FAMILY LIFE

Clarence Sydney Baxter (known as Jack) was born in 1893 at Milton, the son of William Robert Baxter & Mary Jean (Thomas) Baxter. Jack 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. Jack was brother to Cecil William Baxter. Unfortunately, Cecil was killed in action in Belgium on 13^th August 1917

Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914, and both Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher pledged full support for Britain. Britain was Australia’s closet ally, best trading partner and the source of most of Australia’s immigrants. The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia, as in many other places, with great enthusiasm.

There were many reasons why Australian men volunteered to join the forces- the pay was good (6 shillings 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.

ATTESTATION

He was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 22^nd December 1914 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, William Robert Baxter, of Dunbible. Jack had spent 1 year in the 29^th Infantry.

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, Clarence Sydney Baxter, 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 medical showed he was 25 years old, 5ft 8 ½ inches tall (1.73m), weighed 142 lbs (64kgs), with a dark complexion, hazel eyes & very dark brown hair. His eyesight was good. Jack was Church of England and had a small mole on the top of his right thigh and 2 more on his spine near his shoulder. He had a small tear on his forehead between his eyebrows.

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. Jack was in Enoggera training camp when this was completed on 2^nd January 1915. 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 into the 15 Infantry Battalion – 3^rd Reinforcements, 4^th infantry with service No 1468

15^TH INFANTRY BATTALION

The 15th Infantry Battalion was raised from late September 1914, six weeks after the outbreak of the First World War. With the 13th, 14th, and 16th Battalions it formed the 4th Brigade, commanded by Colonel John Monash. The 15th Battalion is remembered for its bravery and resilience during World War I

 

AUSTRALIAN 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 BRISBANE TO EGYPT FEBRUARY 1915

On the 13^TH February 1915, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Seeang Choon. 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. 

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP

They had already completed their basic training in Australia but 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.

LATE 1915 TO JUNE 1916 EGYPT

He joined his unit in Gallipoli on 17^th November 1915. After the evacuation from Gallipoli in December 1915, the 15th Battalion returned to Egypt, where the Australian Imperial Force was reorganized and expanded. During November and December 1915, the battalion was involved in training, reinforcement, and restructuring as part of the formation of the 4th Australian Division. The battalion was part of the 4th Australian Division, which was preparing for deployment to the Western Front. Training focused on trench warfare tactics, adapting to the conditions they would soon face in France

HOSPITALISATION – VENEREAL DISEASE MARCH 1916

On 11^th March 1916 Jack was admitted to the 4^th Field Ambulance with Gonorrhoea. The sense of adventure, the loneliness, and the loss of family life that overwhelmed many of the overseas volunteers during the First World War often found them on leave in large cities or small towns where alcohol and women were plentiful, and a lack of available prophylaxis allowed the spread of diseases such as gonorrhoea and syphilis to reach epidemic levels. Historians claim that the average incidence rate for this disease in the AIF was around 12 per cent

Treatment for VD was a punishment in its own right. Special hospitals for VD patients were set up and often regarded as deterrent. Patients would be treated with Salvarsan and mercury which offered uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects such as jaundice and convulsions. Other treatments included irrigation, which was painful and undignified resulting in many men to opt for chemical treatment instead. These long and uncomfortable stays in VD hospitals often averaged between 50 and 60 days, with most patients recovering and returning to the front. Jack only had a mild case and returned to his unit 11 days later.

TRENCH WARFARE- JUNE 1916

By June 1916, the battalion had completed its preparations and was sent to France, where it would take part in major battles on the Western Front. 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.

THE BATTLE OF POZIERES JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1916

The first major battle on the Western Front for the 15^th was the Battle of Pozieres. They played a significant role in this battle, which took place between 23 July and 3 September 1916 as part of the Somme Offensive. The battalion was involved in intense fighting to capture and hold the village of Pozières, which was a key German defensive position on the Albert–Bapaume Road. The Australian 1st Division initially seized the village on 23 July, but the Germans launched relentless counterattacks and artillery bombardments. The 15th Battalion, as part of the 4th Brigade, was engaged in the later stages of the battle, particularly in the fighting around Mouquet Farm, where Australian forces attempted to push further north.

The battle was one of the costliest for Australian forces, with over 23,000 casualties suffered by the I ANZAC Corps. The Pozières ridge became infamous for its intense artillery fire, and Australian official historian Charles Bean described it as the place “more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth”

WOUNDED IN ACTION 8^TH AUGUST 1916

One of the casualties was Jack who was wounded on 8^th August 1916- no details. He rejoined his unit on 23 September 1916.

SEPTEMBER 1916- MAY 1917

After Pozières, the battalion continued operations in the Somme Valley, holding trenches and conducting raids against German positions. The battalion endured the harsh winter on the Western Front, facing cold, mud, and disease while maintaining defensive positions. Between major battles, soldiers had a mix of rest, training, and support duties to maintain readiness and morale. Some key activities included:

·      Rest & Recovery – Soldiers spent time away from the front lines in billets or camps, recovering from combat, treating injuries, and regaining strength.

·      Training & Drills – They practiced trench warfare tactics, weapons handling, and new strategies to prepare for upcoming battles.

·      Construction & Maintenance – Soldiers repaired trenches, dugouts, roads, and fortifications to keep defensive positions strong.

·      Patrols & Raids – Small groups conducted reconnaissance missions and trench raids to gather intelligence or disrupt enemy positions.

·      Daily Life – Soldiers wrote letters home, played games, attended religious services, and tried to maintain morale.

·      Fatigue Duties – They carried supplies, transported wounded soldiers, and assisted with logistics.

·      Medical Treatment – Those wounded or sick received care in field hospitals or were evacuated to rear areas for recovery.

Life between battles was often physically demanding, but it provided brief moments of normalcy and camaraderie before returning to combat. Jack was sick in hospital, no details on 19^h April but discharged on 20th

THE BATTLE OF BULLECOURT APRIL AND MAY 1917

The 15th’s next major battle was the Battle of Bullecourt. The 15th Battalion played a significant role in this battle, which took place in April and May 1917 as part of the Allied efforts to breach the German Hindenburg Line. The battle was fought in two phases:

·      First Battle of Bullecourt (11 April 1917) – The attack relied on British tanks to clear barbed wire defences, but the tanks failed, leaving Australian infantry, including the 15th Battalion, exposed to heavy machine-gun fire. The battalion suffered severe casualties, and many soldiers were captured or killed.

·      Second Battle of Bullecourt (3–17 May 1917) – The 15th Battalion participated in the renewed assault, which was better coordinated but still resulted in heavy losses. The Australians managed to capture parts of the Hindenburg Line, but at a great cost, with over 10,000 casualties across both battles.

The 15th Battalion endured brutal trench warfare, facing artillery bombardments, counterattacks, and fierce hand-to-hand combat. Despite the hardships, their efforts contributed to the eventual success of the battle, though it remained a costly and controversial engagement for Australian force

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES 7 JUNE 1917

Their next engagement was only one month later. The 15th Battalion played a role in the Battle of Messines, which took place on 7 June 1917 as part of the British offensive in Flanders. The battle aimed to capture Messines Ridge; a strategically important high ground held by the Germans.

The Australian 3rd Division led the attack alongside New Zealand and British forces, while the 15th Battalion, part of the 4th Brigade, supported the assault. The battle began with the detonation of massive underground mines, which devastated German defences. The infantry then advanced, securing key objectives with relatively low casualties compared to previous battles.

The 15th Battalion helped consolidate captured positions, repelling German counterattacks and reinforcing the new front line. The success at Messines demonstrated the effectiveness of careful planning, artillery coordination, and surprise tactics, marking a turning point in trench warfare.

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE OCTOBER TO NOVEMBER 1917

The 15th Battalion was next involved in the Battle of Passchendaele, which took place between 12 October and 10 November 1917 as part of the Third Battle of Ypres. The battle was infamous for its muddy terrain, relentless artillery fire, and high casualties.

The 15th Battalion fought alongside other Australian units in the harsh conditions of Passchendaele, where soldiers struggled through deep mud, water-filled shell craters, and constant enemy bombardment. Their role included attacking German positions, reinforcing captured trenches, and enduring counterattacks. The battle was one of the costliest for Australian forces, with heavy losses suffered due to the difficult terrain and strong German defences.

Despite the bravery and determination of the battalion, the battle resulted in limited territorial gains and is remembered as one of the most gruelling experiences for Australian troops on the Western Front

 

JULY 1917 TO NOVEMBER 1918

Between July 1917 and November 1918, the 15th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) played a significant role in several key engagements on the Western Front during World War I

MID-1917: YPRES SECTOR AND POLYGON WOOD

In mid-1917, the 15th Battalion was deployed to the Ypres sector in Belgium. They participated in the Third Battle of Ypres, notably the fighting around Polygon Wood in late September. This period was marked by challenging conditions, including heavy rains and mud, which made operations difficult. The battalion's efforts contributed to the broader Allied campaign in the region.

BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD SEPTEMBER 1917

The 15th Battalion was part of the 5th Brigade, within the 5th Australian Division, and they played a central role in the capture of Polygon Wood and surrounding areas. On 26 September 1917, the 15th Battalion was one of the key Australian units tasked with attacking German positions around Polygon Wood. The attack began at 5:50 AM after an intense artillery bombardment designed to soften up the German defences. The fighting around Polygon Wood was intense, with the 15th Battalion encountering strong resistance from German forces. The German machine-gun positions and artillery fire were heavy, causing significant casualties.

The 15th Battalion suffered heavy casualties during the operation, with many soldiers killed or wounded in the close-quarters fighting that characterized this engagement. However, their determination was crucial to the success of the attack. After securing the southern edge of Polygon Wood, the 15th Battalion worked to consolidate their position and fend off counterattacks from the German forces. They set up defensive positions and dealt with ongoing artillery bombardments and German attempts to retake the area.

HINDENBURG LINE MAY- DECEMBER 1917

The 15th spent much of the remainder of 1917 in Belgium, advancing to the Hindenburg Line. The Hindenburg Line was a German defensive position built during the winter of 1916–1917 on the Western Front in France during the First World War. The line ran from Arras to Laffaux, near Soissons on the Aisne. The Hindenburg Line was to replace the old front line as a precaution against a resumption of the Battle of the Somme in 1917. By devastating the intervening ground, the Germans could delay a spring offensive in 1917. A shortened front could be held with fewer troops and with tactical dispersal, reverse-slope positions, defence in depth and camouflage, German infantry could be conserved.

The 15th Battalion's actions during the breaking of the Hindenburg Line were part of a final, highly successful phase in the war. The Hindenburg Line was regarded as one of the strongest defensive positions ever constructed, and its fall signalled that the war was nearing its end. The battalion’s participation in these operations is a testament to the fighting spirit and resilience of the Australian soldiers during the latter stages of the conflict

WINTER 1917–1918: REST AND REORGANISATION

Following their involvement in the Ypres sector, the 15th Battalion was withdrawn from the front lines for rest and reorganisation. They spent the winter months in areas such as Templeux-la-Fosse and Hollebeke, recuperating and preparing for future operations

TAKEN ON STRENGTH AUSTRALIAN SIGNAL COMPANY 15^TH MARCH 1918

On 15^th March 1918, in France, Jack was taken on strength with the Australian Signal Company. There is no more recorded about Jack except his return home

GOING HOME

On 19^th April 1919 Jack returned home on the Sardinia. He was discharged 12^th August 1919.

CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES GIVEN TO SOLDIERS FOR SOLDIERS PROCEEDING TO AUSTRALIA FOR DEMOBILISATION

Badges Hat                    Badges Collar (2)                    Bags kit universal

Bags kit sea                   Braces (pair)                            Brush, shaving

Brush, tooth                  Breeches M.S (Military service)

Cap comforter (warm cap)                                           Comb, hair

Disc identity with cord                                                  Drawers (2 pairs)

Great Coat                     Hat, Khaki fur                          Hat, white

Holdall                           Housewife (compact sewing kit)

Jackets Cardigan           Jackets S.D (service dress)

Leggings 1 pair             Laces, leather 1 pair

Puggarees, small (a traditional Indian head wrap, worn in warm conditions

Puttees, 1 pair (cloth bandages worn by soldiers, to provide support and protection for the lower leg)

Razor                              Shirts, flannel (2)                   Socks, 3 pairs

Singlets (2)

Strap chin                      Soap piece                               Suit, working

Towels, hand (2)

Titles “Australia” (4)-
Australian soldiers and non-commissioned officers wore an “Australia” title at the base of their shoulder straps. Each serving soldier also wore unit titles above this which indicated the units to which they belonged

AFTER THE WAR

He married Dorothy Darah Allan in 1925.

DEATH AND BURIAL

Jack died 18^th September 1957, aged 63, at Murwillumbah and is buried in Murwillumbah General Cemetery, Church of England section, Plot O2

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Jack was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Dungay Public School WWI Honour Roll & Rous Public-School Old-Time Pupils’ Roll of Honour 

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