BACKROUND

Henry Joseph Thomas Taylor (known affectionately as Harry by his family) was born in Bega in 1888. He was the oldest child of James and Mary (nee Hill) Taylor, and a third generation Taylor in Bega.

His grandfather, Thomas Taylor, was born in Essex, England in 1841 and arrived in Australia in 1856. By 1864 he had settled in the Bega Valley and later that year married Louisa (nee) Hackett. Thomas was to become a prominent person in the community. Bega An extract from his Obituary in the Bega Budget dated 18 Dec 1915, reads, “The late Mr Taylor was the embodiment of honour and belonged to that hard-working class of pioneer that did so much to make this State what it is today.” Henry grew up at Tanja on his family’s dairy farm. In 1902 his mother, Mary, died and in 1904 his father, James married Mary’s sister Louisa. James fathered twelve children in all, ten of whom survived him. By the early twentieth century farming conditions were deteriorating in the Bega Valley and James had to consider finding a better life for his large family. Another extract from the Bega Budget, printed 21 Oct 1908 reads, “Mr James Taylor, of Tanja, will start for the North Coast on Saturday with the view of settling there. Mr Taylor has resided at Tanja almost all his life, and is one of those industrious and capable farmers that we can ill afford to lose. Still, it is a man’s duty to try and better his position and the Budget wishes our departing citizen good luck in the famous North Coast.” By 1912 the family had settled at Eungella and James following in his father’s footsteps was soon a prominent citizen in the area, taking part in any movement for the welfare of his district. He was member of the Tweed River Agricultural Society for many years, a Justice of the Peace, and a member of the Murwillumbah Branch of the P.P.U. (Primary Producers Union). With such a wonderful heritage, Harry was probably looking forward to a full and productive life in the Tweed Valley.

ATTESTATION

However, things were to change dramatically with the outbreak of WW1. Like many young honourable men, Harry was keen to do his duty so on 21 September 1914 he enlisted in the army at Lismore. His next of kin was his father, James, of Eungella

He then signed a declaration confirming he had answered the questions correctly and was willing to voluntarily agree to service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia

PAGE 2

CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER

On the second page of the attestation documents the attesting confirms the following; “The foregoing questions were read to the person enlisted in my presence. I have taken care that he understood each question, and his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to by him”

OATH

He also made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Henry Joseph Thomas Taylor, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War, and a further four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed therefrom: and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and case His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained; and I will in all matters appertaining to my services faithfully discharge my duty according to law

SO, HELP ME, GOD.” 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

His attestation papers note that he was 26 years old, 5’7” tall, with brown eyes and black hair. Henry was Church of England

CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINER

The medical examiner certifies I have examined the abovenamed person, and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz: -

Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence; defects of vision, voice, or hearing; hernia’ haemorrhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendent testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease’ chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C; contracted or deformed chest; abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.

He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service

CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER

This is completed during the recruits training. Robert was in Broadmeadows training camp when this was completed on 8^th March 1916. 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 as a private with the regimental number 957. Along with many local recruits he was assigned to 15th Battalion (Bn) 4^th Infantry Brigade, A.I.F., F Company

15^TH BATTALION

This Battalion was raised in Sep 1914 mostly from recruits who were volunteers from Queensland, and the rest from northern NSW and Tasmania. With the 13th, 14th, and 16th Bn it formed 4th Brigade, under the command of Colonel John Monash.

BROADMEADOWS, VICTORIA, TRAINING CAMP

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men 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

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 six shillings a day

VOYAGE OVERSEAS MELBOURNE TO EGPT DECEMBER 1914

The troops embarked for overseas from Melbourne on board the Transport A40 H.M.A.T. Ceramic on 22 Dec 1914. 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.

HELIOPOLIS TRAINING CAMP, EGYPT

Despite the expectation of sailing to England and then across the English Channel to join the British forces in France to engage the German army, which had invaded France and Belgium in August 1914, the Ceramic sailed to Egypt, disembarking at Alexandria on 3 February 1915. Here the troops moved into camp at Heliopolis.

Over many tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began an intensive period of training in preparation for deployment to the front. These camps were shared by other Australian and New Zealand forces, creating a large and active training environment.

Daily life followed a strict military routine. Reveille was sounded around 5:30 am, followed by physical training, which included route marches and endurance work in the desert conditions. After breakfast, the men began structured morning sessions focusing on drill, bayonet practice, and rifle handling. Training resumed after lunch, often with practical field exercises such as digging trenches, constructing defences, and simulating attacks on mock enemy positions. The day ended with roll call, personal time, and lights out around 9:00 pm.

The training itself covered a wide range of military skills. Soldiers learned close-order drill, musketry (rifle shooting), bayonet fighting, and basic tactics. Musketry was particularly important: the men practised with their Lee-Enfield rifles on firing ranges, learning how to load, aim, fire rapidly, and judge distances accurately. Bayonet training was also emphasized, with troops practising thrusts, parries, and charges on straw-filled dummies to build aggression and confidence.

Physical fitness was a high priority. Route marches of 10 to 15 kilometres in full kit were a regular part of the schedule to build stamina and discipline. Troops also received instruction in field engineering—learning how to dig trenches, build parapets and revetments, and position barbed wire obstacles effectively.

Other important areas of training included basic first aid, battlefield communication (such as flag and lamp signalling), and map reading.

Sanitation and hygiene were stressed throughout the training period. Soldiers were taught how to prevent disease by maintaining clean clothing and equipment, constructing latrines, and purifying drinking water. This was crucial in the Egyptian climate, where illness could spread rapidly.

Although the training was demanding, there were occasional opportunities for leave. Many soldiers visited the bazaars, cafés, and sights of Cairo, or made trips to the pyramids near Mena. Morale was generally high, though the men understood active service was approaching.

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.

BOUND FOR GALLIPOLI APRIL 1915

On 10 April 1915 the 15th Bn was moved by train to Alexandria where it embarked upon troopships bound for the Gallipoli Peninsula. After leaving Alexandria, the 15th Bn sailed to Mudros where the Allied force assembled. Assigned to the follow-up waves, 15th Bn landed at Anzac Cove on the afternoon of 25 April 1915.

ANZAC COVE APRIL 1925

Even though 25 April is remembered as a time to honour our brave ANZACs, the campaign lasted for several months after this date. The allies tried to break through the Turkish lines and the Turks tried to drive the allies off the peninsula for many months throughout 1915. QUINN’S POST MAY 1915

On 9 May a party from 15th Bn crept out at night and captured the Turkish trench in front of Quinn’s Post. Next morning they were driven back with many men wounded as they ran for the Australian line. Quinn’s Post, named after Major Hugh Quinn, 15th Bn AIF, was one of the most dangerous places at Anzac.

“Men passing the fork in Monash Valley,” wrote Charles Bean, “used to glance at the place (as one of them said) as a man looks at a haunted house.” Quinn’s Post was positioned on the northern edge of the front line along Second Ridge, and beyond was Deadman’s Ridge, from which the enemy could fire into the side of the Post. Other Turkish trenches lay opposite, and the Turks had only to advance a few metres, capture Quinn’s, and the whole Anzac area could be lost.

WOUNDED IN ACTION

On 9 May 1915 Henry was reported as “wounded in action”, in the vicinity of Quinn’s Post. The initial army report stated “that his wound was not specially stated to be serious originally, and in such cases the Egyptian Authorities advise the absence of further particulars may be accepted as indicative of favourable progress towards again becoming fit for active service.”

KILLED IN ACTION 10^TH MAY 1915

However, on 10 May Henry was reported “wounded and missing in action” and finally as killed in action.

COURT OF ENQUIRY

As soon as possible after a battle/action a court of Inquiry was held to determine what had happened to all ranks within the battalion. All soldiers were then listed and what happen was ascertained to the best of the knowledge of the men involved. This was not always possible to confirm those missing unless they were seen by a survivor to be killed or wounded. In many cases those listed as missing and were not on the hospital or PoW reports from the Redcross or from the Enemy either German or Turkish were declared dead. The actual date of death was not determined until they made all enquiries and this process could take a few days to many months

Because of the nature of these reports, a court of enquiry was held at 4th Australian Infantry Brigade Headquarters at Serapeum in April 1916. This court determined that Henry was killed in action in Gallipoli.

COMMEMORATION

Henry has no known grave but is commemorated at the Lone Pine Memorial (Panel 50), Gallipoli, Turkey.

Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial to the missing. Lone Pine Memorial is the main Australian memorial on Gallipoli, commemorating the 3,268 Australians and 456 New Zealanders who died in the campaign and have no known grave, and the 960 Australians and 252 New Zealanders who were buried at sea. In April 1915 a single pine tree was growing on the site and the Australians called it 'Lonesome Pine' from the title of a popular song of the day, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine. The tree was destroyed in the early fighting but seeds from a pine cone sent back to Australia from the Turkish trenches at Lone Pine, Gallipoli were used to generate the Lone Pine tree planted at the Australian War Memorial. Seeds from this tree were used to grow the present tree in the cemetery at Lone Pine. 

FOR HIS SERVICE

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

PERSONAL EFFECTS

On 17 Jul 1916 Henry’s effects were despatched to his father. They consisted of a Diary & Year Book, Letters, Leather Belt, Purse, Rubber Stamp, Mustard Plaster, Armlet, Holy Bible, Inf. Pocket Book, Writing Pad, Mirror-damaged.

VICTORY MEDAL, PLAQUE, MEMORIAL SCROLL

His father received his memorial scroll on 18^th July 1921. He received his plaque on 3^rd April 1922. He received his Victory Medal on 29^th September 1922.

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