Gunner Joseph Patrick Considine
Service #: 5864
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
Joseph Patrick Considine was born c1897 on Grafton, son of Matthew & Margaret (Egan) Considine. He was one of 7 children. His brother, Thomas, enlisted on 9th September 1914 & returned home in 1919.
ATTESTATION
He was single painter, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Newcastle on 2nd September 1915 complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Matthew, of Stokers Siding
His medical showed he was 28 years 7 months old, 5ft 8 ½ inches tall (1.73m), weighed 130 lbs (59kgs), with a dark complexion, blue eyes & dark brown hair. His eyesight was good
The Examining Medical Officer stated that Joseph “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.” On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Joseph Patrick Considine, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.”
He was Roman Catholic and was enlisted as a private into the 1st Field Artillery Brigade– 12th Reinforcements with service No 5864
TRAINING AT BROADMEADOW CAMP
After enlisting in 1915, Joseph Patrick Considine reported to Broadmeadow Camp near Newcastle. Broadmeadow was one of the key military training depots during World War I, particularly for artillery and infantry recruits from the region.
Upon arrival at camp, Joseph would have been issued with his uniform and kit — rough khaki wool attire, boots, puttees, webbing, mess tins, and the slouch hat that became the iconic image of the Australian Digger.
Routine and Structure
Training at Broadmeadow was rigorous and disciplined, designed to transform civilians into soldiers quickly and effectively. A typical day began around 5:30–6:00 am, with reveille sounded by bugle. The day would involve:
Physical training: Route marches, endurance drills, and general fitness to prepare men for the hard conditions of war.
Drill instruction: Learning to move and respond as a disciplined unit — saluting, formations, and ceremonial routines.
Artillery training: As part of the Field Artillery, Joseph would have been trained in the use of 18-pounder field guns, learning how to:
· Load and fire the guns accurately
· Work as part of a gun crew
· Estimate ranges and set fuses
· Manage horses used to transport the guns and ammunition
Artillerymen needed to be both technically proficient and physically strong — hauling shells, limbering guns, and enduring long days of instruction in gunnery and ballistics.
Horsemanship: Field artillery relied heavily on horse teams for mobility. Joseph would have been taught to ride, harness, and care for the animals, and to manoeuvre gun carriages under various conditions.
Lectures and classes: Covering army regulations, military discipline, hygiene in the field, and possibly some basic first aid.
Living Conditions
The men lived in rows of bell tents or huts, often in hot, dusty, and uncomfortable conditions. The food was basic — bully beef, stew, biscuits, tea — and letters from home were highly prized.
Recreation included football matches, singalongs, and occasional leave into nearby Newcastle, though discipline remained strict, especially with the growing pressure to prepare men for departure overseas.
Unit Identity
Joseph would have trained with others bound for the 1st Field Artillery Brigade, a unit with a proud history from Gallipoli, and now rebuilding and reinforcing for service on the Western Front. He would have worn the AIF’s rising sun badge and begun forming strong bonds with his gun crew — friendships forged in sweat and discipline that would soon be tested in war.
VOYAGE OVERSEAS
On the 9th November 1915, the 1353 recruits left Melbourne, sailing upon the HMAT Wandilla. 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-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores
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.
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. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.
ARRIVAL IN EGYPT- TAKEN ON STRENGTH
He disembarked in Egypt and was officially taken on strength with the 1st Field Artillery Brigade at Suez Red Camp on 7 December 1915
EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP
From December 1915 to March 1916, Joseph would have undergone intensive artillery training in the Egyptian desert. The Australian artillery units were based in Tel el Kebir and Serapeum, where they practised gun drill, route marches, and coordination with infantry brigades. The early months of 1916 also saw the reorganisation and expansion of the AIF, including the formation of additional artillery brigades to meet the needs of the Western Front. It is likely that Joseph, as a reinforcement, was involved in this transition period, preparing for the much harsher conditions ahead.
WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE
On 21 March 1916, Joseph embarked from Alexandria with the British Expeditionary Force. After a voyage through the Mediterranean, he arrived in Marseilles, France, on 27 March 1916. Over the next several weeks, he would have travelled by rail and road through war-damaged northern France, eventually joining his unit near the front lines.
The soldiers 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.
ARMENTIERES MARCH TO MAY 1916
The period between March and May 1916 would have been his first exposure to the realities of trench warfare. Australian artillery units were operating in the Armentières sector, a relatively quiet part of the front known as "the nursery," where new arrivals were gradually introduced to life under fire. Joseph would have spent these weeks moving guns into position, laying communication cables, digging gun pits, and firing intermittent bombardments against German positions—all while enduring the mud, cold, and danger of counter-battery fire
TRANSFER TO 11TH FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE MAY 1916
On 12 May 1916, Joseph was transferred from the Divisional Column to the 3rd Artillery Brigade, a frontline unit providing direct support to Australian infantry. Then, on 7 June 1916, he was detached to the 11th Field Artillery Brigade, marking a shift in operational command as the AIF prepared for larger offensives.
HOSPITALISATION – GASTRITIS JULY 1916
On 8 July 1916, while still serving in France with the 11th Field Artillery Brigade, Joseph Considine was admitted to the 15th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from gastritis, a condition not uncommon among front-line troops living under constant stress and poor rations. From there, he was transferred to the Divisional Rest Station, a facility designed to provide temporary respite and basic care without the need for full hospitalisation.
His condition persisted, and on 4 July 1916 (note: date order slightly reversed in the record), he was moved to the 13th Australian Field Ambulance, before returning briefly to the 15th. On 10 July 1916, he was again transferred, this time back to the 15th Australian Field Ambulance, suggesting that his symptoms had not yet abated.
Gastritis, while not a wound, could debilitate a soldier’s strength and stamina, and such illnesses were taken seriously—especially for artillerymen who operated under gruelling physical conditions.
CONTINUING HEALTH PROBLEM- CONVALESCENCE JULY 1916
Joseph’s health continued to trouble him through July. On 9 July 1916, he was again admitted to the 5th Division Rest Station suffering from gastritis, a common ailment among soldiers enduring the rigours of trench life. His condition required further treatment, and on 24 July, he was moved to Steenwerck, a village near Armentières that served as a key medical and logistics hub for the AIF. There, he likely received extended care and recuperation away from the immediate front
REJOINED 1ST FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION JULY 1916
Fortunately, Joseph recovered quickly enough to rejoin his unit on 27 July 1916, returning to duty with his original unit, the 1st Field Artillery Brigade. His return came at a critical time, with artillery units playing an increasingly central role in the long preparations for the AIF’s involvement in the Battle of the Somme later that year. Joseph was, stepping into a world of constant labour, danger, and exposure that defined artillery life on the Western Front. Like many soldiers, he would soon find that the physical toll of war extended well beyond the battlefield
BATTLE OF POZIÈRES – 23 JULY TO 5 SEPTEMBER 1916
When Joseph joined the brigade, the 1st FAB was heavily involved in supporting the Battle of Pozières, part of the larger British Somme Offensive. The Australian 1st Division had attacked Pozières on 23 July, and fighting continued for several weeks. During this period, the 1st FAB provided near-constant barrage and counter-battery fire, aiming to destroy German positions and support infantry advances. Their work was crucial in capturing and holding Pozières Ridge — but the price was extremely high, with relentless German artillery counter-attacks
BATTLE OF MOUQUET FARM – 8 AUGUST TO EARLY SEPTEMBER 1916
Following Pozières, the brigade supported actions toward Mouquet Farm, a heavily fortified German strongpoint just north of the village. Fighting here peaked between 8 August and 3 September 1916, with Australian units suffering very high casualties. Artillery units were constantly moving their guns forward through churned-up, dangerous ground to maintain support. Joseph would have experienced not only exhausting work, but frequent enemy shellfire and the psychological strain of constant noise, danger, and loss.
DISCIPLINED AUGUST 1916
Yet even in these conditions, discipline still applied. On 8 August 1916, Joseph was charged with being absent from parade between 6.30 and 7.30 a.m., a minor breach but one taken seriously within military structure. For this, he forfeited seven days’ pay—a reminder of how rigid expectations were, even at the front. Whether it was from fatigue, distraction, or personal defiance, the moment hints at the mental and physical toll the war was taking.
WINTER OPERATIONS ON THE SOMME – OCTOBER 1916 TO JANUARY 1917
After the major battles ended, the 1st FAB remained active in the Somme sector, supporting minor offensives and holding the line near areas such as Flers and Gueudecourt. The brigade was regularly rotated in and out of the front lines. Conditions deteriorated rapidly: the winter of 1916–1917 was bitterly cold, with heavy snow and freezing rain. Guns froze, boots rotted, and mud froze solid at night only to thaw into knee-deep sludge by midday.
Throughout October, November, and December 1916, Joseph and his fellow artillerymen faced not only the demands of operating their guns but the brutal effects of exposure. Poor shelter, limited warm clothing, and the never-ending physical exertion left many men vulnerable to illness.
By January 1917, artillery fire continued as part of regular harassment and support operations, while German forces began preparations for their strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line
HOSPITALISATION JANUARY 1917 NO DETAILS
On 27 January 1917, Joseph was admitted to hospital with an unspecified illness. Although the cause was not recorded, it was not uncommon for artillerymen to be sent to hospital with ailments brought on by damp conditions, fatigue, or low-grade infections. After three weeks of treatment, he rejoined his unit on 20 February.
DENTAL WORK FEBRUARY 1917
Almost immediately, on 23 February, Joseph was transferred to the 6th Field Artillery for dental treatment. The record notes “to DRS,” likely referring to the Dental Reconstructive Service. Dental issues were widespread in the ranks due to poor hygiene, malnutrition, and stress. It is possible Joseph required extractions or other work to relieve pain and prevent infection. He returned to his unit on 26 February
HOSPITALISED TRENCH FOOT MARCH 1917
But his reprieve was short. On 2 March, Joseph was again hospitalised — this time diagnosed with trench foot and admitted to the 1st Australian General Hospital. Trench foot, caused by prolonged exposure to wet and unsanitary conditions, was a serious and painful condition. It led to swelling, numbness, and in extreme cases, gangrene. Treatment involved rest, drying and warming the feet, antiseptic applications, and careful monitoring. His case was evidently severe enough to warrant a full month’s recovery in a general hospital.
PREPARING TO REJOIN UNIT APRIL 1917
On 1 April, with his health restored, Joseph was declared Class 1A and transferred to the 29th Infantry Base Depot, marking his readiness to return to duty. From there, on 7 April, he was moved to the Australian General Base Depot at Étaples, a major training and holding facility for troops preparing to return to the front.
REJOINED UNIT MAY 1917
Finally, on 4 May 1917, Joseph rejoined his unit, having endured a long and difficult period of hospitalisations and recovery. His journey during these months highlights the hidden battles soldiers faced — not just against the enemy, but against the gruelling effects of war on their bodies. Yet Joseph, like so many, returned to serve alongside his mates once again
MID TO LATE 1917 – BELGIUM
After rejoining his unit on 4 May 1917, Joseph returned to active service with the 1st Field Artillery Brigade as the AIF regrouped following the harsh winter and earlier trench foot battles he had endured.
THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES MAY TO JULY 1917
By this time, the 1st FAB was part of the artillery build-up preparing for a major offensive planned by the British high command — the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele. From May through July, artillery brigades were repositioned and constantly active, improving gun emplacements, digging communication lines, and conducting regular counter-battery fire to suppress German artillery ahead of the offensive.
The conditions remained grim. The low-lying terrain of Flanders was prone to flooding, and despite early summer weather, the mud was ever-present. Artillery crews like Joseph’s were often exposed for long hours, working in hastily built gun pits, moving shells through thick mud, and contending with enemy observation and shellfire.
GRANTED LEAVE JULY 1917
On 7 July 1917, Joseph was granted leave. The destination is not listed in his record, but standard leave at the time typically lasted 14 days, and men were often sent to England, Paris, or a rear area in France for much-needed rest. After months of heavy labour, illness, and constant danger, this break would have been a rare and welcome respite. While we do not know precisely when he returned, it is likely he rejoined his unit by late July.
BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE – AUGUST TO NOVEMBER 1917
Upon returning from leave, Joseph was back with his brigade as the Third Battle of Ypres began on 31 July 1917. This prolonged and brutal campaign unfolded in stages, with the Australians heavily committed from mid-September through November. The 1st Field Artillery Brigade supported key Australian actions at:
· Battle of Menin Road – 20–25 September 1917
· Battle of Polygon Wood – 26 September – 3 October 1917
· Battle of Broodseinde – 4 October 1917
· Battle of Passchendaele – 9 October to mid-November 1917
Throughout this period, artillerymen endured unrelenting work and dangerous conditions. Shells had to be carried through deep mud and shell holes. Gun platforms would sink or shift. Exposure to gas was a constant threat — German forces frequently used phosgene and mustard gas shells to target gun lines and supply areas. Gunners were particularly vulnerable, as their positions were well-known and often shelled heavily during counter-battery fire.
WOUNDED IN ACTION – 6 NOVEMBER 1917
On 6 November 1917, during the closing phase of the Battle of Passchendaele, Joseph was wounded in action — gassed. Artillery units were regularly targeted with gas shells, and exposure could occur during bombardments, ammunition handling, or even while resting near the guns.
Depending on the type of gas, Joseph may have experienced burning eyes, difficulty breathing, blistered skin, and severe coughing. Treatment often involved immediate evacuation, administration of oxygen (if available), and rest in a gas ward. While some men recovered quickly from minor exposure, others suffered long-term lung and eye damage.
HOSPITALISED BOULOGNE
Joseph was first admitted to the 13th General Hospital in Boulogne, a key evacuation point near the French coast.
EVACUATION TO ENGLAND NOVEMBER 1917
There, he received initial treatment for his injuries and was stabilised for further transfer. On 23 November 1917, he was evacuated across the Channel to Edmonton Military Hospital in England, where care for gas casualties could be more comprehensive and long-term.
GRANTED FURLOUGH JANUARY
CONVALESCENCE SUTTON VENEY
His stay in hospital and convalescence extended into the new year. On 2 January 1918, Joseph was granted furlough — a two-week leave to recover away from military life. He returned from leave on 16 January, reporting to No. 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny, a large camp on the Salisbury Plain where men recuperated, trained, and were assessed for return to active duty.
HOSPITALISED INFLUENZA FEBRUARY
However, Joseph’s recovery remained slow. On 26 February 1918, he was admitted to the Brigade Hospital at Hurdcott suffering from bronchitis — likely a lingering effect of his earlier gas exposure. Soldiers who had been gassed were particularly vulnerable to respiratory illness, and bronchitis was a common and recurring condition in these cases.
HOSPITALISED INFLUENZA APRIL 1918
Joseph returned to duty at No. 3 Command Depot on 15 April 1918, but again, his health faltered. On 25 May, he was admitted to the Brigade Hospital once more, this time with influenza — part of the wave of illnesses circulating through crowded military camps as the war dragged into its final year.
DISCIPLINED MAY 1918
Between these hospital admissions, Joseph also faced disciplinary action. On 11 May, he was charged with being Absent Without Leave (AWL) from midnight on 2 May until 9pm on 4 May. For this, he was admonished and forfeited one day’s pay. Such infractions were not uncommon among men recovering from long illnesses or struggling with the strain of an uncertain future, especially after long periods of hospitalisation and inactivity.
Through all of this, Joseph’s record reflects the quieter, often overlooked struggle many soldiers faced after injury — not just surviving the battlefield, but enduring the long, frustrating path of recovery, readjustment, and return to military life.
PROMOTION TO GUNNER JUNE 1918
On 1st June Joseph was promoted to Gunner.
PREPARING TO RETURN – MID-1918
After months of illness, hospital stays, and time at command depots, Joseph’s condition gradually improved enough for him to rejoin the flow of men being prepared for return to active service.
OVERSEAS TRAINING BRIGADE JUNE 1918
On 30 June 1918, he marched into the Overseas Training Brigade (OS Training Bde) — a standard step for men in England recovering from wounds or illness and now considered fit enough to begin retraining. Located on the Salisbury Plain, the brigade focused on reconditioning troops physically and mentally. Joseph would have undergone route marches, musketry (rifle) practice, gas drills, and refresher training on military discipline — all designed to ready him for the trenches once more.
RESERVE BRIGADE AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY JULY 1918
Then, on 19 July 1918, Joseph marched out to the RBAA (Reserve Brigade Australian Artillery) at Heytesbury, a major artillery training camp also on the Salisbury Plain. The RBAA served as a holding and reinforcement unit, where artillerymen received specialist instruction, particularly in operating the latest field guns, signal work, ammunition handling, and changes in artillery tactics that had evolved since their last time in action.
This move marked a significant transition for Joseph — from patient and convalescent to soldier-in-waiting, once again on the cusp of being returned to the front lines.
WAITING, AND DEMOBILISATION – LATE 1918 TO 1919
As the war drew to a close, Joseph remained in England, still with the Reserve Brigade Australian Artillery at Heytesbury, where many men waited — some impatiently — for orders to return home.
GETTING HOME
on 11th 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.
DISCIPLINED NOVEMBER 1918
Like countless others in this uncertain post-armistice period, Joseph found the long delays and inactivity trying. On 12 November 1918, just one day after the Armistice was signed, he was reported Absent Without Leave (AWL) from 23:59 on 12 November until 23:10 on 14 November — just under 48 hours. For this infraction, he was forfeited 2 days’ pay and given 3 days’ C.B. (Confined to Barracks).
“C.B.” or Confined to Barracks was a common punishment for minor offences like AWL. It meant Joseph was restricted to the camp and assigned additional duties — cleaning, fatigue work, or guard duty — for the duration of his punishment. Though not harsh by wartime standards, it reflected the tensions many soldiers felt as they waited, uncertain of when they would finally return home.
SCREENING FOR VENEREAL DISEASE AND OTHER DISEASES JANUARY 1919
On 2 January 1919, Joseph was admitted to Burford Hospital for a blood test — likely a precautionary screening for venereal disease or other lingering health concerns that were common among troops at the time. He was discharged on 10 January.
GOING HOME
Finally, on 19 February 1919, Joseph embarked for Australia aboard HMT Orca, one of the many troopships bringing weary soldiers home. He disembarked in Australia on 3 March 1919, ending a military journey that had taken him through illness, trench warfare, gas exposure, disciplinary run-ins, and long months of recovery and waiting.
For his service Joseph was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal
HOME LIFE
Joseph died 18th December 1952 in the Balmain area.
If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.
Memorial Location
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Buried Location
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