FAMILY LIFE

Linden Horace Blow was born in August 1894 in Kiama, son of Alfred & Francis “Fanny” (Jarman) Blow. He was one of 12 children. His brothers, Cecil & Norman, also enlisted. The Blow family came to the Tweed in 1907, living in Boatharbour, where Alfred was engaged in farming. Alfred was a member of the Masonic Lodge & a warden of All Saints Murwillumbah for many years.

APPLICATION

Linden was single farm labourer, eager to do his bit. His application, dated 7^th June 1915, showed his next of kin as his father, Alfred, of Murwillumbah. He was still serving in the R.A.G.A. The Royal Australian Garrison Artillery (R.A.G.A.) was a pre-war permanent artillery unit responsible for coastal defences and heavy artillery within Australia. His medical showed he was 21 years 10 months old, 5ft 9 ½ inches tall (1.77m), weighed 161 lbs. (73kgs). He had a scar on his right leg below his knee. Linden was Church of England. He was enlisted as a Gunner into the 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade with service number 66

The 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade served in England and on the Western Front during World War I, operating 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers in two batteries—the 54th and 55th Batteries. These were some of the heaviest guns used by Australian forces in the war, designed to pulverize enemy defensive positions, particularly German fortifications

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

 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

His unit embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT Orsova on 17 July 1915. 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. 

ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP

They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Larkhill training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons.  

Larkhill Camp was the primary training ground for Australian heavy artillery units. It was a central hub for artillery instruction, particularly in gun drill (e.g., 6-inch and 8-inch howitzers), ammunition handling and logistics & range-finding, map reading, and fire control. It shared facilities with British Royal Garrison Artillery units, fostering cooperation and standardization.

While at the camp Linden went absent without leave on 2^nd September 1915 and forfeited 2 day’s pay, He also received 7 days illegible. 

Linden arrived in Boulogne, France on 27^th February 1916. The 36^th’s movement to France coincided with the initial buildup of Australian forces on the Western Front, particularly the I Anzac Corps. Once in France, they were attached to British heavy artillery groups—Australian heavy batteries were not under their own divisional commands but served as Corps or Army-level assets.

KEY ACTIVITIES

Deployment to the Western Front:

Batteries of the 36th AHAB (such as the 135th and 136th Heavy Batteries) were progressively sent to Flanders and northern France.

They were assigned to Heavy Artillery Groups, which were British-organized formations managing siege and heavy batteries.

Site Preparation & Calibration:

The gunners spent time establishing gun positions, digging in gun pits, and setting up ammunition supply lines. Artillery pieces had to be positioned, registered, and zeroed in for local conditions (terrain, range tables, etc.).

Limited Firing & Familiarisation:

Although not yet involved in major offensives, the batteries conducted intermittent firing missions, including:

·        Harassing fire

·        Registration shots

·        Counter-battery calibration

This allowed them to gain valuable experience in live-fire conditions before major battles. They were not yet heavily engaged in combat but were building up for full-scale operations during the Somme campaign, which began in July 1916.

Linden, as part of the 36^th had their first battle in the Somme and they played a significant role on the Western Front. This brigade was equipped with 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers, some of the largest artillery pieces used by Australian forces during World War I. These heavy guns were crucial in counter-battery fire, aiming to neutralize German artillery positions. Conditions were extremely difficult—mud, constant enemy fire, and the challenge of moving heavy guns in a devastated landscape.

While the brigade was not deeply embedded in the Somme campaign, its heavy artillery was vital in breaking through German fortifications, which often included concrete blockhouses and deep underground dugouts. The brigade's firepower contributed to the broader Allied strategy of wearing down enemy defences through sustained bombardment. A key innovation during this period was sound ranging, developed by Captain Lawrence Bragg, which allowed the Allies to locate enemy heavy guns with remarkable accuracy. 

HOSPITALISATION- PUO- PYREXIA

Linden was admitted to the 38^th Field Ambulance on 27^th July 1916 with pyrexia. (A Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps.) PUO- pyrexia of unknown origin, is a condition that was first reported from troops in Flanders in 1915, when individuals suffered from a febrile illness that relapsed in five-day cycles. Soldiers with pyrexia were usually sent to casualty clearing stations or field hospitals for rest, observation, and supportive treatment.  Linden rejoined his unit on 3^rd August 1916

The 36^th was engaged in several large battles in 1916

THE BATTLE OF POZIERES JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1916

The 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade played a role in the broader Battle of Pozières, which took place between July 23 and September 3, 1916 as part of the Somme offensive. Pozières was a devastating battle for Australian forces, with 23,000 casualties, including 6,800 killed or dying of wounds. The brigade, equipped with 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers, contributed to the intense artillery bombardments aimed at German fortifications. These heavy guns were crucial in counter-battery fire, attempting to neutralize German artillery that relentlessly shelled Australian positions.

The Australian 1st, 2nd, and 4th Divisions bore the brunt of the fighting, capturing Pozières village but suffering relentless German artillery bombardment. The 36^TH brigade’s firepower helped support these divisions by targeting enemy strongholds, but the battlefield was a nightmare of constant shelling and destruction. Pozieres was a turning point in the Somme campaign, demonstrating the brutality of modern warfare and the importance of heavy artillery in breaking enemy defences

THE BATTLE OF MOQUET FARM AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 1916

The Battle of Mouquet Farm took place between August 10 and September 5, 1916, as part of the Somme offensive. It was a brutal and costly battle for Australian forces, particularly the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Australian Divisions, which suffered over 11,000 casualties. Mouquet Farm was a strategic German stronghold, with deep underground cellars that were converted into defensive positions.

The 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade, equipped with 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers, played a role in bombarding German fortifications, attempting to weaken their defences before Australian infantry assaults. Despite repeated attacks, Australian forces were unable to capture and hold the farm, and the British advance eventually bypassed it, leaving it an isolated outpost. The battle was marked by relentless artillery exchanges, trench warfare, and devastating losses. Many Australian soldiers recorded their experiences in diaries, highlighting the harsh conditions, constant shelling, and the psychological toll of the battle

SEPTEMBER 1916 TO JUNE 1917

Between September 1916 and June 1917, the 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade was engaged in counter-battery fire and heavy bombardments on the Western Front. The brigade, equipped with 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers, played a crucial role in targeting German artillery positions and supporting infantry operations. During this period, the brigade was part of the broader Allied efforts to weaken German defences, particularly in the Somme region. Heavy artillery units like the 36th Brigade were tasked with destroying enemy fortifications, including concrete blockhouses and deep underground dugouts, which were impervious to lighter field artillery.

HOSPITALISATION- PEDICULOSIS JANUARY 1917

On 29^th January 1917 Linden was admitted to a clearing station with pediculosis which is an infestation of lice—tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp, body, or pubic area. Soldiers in World War I frequently suffered from this due to the harsh conditions. The soldiers were crowded together, damp, and unsanitary, making them the perfect breeding ground for lice. Soldiers often went weeks or months without changing clothes, and their uniforms were rarely properly cleaned, allowing lice to thrive.

Methods Used:

·        Chemical Treatments: Soldiers were given insecticidal powders and creosote to kill lice, though these were often harsh on the skin.

·        Hot Baths & Delousing Stations: When possible, troops were sent to delousing stations, where they were bathed and their uniforms were treated with steam or chemicals.

·        Burning Lice: Many soldiers resorted to burning lice with candles or hot irons, a crude but effective method.

Linden returned to his unit on 2^nd February 1917. The 36^th now had several actions in front of them

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES 7 JUNE 1917

The Battle of Messines, fought on June 7, 1917, was a crucial engagement in World War I, aimed at securing the Messines Ridge in Belgium. While the 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade was not directly involved in the infantry assault, its 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers played a vital role in the preliminary bombardment and counter-battery fire. The battle was notable for the detonation of 19 massive mines beneath German positions, creating one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. The Australian, British, and New Zealand forces then advanced under the cover of intense artillery fire, which helped neutralize German defences.

THE THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES, OFTEN REFERRED TO AS PASSCHENDAELE- JULY 31 AND NOVEMBER 10, 1917.

The Third Battle of Ypres was one of the most brutal and costly battles of World War I, fought in appalling conditions of mud and relentless artillery fire. The Australian forces played a significant role, particularly in battles such as Menin Road, Polygon Wood, and Broodseinde

The 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade, equipped with 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers, contributed to the intense artillery bombardments that preceded infantry assaults. These heavy guns were crucial in counter-battery fire, aiming to neutralize German artillery positions that posed a severe threat to advancing troops. The brigade’s firepower helped support the Australian 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Divisions, which suffered heavy casualties in the muddy, cratered landscape of Passchendaele. Despite the tactical gains, the battle ultimately failed to achieve its strategic objectives, with 310,000 Allied casualties, including 38,000 Australians. The Australian War Memorial preserves the history of this battle, commemorating the sacrifices made by Australian forces

LEAVE IN ENGLAND

On 26^th August 1917 Linden was given leave in England. He rejoined his unit in 9^th September 1917, where he rejoined the Third Battle of Ypres

WOUNDED IN ACTION- HOSPITALISATON & CONVALESENCE

One of the casualties of the battle was Linden who was wounded in action with shrapnel wounds to his left shoulder. He was admitted to the 14^th General Hospital in Boulogne then he embarked on the H.S. Jan Breydell for England on 29^th September. He was admitted to the 1^st Birmingham War Hospital and discharged to Hurdcott command post. Here he would convalesce but continue with drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units.

On 18^th November he was classified B1A1 which meant a soldier was fit for light duty only and required four weeks of recovery before being reassessed. On 5th December he was classified B1A2 which meant he was fit for Overseas Training Camp in three to four weeks. However, he did not join the training camp until 2^nd March 1918. He rejoined his unit 19^TH April 1918, just in time for the German Spring Offensive.

GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE MARCH 1918

During the German Spring Offensive of 1918, the 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade played a crucial role in counter-battery fire and defensive bombardments. This offensive, launched by Germany in March 1918, aimed to break through Allied lines before American reinforcements could tip the balance of the war.

The 36^th were then engaged in the Hundred Days Offensive which began with the Battle of Amiens

THE BATTLE OF AMIENS 8 AUGUST 1918

The Battle of Amiens, fought on August 8, 1918, was a turning point in World War I, marking the beginning of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive that ultimately led to Germany’s defeat. The 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade played a crucial role in this battle, providing heavy artillery support with its 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers.

The brigade’s firepower was instrumental in counter-battery operations, targeting German artillery positions to ensure the success of the Australian, British, Canadian, and French infantry. The battle was characterized by speed, surprise, and overwhelming firepower, with tanks, aircraft, and artillery working in coordination to break through German defences.

THE HUNDRED DAY OFFENSIVE AUGUST 1918

The Hundred Days Offensive, which began on August 8, 1918, marked the final phase of World War I, leading to the collapse of German resistance. The 36th Australian Heavy Artillery Brigade played a crucial role in this campaign, providing heavy artillery support with its 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers.

PROMOTED TO ACTING BOMBARDIER 5^th OCTOBER 1918

During this campaign Linden was promoted to Acting Bombardier on 5^th October 1918. A bombardier was equivalent to a corporal in the infantry or other units. He supervised a gun crew or detachment and was responsible for directing and managing the loading, aiming, and firing of artillery pieces (e.g., field guns, howitzers). He was often in charge of maintaining discipline and ensuring that orders were carried out on the gun line.

HOSPITALISATION- HAEMORROIDS  11^TH OCTOBER 1918

On 11^th October 1918 Linden was admitted to the 25^th General Hospital with haemorrhoids severe, also known as piles, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. Haemorrhoids were treated using basic medical interventions, though soldiers often had limited access to proper care. These included topical ointments such as creams and ointments to reduce inflammation and pain & warm Sitz Baths where soldiers were encouraged to soak in warm water, when possible, to relieve discomfort. He rejoined his unit on 27^th October 1918.  The 36^th were still involved in the Hundred Offensive

However, Linden was obviously not as strong as was thought, as 4 days later, he was admitted to No 4 Casualty Station Hospital with influenza. (A casualty clearing station was a medical facility located relatively close to the front lines, but far enough back to be out of immediate danger. It was part of the chain of evacuation and treatment for wounded soldiers.) 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. He rejoined his unit on 20^th November 1918

On 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home, and many had to wait many months before they were headed back to Australia.

LEAVE TO PARIS, JANUARY 1919. HOSPITALISATION- PILES JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1919

On 22^nd January 1919 Linden was given leave to Paris, but by 30^th January his piles had flared up again & he was admitted to the Station Hospital in Rouen. On 16^th February he was invalided to England and was admitted to the King George Hospital in Standford St. London.

NO 1 COMMAND DEPOT WEYMOUTH FEBRUARY TO MARCH 1919

On 25^th February he reported to the No 1 command depot in Weymouth. This depot was for the rehabilitation, training, and reconditioning of soldiers who were recovering from wounds, illness, or fatigue. Here he would convalesce until it was time for him to return home

DISCIPLINED

On 11^th March he went absent without leave until 13^th March. He forfeited 2 day’s pay

RETURNING HOME

Linden returned to Australia 5 April 1919 on the Armagh. He disembarked on 21^st May and was discharged on 7^th March 1920 as medically unfit

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and he has a plaque in the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance. The New South Wales Garden of Remembrance is a significant memorial site located within the Rookwood Necropolis in Sydney, adjacent to the Sydney War Cemetery. It features commemorative walls adorned with bronze plaques bearing the names of these individuals. Currently, over 73,500 plaques are displayed, with the capacity to accommodate up to 100,000. The central archway at the main entrance houses register books that list the wall and panel numbers for each plaque, assisting visitors in locating specific commemorations.

 AT HOME

Linden married Eunice Madelaine Salmon in 1926 in Murwillumbah. He died on 23^rd January 1965, aged 70, in Murwillumbah and is buried in Murwillumbah General Cemetery in Church of England section Plot G 19

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