BACKGROUND

John Carberry was born c1892 in the Tweed district, son of James & Annie Carberry. According to the AIF Project he attended Crystal Creek Public School then Nudgee College in Brisbane

ATTESTATION

John travelled to Brisbane on the 28th September 1915 to complete his application. He answered several questions on the document, and we find out he was a single man and gave his occupation as farmer. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Annie Carberry, Limpinwood. 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, John Carberry, 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

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

SO, HELP ME, GOD.” 

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MEDICAL EXAMINATION

 

John was 23years 11months old. He was 5ft 9inches tall (1.75m) and weighed 11stone 1lb (70kgs). He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. His eyesight was good. He had a scar on his right instep. John was Roman Catholic

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 a private with 5^th Light Horse Regiment with service number 2004

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together

LIGHT HORSE TRAINING

The Light Horse Depot was a lively place — rows of tents and stables stretched across the paddocks, with constant movement as new recruits learned the routines of mounted service. For the Light Horsemen, horsemanship was essential. Many recruits already came from rural backgrounds and were experienced riders, but the army still needed to train them to work together as mounted troops.

They would have spent their first weeks learning the fundamentals of soldiering: drill, physical fitness, and discipline, before moving on to the skills that defined the mounted man. They were taught to ride with a military saddle, to control their horse at all paces, and to manoeuvre in close formation. Daily sessions included mounting and dismounting at speed, guiding the horse with knee and rein, and practising extended trots and canters across open ground.

They practised:

·      mounted drill and manoeuvres

·      riding in formation

·      caring for horses in military conditions

·      rapid mounting and dismounting

·      scouting and reconnaissance work

·      fighting on foot after leaving the horses behind with designated horse-holders

The Australian Light Horse was technically mounted infantry rather than cavalry. The men rode horses for mobility but usually fought dismounted with rifles. The instructors — many veterans of earlier campaigns — were firm but fair, ensuring each man could care for his mount as well as himself.

So, horsemanship was only one part of the training. They learned the use of the Lee-Enfield rifle both on foot and in the saddle, as well as the sword or bayonet for close work. They were trained to move quickly from mounted to dismounted action — the Light Horse fought on foot, using their horses mainly for mobility. Camp life also included route marches, stable duties, grooming and feeding routines, cleaning tack and gear, and long days of drill under the Australian sun.

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 five shillings a day.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS FROM BRISBANE TO EGYPT JANUARY 1916

His unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 31 January 1916. Alongside his comrades, John 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 MARCH 1916

After leaving Brisbane on 31 January 1916, John probably arrived in Egypt in early March. He was taken on strength of the 5th Light Horse Regiment at Maadi on 11 March 1916. During the approximately eleven days between landing and joining the regiment, he would have been passing through the reinforcement system. Newly arrived men were processed, medically examined, issued equipment suitable for service in Egypt and allocated to units requiring reinforcements. They also received refresher training, route marches and instruction on conditions in the Middle East. Maadi, near Cairo, was one of the principal Australian camps in Egypt and was bustling with thousands of soldiers preparing for service.

HOSPITALISED MARCH 1916 CYSTITIS

On 22 March 1916 John was admitted to the hospital at Ras el Tin in Alexandria suffering from cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder which could be extremely painful.

TRANSFER TO 54^TH BATTERY MARCH 1916

Fortunately, his stay was brief. Five days later, on 27 March, he was transferred from the 5th Light Horse and posted to the 54th Battery of the 14th Field Artillery Brigade at Tel el Kebir

The move reflected the AIF's growing need for trained artillerymen. Between March and June 1916 John would have undergone intensive artillery training. Tel el Kebir had become a major artillery training centre where men learned every aspect of gunner's work. He would have studied:

·      Operation of the 18-pounder field gun.

·      Ammunition handling and storage.

·      Range estimation and map reading.

·      Gun drill and teamwork.

·      Signals and communications.

·      Maintenance of guns and equipment.

·      Artillery tactics developed from fighting on the Western Front.

The work was physically demanding and highly technical. A gun crew had to operate as a coordinated team, often under difficult conditions.

FRANCE AND THE WESTERN FRONT JUNE 1916

On 20 June 1916 John embarked from Alexandria aboard HMT Huntsend for France, travelling via Marseilles. This was a significant moment in his military career. The Australian divisions were moving from Egypt to the Western Front and many artillery reinforcements were accompanying them.

After landing in France, John would have travelled north by train through the French countryside towards the British sector. During the weeks between June and August 1916 he was almost certainly undergoing further orientation and training behind the lines. Newly arrived artillerymen had to become familiar with conditions in France, trench warfare, enemy artillery methods and the complex procedures of modern battlefield gunnery.

JULY AND AUGUST 1916

By this stage the Somme offensive was underway. Although it is difficult to place him precisely without unit war diaries, the 14th Field Artillery Brigade was serving in support of Australian operations on the Somme. John may have arrived in the theatre during preparations for, or participation in, actions around:

·      Pozières (July–August 1916)

BATTLE OF POZIERES JULY AND AUGUST 1917

The Battle of Pozières took place during the Battle of the Somme. Australian forces played a crucial role, capturing the village of Pozières and enduring relentless German artillery bombardments, losing as many men in a few weeks as they did over eight months on Gallipoli. Less than one third of the Australian reinforcements had fought at Gallipoli; they were largely inexperienced and ill-prepared to deal with the deadly onslaught of the battle-hardened machine that was the German Imperial Army.

The battle was marked by intense fighting, with Australian divisions suffering heavy casualties—over 23,000 men, including 6,800 killed or dying of wounds. Despite the losses, the Australians secured the high ground, which was vital for further Allied operations. On 29 July 1916 official Australian war correspondent Charles Bean recorded in his diary: “Pozieres Ridge is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth”

·      Mouquet Farm (August–September 1916)

BATTLE OF MOUQUET FARM JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1916

When the replacements arrived in the trenches the battle-weary veterans took one look at them and pitied them, they were so fresh faced and as one said, “they looked just like normal men” something they had not seen for some time.

Following the capture of Pozières and the German lines at the windmill east of the village in late July and early August 1916, the three Australian divisions of I Anzac Corps attacked northwards along the Pozières Heights towards the site known as Mouquet Farm.
Between 8 August and 3 September 1916, the Australians launched nine separate attacks to capture the heavily defended German position which lay half way between Pozières and Thiepval, with the aim of driving a wedge behind the salient held by the Germans.
Although the Australians managed to occupy the farm several times, they were forced back each time due to fierce German counterattacks. The site was still in enemy hands by the time Anzac Corps was withdrawn from the Somme on 5 September.
The 1st, 2nd, and 4th Australian Divisions suffered around 11,000 casualties in the fighting. After moving past the stronghold in a broader offensive, the British managed to capture the now isolated outpost three weeks later.

Even if not yet at the guns during the earliest fighting, he would have been entering one of the most intense battlefields of the war.

GAS SCHOOL AUGUST 1916

On 20 August 1916 John was detached to a gas school. This was a vital part of a soldier's education on the Western Front. Gas had become a major weapon and every soldier needed to understand its dangers.

At the gas school he would have learned:

·      Recognition of various gases, including chlorine and phosgene.

·      Proper fitting and maintenance of gas masks.

·      Emergency anti-gas procedures.

·      Gas alarm systems.

·      Movement and fighting while wearing respirators.

·      Treatment of gas casualties.

·      Protection of horses, equipment and gun positions from contamination.

Training often included exposure to low concentrations of gas inside controlled chambers so that soldiers learned to trust their respirators.

He rejoined his unit on 23 August 1916. Over the following year John served continuously with the 54th Battery, a period that likely encompassed some of the most significant Australian operations of the war.

LATE SOMME FIGHTING, 1916

The battery would have supported Australian troops during the closing stages of the Somme campaign, including actions around:

·      Mouquet Farm ( see above)

·      Flers

THE BATTLE OF FLERS NOVEMBER 1916

The village of Flers, in the Somme valley in France, gave its name to a series of attacks launched by 1 ANZAC in November 1916. By this time the Somme battlefield had been deluged with rain and the attacks were made in atrocious conditions. The attacking waves of troops were sucked down by the cloying mud and thus, unable to keep up with their creeping artillery barrage, became easy targets for German machine-gunners and riflemen.
The first Flers attack was launched on 5 November with the 1st Brigade advancing against trenches north of Gueudecourt, and the 7th against a complex of trenches known as "the Maze". Both attacks managed to capture some of their objectives, but were eventually forced to withdraw. Another attack was launched against the Maze by the 5th and 7th Brigades on the morning of 17 November, it also succeeded in capturing a portion of the German trenches, but a surprise attack two days later returned this to the enemy.

·      Gueudecourt

THE BATTLE OF GUEUDECOURT SEPTEMBER 1916

The Battle of Gueudecourt was a significant tactical incident in the First World War, particularly during the Battle of the Somme. The village of Gueudecourt was a key objective for the British forces, who had to overcome several challenges to capture it. The battle involved a combination of infantry, aircraft and tanks, with the village being occupied and consolidated after a combined operation. The conditions around the village were considered the worst on the Somme front by the Anzac troops

Artillery crews worked constantly firing barrages, counter-battery missions and defensive fire

WINTER 1916–17

The winter was notoriously harsh. Gun positions became seas of mud. Batteries continued firing despite freezing weather, flooded emplacements and constant enemy shelling.

BAPAUME CAMPAIGN, EARLY 1917

When the Germans withdrew to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, Australian artillery supported the advance through devastated territory. The battery likely participated in operations connected with:

·      Pursuit to the Hindenburg Line.

·      Capture of outpost villages.

·      Counter-battery fire against withdrawing German forces.

FIRST AND SECOND BULLECOURT, APRIL–MAY 1917

These battles were among the most important actions involving Australian troops in 1917. The artillery supported attacks against the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line. Batteries fired enormous quantities of ammunition before and during the assault

THE FIRST BATTLE OF BULLECOURT 11^TH APRIL 1917

The First Battle of Bullecourt occurred on 11 April 1917, involving Australian and British forces attacking German positions in the Hindenburg Line, resulting in heavy Allied casualties and limited tactical success.

OVERVIEW

The First Battle of Bullecourt was part of the Battle of Arras on the Western Front during World War I. It took place on 11 April 1917, with the 4th Australian Division and the 62nd British Division ordered to attack the German-held village of Bullecourt, a key position in the Hindenburg Line. The operation aimed to support the British Third Army to the north and the French Army to the south 

PLANNING AND EXECUTION

The attack was initially scheduled for 10 April, but was postponed because the twelve tanks intended to crush the German barbed wire failed to arrive on time. Despite this, the British 62nd Division advanced, unaware of the delay, and suffered early casualties in what became known as the "Buckshee Battle"  The main assault began at 4:30 am on 11 April, with Australian brigades advancing under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire 
The Australians managed to infiltrate the German front line and seize part of the second line, achieving a feat considered nearly impossible without artillery support  However, communication breakdowns and the failure of most tanks left them exposed on both flanks, cut off from reinforcements, and vulnerable to German counter-attacks 

CASUALTIES AND OUTCOME

The battle ended in failure for the Allies within hours. Australian forces suffered approximately 3,000–3,700 casualties, including 1,100 prisoners, while German casualties were significantly lower. The tanks largely failed to provide the intended support, with only one reaching the front line and the rest breaking down or being destroyed. Survivors expressed bitterness and distrust toward both the tanks and the British command 

SIGNIFICANCE

Although the Australians demonstrated remarkable courage and persistence, the First Battle of Bullecourt highlighted poor planning, inadequate artillery support, and coordination failures within the British command. Strategically, the battle did not achieve significant gains, but it set the stage for the Second Battle of Bullecourt in May 1917, which involved further attempts to capture the village. The engagement also contributed to a growing distrust between Australian troops and British commanders during the war

SECOND BATTLE OF BULLECOURT

In May they joined the Second Battle of Bullecourt (part of the Battle of the Somme), where they were used mainly in a support role during the initial attack, being held back as part of the 2nd Division's reserve. During the attack, a company from the 26th was detached to help bolster the 5th Brigade, and later it was thrust into the line to help defend the gains after a German counterattack fell on the 6th Brigade's left flank.

Despite the failure of a first attack on 11 April 1917, a few weeks later General Gough once again tried to break the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt. On 3 May 1917 the 2nd Australian Division attacked with the British alongside. Although the brigade on the right faltered under deadly machine-gun fire, the 6th Brigade got into the enemy’s trenches and, despite heavy shellfire and counter attacks, bravely held on.

The 1st Division relieved the 2nd, and soon the 5th Division took its turn. Finally, after more than a week, the Germans gave up these blood-soaked fields. Then the depleted Australian battalions were withdrawn to recover. The furious fighting, which in the end only advanced the line a kilometre or so, had been at the heavy cost of another 7,000 Australian casualties.

'The Second Bullecourt battle was, in some ways, the stoutest achievement of the Australian soldier in France'.

MESSINES, JUNE 1917

The Battle of Messines on 7 June 1917 was one of the most carefully planned operations of the war. Australian artillery spent weeks preparing the attack and supporting the infantry advance following the detonation of the famous mines beneath German positions.

BATTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917

The battle for Messines was initiated by the detonation of five-hundred tonnes of high explosives placed in 19 tunnels dug by the British, including Australian, tunnellers under the German fortifications along the Messines Ridge.

The resultant explosion, the largest ever in the world to that date, was clearly felt and heard in London. The Battle for Messines was the first time the new reinforcements were subjected to Phosgene Gas. This gas had previously been delivered by hand grenade and being subject to wind and how far it could be thrown was not all that popular with the enemy. Later the Germans perfected artillery and mortar shells which delivered the gas into the back of the enemy lines.

This gas had previously been delivered by hand grenade and being subject to wind and how far it could be thrown was not all that popular with the enemy. Later the Germans perfected artillery and mortar shells which delivered the gas into the back of the enemy lines

The primary objective of this battle was to secure the strategically important Wytschaete Messines Ridge, the high ground south of Ypres which in turn would benefit the allies to launch a larger campaign east of Ypres. The Australian involvement came under Lieutenant General Sir. Alexander Godley’s II Anzac Corps, which included the 3rd Australian Division. This Battle was launched on 7 Jun 1917 and exemplified tactical success through careful planning and firepower. The Battle of Messines was a meticulously planned operation aimed at capturing the Messines Ridge in Belgium.

On the June 17, 1917, the Australians were withdrawn from the Battle of the Somme to the battle for Messines which was initiated by the detonation of five-hundred tonnes of high explosives placed in 19 tunnels dug by the British, including Australian, tunnellers under the German fortifications along the Messines Ridge.

THIRD YPRES BEGINS, JULY–AUGUST 1917

In July 1917 the focus shifted to Belgium and the opening stages of the Third Ypres offensive. Australian artillery units moved into the Ypres Salient and prepared for further attacks.

THE THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES KNOWN AS BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE, (JULY 31–NOVEMBER 6, 1917),

This battle that served as a vivid symbol of the mud, madness, and senseless slaughter of the Western Front. The third and longest battle to take place at the Belgian city of Ypres, Passchendaele was ostensibly an Allied victory, but it was achieved at enormous cost for a piece of ground that would be vacated the following year. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers on opposing sides attacked and counterattacked across sodden, porridgelike mud, in an open gray landscape almost empty of buildings or natural cover, all under the relentless harrowing rain of exploding shells, flying shrapnel, and machine-gun fire. Few gains were made. 

The Third Battle of Ypres is remembered for its immense human cost and the resilience of those who fought in it

KILLED IN ACTION 6 AUGUST 1917

John's service came to a tragic end on 6 August 1917 when he was killed in action.

The date is particularly significant. On 31 July 1917 the Battle of Pilckem Ridge had opened the Third Battle of Ypres. Fighting continued throughout the first week of August as Australian artillery supported infantry operations and defended against German counter-attacks.

Without consulting the battery war diary, it is impossible to identify the exact circumstances of his death, but artillery positions around Ypres were under relentless German shellfire. Counter-battery fire was intense, and gun crews often became targets once enemy observers located their positions. Many artillerymen were killed while serving their guns, handling ammunition or maintaining communications during these bombardments.

For John, the war lasted barely sixteen months from the day he joined the 5th Light Horse in Egypt. During that short time, he transformed from a newly arrived reinforcement into an experienced gunner who served through the Somme, the Hindenburg Line fighting, Bullecourt, Messines and the opening stages of the Passchendaele campaign before losing his life in the service of his country.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial

His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Number 18 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War

BURIAL

John is buried in the Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium, Plot 1, Row U. Grave 28

PERSONAL EFFECTS, MEMORIAL PLAQUE, VICTORY MEDAL

His personal effects consisting of 3 coins, phot, cards, wallet, pocket book and letters were forwarded to his mother on the 4^th April 1918. His father received his memorial plaque on the 6^th September 1922, and his Victory Medal on the 19^th February 1923

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