FAMILY LIFE

William Angus Connolly was born in 1894 in Ballina, son of William August Connolly Snr & Sarah (Jarrett) Connolly. He was one of 8 children. The Connolly family lived at Doon Doon

ATTESTATION

William travelled to Brisbane on 27^th September 1916 to complete his application. He answered several questions on the document, and we find out he was born in Ballina, was 21 years and 11 months old and a single man. He gave his occupation as farmer. His next of kin was his mother, Sarah, of Doon Doon.

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

PAGE 2

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, William Angus Connolly, 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 9½ inches tall (1.76m), weighed 135 lbs (61kgs), with a medium complexion, blue eyes & brown hair.  His eyesight was good but he required dental treatment. William 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 to as a private into the 11th Depot Battalion with service No 32801.

TRANSFER AS GUNNER FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE

However, on 6th October he was made a gunner with the Field Artillery Brigade reinforcements

MARIBYRNONG TRAINING CAMP, VICTORIA

Maribyrnong training camp was the main artillery training depot in Australia during WWI. It was located in Melbourne’s north-west, along the Maribyrnong River

GUNNERS IN THE INFANTRY

Gunners manned a large field gun in a gun crew of 6–10 men, supporting infantry operations with indirect fire from behind the lines. Recruits underwent:

·      Gun drill with 18-pounders and 4.5" howitzers

·      Horse handling and harness work (for horse-drawn guns)

·      Loading, aiming, and firing the gun

·      Range finding and signalling

·      Ammunition transport and gun maintenance

·      Discipline, fitness, and marching

DAILY LIFE AT THE CAMP

Recruits were housed in wooden huts, canvas tents, or basic barracks. Conditions varied depending on the time of year — cold and wet in winter, dusty and hot in summer. Latrines were shared, and hygiene was basic but regimented. Reveille (wake-up) was at 5:30–6:00am, followed by roll call and breakfast.

TRAINING ROUTINE

Training days were long and physically demanding:

Time	Activity
Morning	Drill, gunnery theory, fitness
Midday	Gun drill with 18-pounders, horse work
Afternoon	Firing exercises, harnessing, and limbering
Evening	Maintenance of weapons, lectures on discipline

Horse work was constant: gunners had to care for and control teams of horses used to haul field guns.

Live-fire exercises were sometimes done at nearby Flemington rifle range or in the open paddocks near the camp.

RECRUITS' EXPERIENCE

Soldiers often described it as gruelling but effective training. Mud and rain in winter led to bogged wagons and miserable marches. Complaints included blistered hands, sore backs from hauling gear, and monotony of drill. However, many also remembered strong camaraderie, especially among the gun crews and horse teams.

SANITATION AND HEALTH

The camp had a permanent medical facility (including quarantine for illness). Outbreaks of measles, influenza, or skin infections were common due to close living conditions. Physical training instructors monitored hygiene, including kit inspections and foot care.

FOOD AND RATIONS

Food was basic but adequate: bread, tinned meat ("bully beef"), porridge, and tea. Canteens provided extra treats at soldiers’ own cost (e.g. jam, condensed milk, cocoa). Fresh food was sometimes brought in from Melbourne markets.

Life at Maribyrnong was tough, disciplined, and demanding, especially for artillerymen learning to operate heavy guns and manage horses. But it was also a place of teamwork and preparation for the even harsher conditions of the Western Front.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS TO ENGLAND

The recruits embarked at Melbourne, Victoria aboard HMAT Shropshire on 11 May 1917 as part of the 12th reinforcement. Alongside his comrades, William 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. In an attempt 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, where the ship would refuel & take on supplies, 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. The danger was greatest in the Western Approaches near Britain, where U-boats patrolled choke points like the English Channel and Irish Sea.

EGYPT

After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. They could only wonder at the sights and sounds they could see as they watched the ship being refuelled and goods taken on board

ENGLAND JULY 1917

About a fortnight later the men finally saw the green shoreline of England. The reality of leaving home truly sank in. The recruits would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the training grounds of England, preparing for what lay ahead.

LARKHILL TRAINING CAMP

On their arrival in England in July 1917, the recruits were marched into Larkhill training camp, which was situated on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England. It was a specialised artillery training camp for British and Commonwealth troops. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the English training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. When the recruits arrived in mid-1917, they would have undergone:

Advanced Gunnery Training

Operation and maintenance of 18-pounders, 4.5-inch howitzers

Firing at live artillery ranges

Training with direct and indirect fire techniques

Instruction in use of range finders, angle of sight tables, and fuze setting

Team Coordination

Gun crews trained to work in precise roles (No. 1 to No. 6 positions)

Practice in limbering up, moving, and deploying guns

Command structure and orders in live fire drills

Field Craft and Tactical Skills

Camouflage, positioning of guns, and concealment

Counter-battery defence techniques

Integration with infantry support tactics

Living Conditions at Larkhill

Accommodations were in wooden huts or Nissen huts (corrugated metal huts) Cold, damp winters and wind-swept plain made for tough living

Recruits endured:

·      Muddy, exposed parade grounds

·      Early mornings and long days

·      Daily inspections and strict discipline

Hygiene and Routines

Facilities included mess halls, washing areas, parade grounds, and canteens. Medical checks and physical fitness were routine. Foot drill and discipline were just as important as technical training

Morale and Comradeship

Many Australian soldiers found the routine challenging, but camaraderie strong. The nearby town of Amesbury and even Stonehenge (a short walk away!) were often visited in off-duty hours

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE OCTOBER 1917

William left Southampton on 17^th October 1917 for France. The recruits now found themselves fighting the Germans 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.

THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES- PASSCHENDAELE OCTOBER 1917

When William joined the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade (2nd FAB) in October 1917, the unit was heavily involved in the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as Passchendaele — one of the most gruelling artillery-heavy campaigns of the war. They were supporting 2nd Australian Division infantry operations during the Third Battle of Ypres (31 July – 10 November 1917). By October, they were operating east of Ypres, around Zonnebeke, Westhoek Ridge, and Broodseinde Ridge

As part of the 1st Division Artillery, the 2nd FAB’s role included:

·      Creeping barrages to support infantry advances

·      Counter-battery fire targeting German guns

·      Harassing fire at night on roads, assembly areas, and trenches

·      Defensive barrages during German counterattacks

They primarily used:

·      18-pounder field guns (for high explosive and shrapnel shells)

·      4.5-inch howitzers (for high angle fire into enemy dugouts)

This period was infamous for:

·      Relentless shellfire

·      Deep mud and waterlogged trenches

·      Difficult gun mobility — field guns often sank into the mud

Heavy casualties due to German counter-barrages and aircraft

Artillerymen like William:

·      Slept in dugouts or under tarpaulin

·      Constantly moved ammunition by hand or horse-drawn limbers

·      Endured deafening blasts and ground that shook under fire

MAJOR ENGAGEMENTS IN OCTOBER 1917

BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE – 4 OCTOBER: MAJOR AUSTRALIAN VICTORY, WITH HEAVY ARTILLERY SUPPORT

The Battle of Broodseinde was one of the greatest Australian victories of the war. The Australian divisions, together with New Zealand and British troops, attacked along the Broodseinde Ridge east of Ypres. The objective was to seize the high ground that dominated the surrounding battlefield and formed part of the German defensive system.

In preparation for the attack, the guns of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade were heavily engaged in bombardment operations. Their primary task was to support the infantry with a carefully timed creeping barrage that moved forward in stages ahead of the advancing troops. The barrage forced German defenders to remain under cover while the infantry advanced behind a protective curtain of exploding shells.

During the battle, the artillery fired continuously, often under difficult conditions. German guns responded with heavy counter-battery fire, seeking to destroy the Australian gun positions. The gunners worked amidst mud, shell holes and dangerous ammunition dumps while maintaining an accurate rate of fire. The success of the battle owed much to the effectiveness of the artillery support, which helped the infantry capture their objectives and inflict heavy losses on the enemy

For William, Broodseinde would have meant long hours at his gun position, loading and firing shell after shell according to a carefully prepared timetable. The roar of hundreds of guns, the constant vibration of the earth and the danger from German retaliation made the battle an exhausting and hazardous experience.

BATTLE OF POELCAPPELLE – 9 OCTOBER: BOGGED-DOWN INFANTRY AND ARTILLERY UNDER APPALLING CONDITIONS

Just five days after the success at Broodseinde, the Allies launched another attack towards the village of Poelcappelle. Unfortunately, conditions had deteriorated dramatically. Continuous rain combined with months of shellfire had transformed the battlefield into a vast swamp of mud.

For the artillery, these conditions created enormous difficulties. Guns sank into the mud, ammunition wagons became bogged and maintaining communication lines proved extremely challenging. Despite these obstacles, the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade continued to support the attacking infantry. Gun crews often had to use tremendous effort simply to keep their weapons operational.

The creeping barrage was less effective than at Broodseinde because the muddy ground slowed the infantry advance. Many shells disappeared into the mud before exploding properly, reducing their destructive effect. Nevertheless, the artillery maintained its support throughout the operation.

The attack achieved only limited gains and casualties were heavy. For William and his comrades, Poelcappelle was a grim experience marked by exhausting labour as much as enemy action. Much of their effort involved moving ammunition, maintaining gun positions and struggling against the mud that seemed to engulf men, horses and equipment alike.

 

FIRST BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE – 12 OCTOBER: CATASTROPHIC LOSSES

NOVEMBER 1917

The First Battle of Passchendaele was fought only days after Poelcappelle and under even worse conditions. Torrential rain and continuous shelling had reduced the battlefield to one of the most infamous landscapes of the First World War. Mud covered everything, swallowing roads, trenches, horses and occasionally men themselves.

The 2nd Field Artillery Brigade again provided support for the attacking infantry. However, the conditions severely limited what the guns could achieve. Moving artillery forward was almost impossible, many gun platforms became unstable and supplying ammunition required immense effort. Horses and men struggled through knee-deep mud carrying shells to the batteries.

Throughout the battle, William and the other gunners maintained a steady fire programme despite these difficulties. German artillery remained active and frequently targeted Australian gun positions. Casualties among artillery units were common, both from enemy shellfire and from the physical demands of operating in such appalling conditions.

The attack itself failed to achieve its objectives. The infantry faced devastating machine-gun fire and became bogged down in the mud before reaching many of their targets. Nevertheless, the artillery continued to provide covering fire and defensive barrages to protect the troops and prevent German counterattacks

For William, the Passchendaele fighting would have represented some of the most difficult service of the war. The gunners endured not only the danger of enemy action but also the relentless rain, mud and exhaustion that characterised the Third Battle of Ypres. Although the infantry often received the greatest attention in accounts of Passchendaele, the artillery's contribution was indispensable. The guns of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade fired thousands of rounds during these operations, helping sustain the Australian advance through one of the most challenging battlefields of the First World War.

RELIEF AND ROTATION NOVEMBER 1917

The unit continued fire support in the Ypres sector, but active operations tapered off after the disastrous final push at Passchendaele (6 Nov). The 2nd FAB took part in relief and rotation of batteries, maintenance of gun positions, transporting ammunition through deep mud and shell holes & defensive barrages and intermittent shelling of German positions

Many artillery units, including 2nd FAB, suffered from mud-bogged gun platforms, collapsing dugouts, sickness from exposure (e.g., trench foot, respiratory illness) & loss of horses due to cold and shellfire

DECEMBER 1917

Artillery activity reduced significantly as winter deepened.

The 2nd FAB remained in the line, but their operations became more static with routine harassing fire & occasional counter-battery duels. They rested and rebuilt their shattered units & relocated and repaired damaged guns and gun pits

December 1917 was a time of consolidation, cold, and exhaustion. Guns froze, crews shivered in wet dugouts, and spirits were low — but the brigade maintained pressure on German lines with a steady rhythm of shelling.

HOSPITALISATION DECEMBER 1917 NO RECORD

William was admitted to hospital sick, no record, and rejoined his unit on 1^st January 1918

JANUARY 1918 – HOLDING THE LINE IN WINTER

Artillery work slowed due to frozen ground, fog, and snow.

The brigade engaged in:

·      Routine bombardments of enemy lines

·      Defensive barrages in response to German raids

·      Improving gun pits, dugouts, and ammo stores

Troops contended with:

·      Freezing temperatures

·      Frostbitten hands and feet

·      Wet and collapsing trenches

The guns still fired daily, but at a reduced tempo — mostly harassing fire and registration shots (test firing to confirm targets)

FEBRUARY 1918 – REORGANISATION AND PREPARATION

The Australian artillery was undergoing structural changes: Batteries were being reorganised into larger brigades. Some men were sent on leave, others on training courses. The unit maintained rear-area gun lines, practised counter-battery drills & rotated through quiet sectors to rest and refit Conditions remained tough, with wet weather, shell-damaged roads, and strain on horse teams hauling supplies.

MARCH 1918 – WARNING SIGNS AND CRISIS

By mid-March intelligence suggested the Germans were planning a major offensive (which would begin on 21 March 1918 — the Spring Offensive or Kaiserschlacht). The 2nd FAB was placed on alert and possibly moved into position to reinforce vulnerable sectors along the Somme River, near Péronne, Bray, or Albert. The artillery units prepared defensive fire plans, conducted day/night registration shoot & laid out predicted fire zones in case of a breakthrough

HOSPITALISATION ENGLAND INFLUENZA APRIL 1918

William was evacuated to the 1^st Southern General Hospital in Birmingham with influenza on 1^ST April 1918. This was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. Many people died with this disease which could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain.

There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward.

DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL APRIL 1918

On 23^rd April William rejoined his unit on 23^rd April 1918

APRIL, MAY & JUNE 1918

For William and the men of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, April, May and June 1918 were among the most important months of the war. The brigade was heavily engaged in helping stop the German Spring Offensive and then supporting the Allied efforts to regain the initiative. Unlike the dramatic advances of late 1918, this period was characterised by desperate defensive fighting, constant artillery duels and the struggle to hold the line east of Amiens.

APRIL 1918 – DEFENDING AMIENS

During April, the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade was deployed in support of the Australian divisions fighting around Villers-Bretonneux and the Amiens sector. The German Spring Offensive, launched in March, had pushed the Allied armies back over much of the old Somme battlefield and threatened the vital railway centre of Amiens.

The brigade's guns were in action almost continuously. Their primary role was to break up German attacks before they reached the Australian trenches. Defensive barrages were fired whenever enemy troops were observed assembling, while counter-battery fire targeted German artillery positions. Gun crews often worked day and night, loading and firing thousands of shells.

The period culminated in the fighting around Villers-Bretonneux. German artillery bombardments were intense, and Australian batteries were frequent targets for enemy counter-battery fire. Gun positions were often concealed in orchards, valleys and ruined villages, but they remained vulnerable to shelling and aerial observation. For William, April 1918 would have involved exhausting shifts at the guns, interrupted by periods of enemy bombardment and urgent calls for defensive fire.

MAY 1918 – HOLDING THE LINE

By May, the immediate German threat to Amiens had been halted, but the front remained extremely active. The 2nd Field Artillery Brigade continued to support Australian infantry holding positions around Villers-Bretonneux, Morlancourt and the Somme sector.

Much of the brigade's work involved routine but dangerous artillery warfare. The guns shelled German trenches, strongpoints and communication routes, while German batteries returned fire whenever Australian positions were detected. Observation officers worked from forward posts, directing artillery fire onto enemy movements and helping maintain pressure on the German lines.

The brigade also spent time improving gun positions, constructing dugouts, repairing camouflage and moving batteries to better support future operations. Although there were fewer large-scale battles during May, casualties continued to occur from shellfire, gas attacks and aerial bombardments. The war remained dangerous even during relatively quiet periods.

DISCIPLINED MAY 1918

William was absent for 1 day without permission from the equipping parade and forfeited 1 day’s pay

JUNE 1918 – PREPARING FOR THE OFFENSIVE

During June, the Australians increasingly shifted from a defensive posture to limited offensive operations. The 2nd Field Artillery Brigade supported numerous trench raids, local attacks and harassing fire programmes designed to wear down the enemy and gain intelligence.

The brigade's guns regularly bombarded German trenches, machine-gun posts and transport routes. At night, artillery fire disrupted enemy working parties and troop movements behind the front. Counter-battery work also intensified as Allied commanders sought to weaken German artillery before launching larger operations later in the year.

For the gunners, June was a period of constant preparation. Ammunition stocks were built up, firing plans refined and gun positions strengthened. Although the men did not yet know it, they were helping lay the groundwork for the great Allied offensives that would begin at Hamel in July and culminate in the Hundred Days Offensive from August onwards.

For William personally, these months would have been spent in a cycle familiar to artillerymen on the Western Front: maintaining guns and equipment, hauling ammunition, standing by for firing orders, enduring enemy shellfire and carrying out bombardments at all hours of the day and night. While infantrymen occupied the front trenches, the artillery provided the firepower that protected them and increasingly prepared the way for the Allied victories that would follow later in 1918.

THE BATTLE OF HAMEL JULY 1918

On 4 July 1918, the 2nd FAB took part in the highly successful Battle of Hamel, which was the first major operation commanded by General John Monash. The brigade supported the attack by delivering a precise creeping barrage that protected advancing infantry. This operation marked a turning point in Australian operations and demonstrated a new level of coordination between infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft.

Following the victory at Hamel, the brigade continued to support frontline units while preparing for a much larger offensive. In the lead-up to August, artillery crews moved their guns into forward and camouflaged positions, stocked ammunition, and carefully planned firing programs without giving away their intentions.

BATTLE OF AMIENS AUGUST 8^TH TO 12^TH 1918

August 1918 was one of the busiest and most significant months of the war for the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade. The brigade took part in the opening stages of the Hundred Days Offensive, the series of Allied attacks that ultimately forced Germany to seek an armistice. For the artillery, this was a period of almost continuous action, supporting rapidly advancing infantry in a style of warfare very different from the static trench fighting of previous years.

The month began with the Battle of Amiens, launched on 8 August 1918. This attack was planned with extraordinary attention to detail and secrecy. In the days leading up to the assault, the gunners of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade carefully registered targets, concealed their positions and prepared vast quantities of ammunition.

Before dawn on 8 August, the brigade joined hundreds of Allied guns in one of the most powerful artillery bombardments of the war. Unlike earlier battles, there was no prolonged preliminary bombardment to warn the enemy. Instead, the guns opened fire suddenly and accurately at the moment of attack. The brigade's batteries fired a creeping barrage that advanced in front of the Australian infantry, shielding them from German machine-gun fire and allowing them to move forward rapidly.

As the attack progressed, the gunners maintained an intense rate of fire. They targeted German strongpoints, machine-gun nests, artillery positions and communication centres. The success of the attack depended heavily on accurate artillery support, and the brigade played a crucial role in helping the Australian Corps achieve one of its greatest victories.

THE ADVANCE EAST OF AMIENS

Following the initial breakthrough, the nature of the war changed dramatically. Instead of remaining in fixed positions for months, the artillery now had to keep pace with an advancing army. As the infantry pushed forward, William and his fellow gunners faced the enormous task of moving guns, ammunition and equipment across a battlefield devastated by four years of war.

This was physically exhausting work. Gun teams, horses and men hauled the artillery pieces over shell-torn roads and through damaged villages. New gun positions had to be selected, surveyed and prepared, often while the battle was still underway.

FIGHTING AROUND LIHONS AND PROYART

During the second half of August, Australian forces continued pressing the Germans eastward through the old Somme battlefields. The 2nd Field Artillery Brigade supported attacks against a series of strongly defended positions around villages and ridges that the Germans attempted to hold as they withdrew.

The brigade's guns provided creeping barrages, standing barrages and counter-battery fire throughout these operations. Whenever the infantry encountered resistance, artillery support was called upon to neutralise machine-gun posts and trench systems. German artillery remained active and frequently targeted Australian batteries, making every day dangerous for the gun crews.

THE NATURE OF WILLIAM'S SERVICE

For William, August 1918 would have been a month of relentless activity. He would have spent long hours loading and firing shells, maintaining his gun, moving positions and handling ammunition. Sleep was often limited, and the danger from enemy shellfire was ever-present. Unlike the static battles of 1917, the artillery now advanced regularly, meaning that the brigade was constantly establishing new gun lines to support the next stage of the offensive.

The success of the August offensive was so dramatic that German commander General Ludendorff famously referred to 8 August as "the Black Day of the German Army." For the men of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, including William, it was the beginning of the final advance that would continue through the Battle of the Somme, the crossing of the Hindenburg Line and ultimately lead to the Armistice in November 1918.

By the end of August, the brigade had helped support a series of victories that transformed the strategic situation on the Western Front. The German Army was no longer advancing; it was retreating, and the Australian artillery was playing a vital role in ensuring that pressure never eased.

HOSPITALISATION AUGUST 1918

On 14 August 1918, William was admitted to hospital in France and remained there for just over a month before being discharged to the Base Depot on 14 September. The reason for his admission was not uncommon among soldiers serving long periods on the Western Front, where the strain of service, lack of regular medical resources, and harsh conditions often led to temporary illness or the need for specialised treatment. After recovering, he returned to the base to await reassignment.

REJOINED UNIT SEPTEMBER 1918

William rejoined his unit on 12^th September 1918.

FINAL CAMPAIGNS – SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER 1918

The final months of the war were a period of almost continuous operations for William and the men of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade. Following the great success of the Battle of Amiens in August, the Allied armies maintained relentless pressure on the retreating German forces. The Australian Corps became one of the spearheads of the advance, and the artillery played a crucial role in every attack. For the gunners, these months were marked by constant movement, heavy firing schedules and the challenge of supporting an army that was advancing faster than at any previous stage of the war.

SEPTEMBER 1918 – BREAKING THE HINDENBURG LINE

During September, the Australian Corps took part in operations against the Hindenburg Outpost Line and the main Hindenburg defensive system itself. The Germans had spent years constructing these formidable fortifications, which consisted of deep trenches, concrete machine-gun emplacements, belts of barbed wire and carefully prepared artillery positions.

The 2nd Field Artillery Brigade was heavily involved in the preparation and execution of these attacks. The guns fired destructive bombardments against known enemy positions and provided creeping barrages that shielded the infantry as they advanced. Special attention was given to cutting wire and suppressing German machine-gun nests before the assaults began.

One of the most significant actions was the attack on the Hindenburg Line around Bellicourt and the St Quentin Canal at the end of September. The Australian Corps played a major role in breaching what had long been regarded as Germany's strongest defensive position. Throughout the battle, the brigade's batteries maintained an intense rate of fire, helping to break down enemy resistance and support the advancing infantry.

OCTOBER 1918 – PURSUIT OF THE RETREATING GERMANS

Once the Hindenburg Line had been broken, the German Army was forced into a general retreat. October became a month of pursuit as Allied forces advanced across territory that had been occupied by Germany for much of the war.

For the artillery, this created enormous logistical challenges. The brigade's guns had to be moved forward repeatedly to remain within range of the retreating enemy. Roads and bridges had often been destroyed by the Germans as they withdrew, making the movement of guns, ammunition wagons and horses difficult and exhausting.

Despite these obstacles, the brigade continued to provide support for advancing troops. German resistance remained stubborn in places, and artillery fire was frequently called upon to deal with rear-guard positions, machine-gun strongpoints and enemy batteries attempting to delay the Allied advance. The gunners worked long hours establishing new positions, registering targets and maintaining fire support for the infantry.

NOVEMBER 1918 – THE END OF THE WAR

By November it was becoming increasingly clear that Germany could not continue the war. The German Army was retreating on multiple fronts, its manpower exhausted and its supplies dwindling. Nevertheless, fighting continued right up to the final days.

The 2nd Field Artillery Brigade remained ready for action, supporting Allied operations and maintaining pressure on the enemy. Although the pace of the advance slowed as diplomatic negotiations progressed, artillery units continued their normal duties, never knowing when another attack might be required.

On 11 November 1918, news arrived that an Armistice had been signed and would take effect at 11 o'clock that morning. After more than four years of war, the guns finally fell silent. For William and his fellow gunners, the moment marked the end of countless months spent serving their guns under fire, enduring enemy shelling, moving through mud and devastation, and supporting the infantry in battle after battle.

The 2nd Field Artillery Brigade had played its part in the final victories that brought the war to a close. From the breaking of the Hindenburg Line to the pursuit of the retreating German armies, the brigade's guns had provided the firepower that enabled the Australian Corps to achieve some of its greatest successes. For William, these final months represented the culmination of years of service and the successful conclusion of a campaign that helped secure victory on the Western Front.

NOVEMBER 1918 – EARLY 1919: WAITING FOR REPATRIATION

Once the war ended, soldiers did not immediately return home. There was a large backlog of men to demobilise and limited transport ships available. During this time, William would likely have stayed with his unit in France or Belgium, performing guard duties, helping to dismantle gun positions, or assisting with transport and salvage

He possibly spent time at depots in England, such as Codford or Weymouth, awaiting a berth on a homebound ship and may have had access to leave, sometimes travelling around England or Scotland while waiting to return

GOING HOME

William returned home on the Konig, disembarking on 10^th August 1919. He was discharged on 10^th September 1919

CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES GIVEN TO SOLDIERS FOR SOLDIERS PROCEEDING TO AUSTRALIA FOR DEMOBILISATION

Badges Hat                    Badges Collar (2)                    Bags kit universal

Bags kit sea                   Braces (pair)                            Brush, shaving

Brush, tooth                  Breeches M.S (Military service)

Cap comforter (warm cap)                                           Comb, hair

Disc identity with cord                                                  Drawers (2 pairs)

Great Coat                     Hat, Khaki fur                          Hat, white

Holdall                           Housewife (compact sewing kit)

Jackets Cardigan           Jackets S.D (service dress)

Leggings 1 pair             Laces, leather 1 pair

Puggarees, small (a traditional Indian head wrap, worn in warm conditions

Puttees, 1 pair (cloth bandages worn by soldiers, to provide support and protection for the lower leg)

Razor                              Shirts, flannel (2)                   Socks, 3 pairs

Singlets (2)

Strap chin                      Soap piece                               Suit, working

Towels, hand (2)

Titles “Australia” (4)-
Australian soldiers and non-commissioned officers wore an “Australia” title at the base of their shoulder straps. Each serving soldier also wore unit titles above this which indicated the units to which they belonged

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service William was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal

RETURN AND POST-WAR LIFE

After the war, Connolly returned to Australia and settled in Doon Doon, near Murwillumbah, New South Wales. In September 1919, the local community held a large welcome-home celebration in his honour at “Oakvale Farm,” attended by over 125 people. William married Elizabeth Doris Daley in 1922 and they had a son, Alan, & a daughter, Rita. He lived in the Murwillumbah area until his death on 28 July 1973 at the age of 78. He is buried in Murwillumbah Lawn Cemetery

---

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

We do not have any additional documents or pictures related to this individual.