield.

BATTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917

In June 1917, the Australian artillery supported the successful Battle of Messines in Belgium. The carefully planned offensive relied heavily upon artillery fire, and the movement of enormous quantities of ammunition was essential to its success. Drivers such as Humphrey worked tirelessly to maintain supplies to the batteries before, during, and after the battle.

THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES SUMMER 1917

Following Messines, the brigade became involved in the opening stages of the Third Battle of Ypres. Throughout the summer of 1917, artillery units supported operations in the Ypres Salient, where shellfire, mud, and difficult terrain tested both men and horses. The movement of ammunition remained a continuous task, often requiring long hours and work in dangerous conditions

By August 1917, Humphrey had completed more than a year of continuous service with the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade. During that period, he had supported major Australian operations on the Somme, at Bullecourt, and in Belgium, contributing to the artillery effort that underpinned every major offensive undertaken by the Australian Corps

ENGLAND AUGUST 1917

After more than a year serving continuously with the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade on the Western Front, Humphrey's service record indicates that he was in England by August 1917, although the precise reason for his transfer across the Channel is not recorded in the surviving entries. It may have been connected with leave, medical treatment, or administrative movement, but whatever the circumstances, he found himself away from the front line after many months of active service in France and Belgium.

DISCIPLINED AUGUST 1917

Crime- when on active service absenting himself without leave on that he, in London at 6.15am on the 5^th August 1917, failed to report to the RTO at Victoria Station as it is his duty to do so, and remained absent without leave until apprehended by the Military Authorities at about 2.30pm on the 3^rd September in London.

Pleading guilty. Finding guilty

Sentence- to undergo detention for ninety (90) days 18^th September 1917

Confirmation- confirmed by Colonel Griffith, commandant Adm Hqrs AIF 22/9/1917. Period under arrest awaiting trial- 14 days. 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

DISCHARGE AND RECOVERY OCTOBER 1917

Humphrey remained under treatment until 3 October 1917, when he was discharged from hospital. Following discharge, he entered the administrative system responsible for returning recovered soldiers to duty.

On 13 November 1917 he was admitted to the Australian Imperial Force Details Battalion barracks at Lewes, having arrived from St Albans. The Details Battalions acted as holding and processing units for soldiers awaiting further posting, medical assessment, or return to their units overseas. During this period Humphrey would have undergone inspections, completed administrative formalities, and prepared for a return to active service.

TRAINING LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL NOVEMBER 1917

On 22 November he was discharged from the Lewes establishment and marched out to Longbridge Deverill, one of the principal Australian training camps on Salisbury Plain. Here soldiers returning from hospital or leave underwent refresher training and physical conditioning before being sent back to France. Humphrey would have spent his time rebuilding fitness, revising military procedures, and preparing once again for service with the artillery on the Western Front.

His rehabilitation and training were evidently successful. On 28 November he was medically cleared and ordered to proceed overseas to France. Crossing the English Channel, he re-entered the British Expeditionary Force and moved through the reinforcement system that channelled returning soldiers back to their formations.

REJOINED UNIT DECEMBER 1917

On 3 December 1917, Humphrey was taken on strength by the 3rd Army Brigade, the administrative step that marked his return to the artillery organisation in France. Three days later, on 6 December, he rejoined his unit and resumed his duties as a driver with the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade.

The return would have brought him back to a very different battlefield from the one he had left. The guns were now occupying positions in the Ypres sector after the Passchendaele fighting, and winter conditions once again made life difficult for both men and horses. Nevertheless, after several months away from the front due to illness and treatment, Humphrey had successfully worked his way through hospitals, depots, and training establishments and was once more serving with the artillery in France.

After rejoining the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade on 6 December 1917, Humphrey returned to a unit that was enduring another harsh winter on the Western Front. The artillery remained active even when major offensives were not underway. The guns were engaged in routine bombardments, counter-battery fire against German artillery, defensive barrages, and support for patrols and trench raids. As a driver, Humphrey continued the demanding work of transporting ammunition and supplies, caring for horses, and maintaining the transport system upon which the batteries depended

WINTER 1917-1918

Throughout the winter of 1917–1918, conditions were difficult. Cold weather, mud, and the constant wear and tear of military service tested both men and animals. The brigade frequently moved guns and ammunition between positions, requiring drivers to work long hours under trying circumstances

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.

ADVANCES CHECKED APRIL MAY 1918

By April and May 1918, the German advance had been checked, and the Australians were increasingly regaining the initiative. The artillery continued to support local operations, raids, and defensive actions while preparations were made for future offensives.

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.

SPRAINED ANKLE JUNE 1918

On 6 June 1918, Humphrey was admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station suffering from a sprained left ankle. Although not a battle wound, such injuries could easily occur in the rough conditions of the Western Front, where men worked among shell holes, uneven ground, muddy roads, and heavy equipment. For a driver who depended upon mobility and spent much of his time working around horses and wagons, an ankle injury could temporarily make him unfit for duty.

HOSPITALISED FRANCE JUNE 1918

On 12 June he was transferred to the 14th Stationary Hospital in France, where he received further treatment and rest. Once his condition improved, he was moved on 20 June to the 10th Convalescent Depot. Here recovering soldiers underwent rehabilitation, light duties, and physical training designed to restore their fitness before returning to active service.

REJOINED UNIT JULY 1918

His recovery was relatively swift, and on 5 July 1918 Humphrey rejoined the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade. At that time the Australian Corps was entering one of its most successful periods of the war. The victory at Hamel on 4 July demonstrated the effectiveness of carefully coordinated attacks involving infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft. The artillery played a central role in these operations, and Humphrey resumed his duties during a period of increasing Allied success.

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 SEPTEMBER 1918

On 2 September 1918, during the fighting associated with the Allied advance towards the Hindenburg Outpost Line, Humphrey was wounded in action. He suffered shotgun wounds to his forearm and chest. The term "shotgun wound" in service records often referred to wounds caused by multiple shell fragments or shrapnel pellets rather than an actual shotgun. Such injuries could be devastating, particularly when the chest was involved.

Following his wounding, Humphrey was evacuated to a Field Ambulance, where he received emergency treatment. On 3 September he was admitted to the 5th Casualty Clearing Station. Casualty Clearing Stations were equipped to undertake urgent surgical procedures and stabilise wounded men before they could be evacuated further to the rear.

DIED OF WOUNDS SEPTEMBER 1918

Despite the efforts of the medical staff, Humphrey's wounds proved too severe. On 4 September 1918, he died of his wounds at the 5th Casualty Clearing Station.

His death came after nearly three years of service overseas and more than two years with the artillery in France. During that time, he had served through the Somme battles, the operations around Bullecourt, the Messines campaign, Passchendaele, the German Spring Offensive, and the great Allied advance of 1918. As a driver, his work was often carried out behind the front line and away from public attention, yet it was indispensable to the artillery's effectiveness. The guns that supported every Australian attack depended upon the steady efforts of men like Humphrey, whose service ended only weeks before the final victory that he had helped make possible. 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.

BURIAL

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

EFFECTS, SCROLLS, PLAQUE

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.