FAMILY LIFE

Cecil William Baxter was born in 1892 In Milton, the son of William Robert Baxter & Mary Jean (Thomas) Baxter. Cecil was one of 6 children. His father, William Baxter, had been born in Murwillumbah in 1866, married Mary Jean Thomas and returned to Murwillumbah to raise their family in the district. Cecil was brother to Clarence Sydney Baxter, who returned to Australia in April 1919.

 There were many reasons why Australian men volunteered to join the forces- the pay was good (5shillings per day), they shared Britain’s values & culture, they thought it would be an adventure and family or friends had joined and they thought they should go as well.

 APPLICATION

Cecil was single engineer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Sydney on 30^th August 1914 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, William, of Murwillumbah. He had previous military experience with 1 year in the A.R.A, 1 year in the Scot Rifles and had been for 5 years, and was now serving in the R.A.F.A

 His medical showed he was 22 years 11 months old, 5ft 8 inches tall (1.7m), weighed 10 stone 6 lbs (66kgs), with a fair complexion, blue grey eyes & fair hair. Cecil was Church of England. He was enlisted as a private into the 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade with service No 5.

 THE 1ST AUSTRALIAN FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE

The 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade was a key unit of the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. Formed in August 1914, it was part of the 1st Division and played a significant role in various campaigns. The legacy of the 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade lies in its contribution to Australia's military history and its role in shaping the modern Australian Army's artillery units. It also symbolizes the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who served in some of the most challenging conditions of the war

 He was promoted to Corporal on 22^nd February 1916 and transferred the 3rd Australian Field Artillery Brigade on 23^rd August 1916 where he was appointed 2^nd Lieutenant in the Field. He was then promoted to Lieutenant on 20^th December 1916

 THE 3RD AUSTRALIAN FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE

The 3rd Australian Field Artillery Brigade was part of the 1st Division Artillery of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) during World War I. It was formed in October 1914 and initially supported infantry brigades before being reallocated to Army-level control in early 1917. The brigade's legacy lies in its contribution to Australia's military history and the evolution of modern artillery tactics. It symbolizes the resilience and dedication of Australian soldiers who served under challenging conditions

 AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP

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

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

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

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

His unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A8 Argyllshire on 18 October 1914. 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. They arrived in Egypt in December 1914 where the troops disembarked to undergo training before being deployed to the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP

The Egyptian training camps were bustling hubs of activity. These camps were established to prepare Australian and New Zealand troops (ANZACs) for the challenges of warfare.

Training Activities

 Soldiers underwent rigorous training, including drills, physical conditioning, and preparation for trench warfare. The desert environment provided a harsh but effective setting to simulate battlefield conditions.

Living Conditions

The camps were basic, with soldiers living in tents. The proximity to Cairo allowed some access to amenities and leisure activities, but the conditions were still challenging, especially for those unaccustomed to the desert climate.

Cultural Exposure

 For many soldiers, this was their first experience of a foreign culture. The sights of the pyramids and interactions with the local population left lasting impressions. These camps were crucial in transforming raw recruits into battle-ready soldiers

 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.  Training would be for eight hours a day six days a week. All day long, in every valley of the Sahara for miles around the Pyramids of Giza were groups or lines of men advancing, retiring, drilling or squatted near their piled arms listening to their officer. For many of the battalions many miles of desert had to be covered in the morning and evening to and from their allotted training areas. At first, to harden the troops, they wore full kit with heavy packs. Their backs became drenched with perspiration, and the bitter desert wind blew on them as they camped for their midday meal and many deaths from pneumonia were attributed to this cause.

1ST AUSTRALIAN FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE- GALLIPOLI FEBRUARY TO JULY 1915

The 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade was actively involved in the Gallipoli Campaign from February to July 1915, providing artillery support to the Australian Imperial Force. Their role included defensive bombardments, counter-battery fire, and supporting infantry operations as the Anzacs fought to hold their positions against Ottoman forces.

·      February to April 1915: The brigade was preparing for the Gallipoli landings, training in Egypt, and organizing their artillery assets.

·      April 25, 1915: They landed at Anzac Cove and began setting up artillery positions to support the infantry.

·      May to July 1915: The brigade played a crucial role in defensive operations, firing on Ottoman positions and assisting in offensives such as the Battle of Lone Pine

In July 1915 the 1^st was involved in trench warfare and counter attacking the Ottoman forces who continued launching small-scale attacks to push the Allies back and prevent further advances.

 DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL JULY 1915

Cecil received this as a bombardier. A bombardier in an artillery unit is responsible for overseeing and assisting in the operation of artillery guns. Bombardiers played a crucial role in directing artillery fire and ensuring effective battlefield support. Cecil received a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his work in the Ottoman attacks. The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was a British military decoration awarded for gallantry in the field to non-commissioned officers and soldiers. He was the first soldier from New South Wales' North Coast to receive this honour

 THE PUBLICATION

'For conspicuous gallantry and resource on 12th and 13th July 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsula, when, under a heavy shell and rifle fire, he continually repaired telephone lines, thereby assisting to maintain communications at a time when any interruption would have entailed serious consequences. Bombardier Baxter has previously been brought to notice for coolness and bravery in performing similar work during the period from the 6th to the 15th May.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 28
Date: 24 February 1916

 OCTOBER 1915

In October 1915, the 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade was stationed in Malta as part of the broader efforts to support the Gallipoli Campaign. Malta served as a key medical and logistical hub during World War I, often referred to as the "Nurse of the Mediterranean." Many soldiers, including those from the 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade, were sent there for rest, recovery, or reassignment after enduring the harsh conditions of Gallipoli. The brigade's presence in Malta likely involved recuperation and reorganization, as well as preparing for future deployments.

 HOSPITALISATION OCTOBER 1915

On 14^th October 1915 he was admitted to a hospital in Malta with enteric. The term "enteric" refers to anything related to the intestines. It is often used in medical contexts, such as describing the enteric nervous system, which governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract, or enteric infections, which affect the intestines but there is no specific details listed in his records. He was transferred to England on 21^st October 1915 on the H.S. Regina d’Italia and admitted to the 1^st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham. He rejoined his unit on 10^th March 1916

He was promoted while in hospital to Corporal on 22^nd February 1916

 MARCH TO AUGUST 1916

Between March and August 1916, the 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade was engaged in operations on the Western Front after leaving Gallipoli. Their role included:

·      March–April 1916: The brigade was reorganized and trained in Egypt before being deployed to France.

·      May–August 1916: They participated in artillery support for Australian forces during the Battle of the Somme, including engagements at Pozieres.

 TRENCH WARFARE

The soldiers now found themselves fighting the German in trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

 The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

PROMOTION AND TRANSFER TO 3^RD AUSTRALIAN FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE -AUGUST 1916 TO APRIL 1917

He was transferred the 3rd Australian Field Artillery Brigade on 23^rd August 1916 where he was appointed 2^nd Lieutenant in the Field. He was then promoted to Lieutenant on 20^th December 1916. Between August 1916 and April 1917, the 3rd Australian Field Artillery Brigade was engaged in several key battles on the Western Front during World War I. Some of the major battles they participated in included:

·      Battle of the Somme (July–November 1916): The brigade provided artillery support for Australian forces, particularly during the Battle of Pozières, where intense bombardments helped secure the village.

·      Battle of Flers-Courcelette (September 1916): Part of the Somme offensive, this battle saw the first use of tanks in warfare, with artillery playing a crucial role in supporting infantry advances.

 TRANSFER TO SIGNALS APRIL 1917

On 16^th April 1917 he was transferred to signal subbranch

 THE BATTLE OF MESSINES 7^th to 14^th June 1917

Cecil took part in the Battle of 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.

 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.

The British tactical objective was to capture the German defences on the ridge, which ran from Ploegsteert Wood in the south, through Messines and Wytschaete to Mt Sorrel, depriving the German 4th Army of the high ground. The ridge gave commanding views of the British defences and back areas of Ypres to the north, from which the allies intended to conduct the Northern Operation, an advance to Passchendaele Ridge and then the capture of the Belgian coast up to the Dutch frontier. The battle began with the detonation of nineteen mines beneath the German front position, which devastated it and left large craters. A creeping barrage, 700 yd (640 m) deep, began and protected the troops as they secured the ridge with support from tanks, cavalry patrols and aircraft. The effect of the mines, barrages and bombardments was improved by advances in artillery survey, flash spotting and centralised control of artillery from the Second Army headquarters. The attacks from 8 to 14 June advanced the front line beyond the former German Sehnenstellung (Chord Position, the Oost Taverne Line to the British). 

MILITARY CROSS

The Military Cross (MC) is awarded for acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land. Cecil received this award for his work in the Battle of Messines. Cecil was in the Signal Sub Section Australian Field Artillery. The recommendation reads “On the 7th and 8th June, 1917, just prior to and during the actual attack on the German Lines south of Messines. This officer, by his gallant conduct, and untiring energy, often under very heavy fire, not only maintained communication during the intense hostile bombardment on the 7th June, but not withstanding the heavy enemy barrage, followed the F.O.C’s of L Group and maintained touch with them as are as absolutely possible. By his personal disregard of danger and sustained energy, this officer rendered most valuable assistance throughout the whole of the operations both before, during, and subsequent to the actual assault on the 7th June, when he closely followed up the infantry attack.

THE PUBLICATION

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 29 December 1917

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. By his untiring energy and fearlessness, he maintained communications during an intense hostile bombardment, and rendered the most valuable assistance before, during, and subsequent to an assault, which he closely followed up in spite of heavy enemy barrage.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 29 December 1917

 THE THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES- JULY TO NOVEMBER 1917

Cecil took part in the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele which took place in Ypres, Belgium, as Allied forces, with help from the French and the use of tanks, launch an attack to wrest control of Ypres from the Germans. Attacks and counterattacks ensue for four months in the rain and mud, with Canadian forces brought in to help relieve the troops but little ground being won. The 3^rd had the following roles in the battle

·      Provided artillery support for Australian and British infantry advances.

·      Participated in preliminary bombardments to weaken German defences.

·       Faced extreme battlefield conditions, including heavy rain and mud, which made artillery operations difficult.

 KILLED IN ACTION

In the end, it is considered a victory for the Allies, with but one that costs both sides more than 550,000 casualties. Despite the immense cost, the Allies managed to capture Passchendaele, marking the end of the offensive. One of those casualties was Cecil who was killed in action on 13^th August 1917 near Nieuport, Belgium

 FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Cecil was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial. Both brothers’ names are on the Milton Public School and Yatte Yattah Community Honour Rolls. His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial No 12 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War. He is buried at Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium, Plot I1, row G, grave 21.

 On 9^th January 1919 Cecil’s father received a package containing a sword & scarab belonging to Cecil.  On 16^th January 1919 he received one of Cecil’s diaries, which had been missing from another package. On 27^th September 1919 photos of Cecil’s grave were forwarded to his mother.  His memorial scroll was forwarded to his father on 27^th June 1921 and his Victory Medal on 28^th June 1922.

 A BRILLIANT TWEED SOLDIER KILLED.

Lieut. Cecil Baxter, D.C.M., M.C.
Rev. H. B. Madden on Saturday received an official telegram stating that Lieutenant Cecil William Baxter, D.C.M., M.C., 3rd Field Artillery, had been killed in action in France on 13th August. Lieut. Baxter, a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Baxter, of Newtown, Murwillumbah, was one of the Tweed's most brilliant young soldiers: he was in action for practically the whole of the war period, going with the first Australian troops to Gallipoli, as a gunner. He gained the Distinguished Conduct Medal on the Peninsula, being the first soldier from the North Coast to gain that Honor.

After the evacuation he saw continuous service in France, never losing a single day from illness or wound: here he was promoted to Lieutenant for conspicuous bravery, and later, was yet a third time honoured, being awarded the Military Cross. 

A brother of the departed hero is still on service. At the Mission Service on Saturday night and again on Sunday the Missioner, Bishop Druitt, made feeling reference to the untimely death of a fine soldier and a brave man.

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