Private Evrod Smith
Service #: 7355
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
Evrod Smith was born c1892 in Murwillumbah. He married Elsie Bubb in Murwillumbah in 1916.
APPLICATION
He was a married farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 17th November 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his wife, Elsie, of Murwillumbah. Her address changed at some time to South Brisbane
His medical showed he was 23 years 4 months old, 5ft inches tall (1.72m), weighed 138 lbs (62kgs), with a reddish complexion, brown eyes & auburn hair. His eyesight was good and required extensive dental treatment
The Examining Medical Officer stated that Evros “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, Evrod Smith, 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 Church of England and had a scar on his right foot. He was enlisted as a private into the 15th Infantry Battalion – 24th Reinforcements with service No 7355
The 15th Battalion AIF 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
TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA
As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together
Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague. Evrod received his on 20th November, 27th November, and 18th December 1916. 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
The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet.
TRANSFERRED TO 24TH BATTALION JANUARY 1917
On 23rd January he was transferred to the 24th Battalion
VOYAGE OVERSEAS
On the 24th January 1917 the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Ayrshire. 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.
CODFORD TRAINING CAMP
They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the English training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. 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. Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more
TRANSFERRED BACK TO 15TH BATTALION AUGUST 1917
On 25th August 1917 he was transferred back to the 15th Battalion
WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE
In June 1916 the 15th Battalion sailed for France and the Western Front. The recruits 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.
BETWEEN AUGUST 1917 AND AUGUST 1918
Between August 1917 and August 1918, the 15th Battalion (Australian Imperial Force) was engaged in several key operations on the Western Front in France and Belgium. This period was one of intense and sustained activity for the battalion, which was part of the 4th Brigade, 4th Division
AUGUST–OCTOBER 1917: YPRES SECTOR (BELGIUM) – BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE
The 15th Battalion was involved in the Third Battle of Ypres, particularly around Polygon Wood and Broodseinde Ridge (September–October). These were major offensive operations aimed at capturing German-held high ground. The terrain was infamous for deep mud and heavy artillery fire. The battalion suffered heavy casualties during these actions.
NOVEMBER 1917 – MARCH 1918: WINTER ON THE WESTERN FRONT
After the Passchendaele offensive, the 15th Battalion rested and refitted in quieter sectors in Belgium and Northern France.
The winter was spent in trench warfare, patrols, improving defences, and training. Like other AIF units, they were affected by cold, illness, and occasional enemy raids.
MARCH–APRIL 1918: GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE
In March 1918, the Germans launched a massive offensive (Operation Michael) on the Western Front. The 15th Battalion was rapidly moved south to help halt the German advance. They participated in the defence of Amiens, helping to stabilize the line near Villers-Bretonneux and Dernancourt.
25th APRIL, 1918: SECOND BATTLE OF VILLERS-BRETONNEUX
The 15th Battalion took part in the counter-attack that recaptured the key town of Villers-Bretonneux.
This was a significant and successful joint British-Australian night assault. The operation played a critical role in stopping the German push toward Amiens.
JUNE–JULY 1918: HAMEL AND FURTHER PREPARATIONS
The battalion continued operations in the Somme region.
On July 4, 1918, during the Battle of Hamel, the 15th Battalion supported operations under the command of General John Monash.
Hamel was notable for its innovative use of combined arms—infantry, tanks, aircraft, and artillery—and set the stage for future battles
PROMOTION TO CORPORAL JULY 1917
On 25th July 1917 Evrod was promoted to Corporal
AUGUST 8, 1918: BATTLE OF AMIENS – START OF THE HUNDRED DAYS OFFENSIVE
On August 8, 1918, the 15th Battalion took part in the Battle of Amiens, a major offensive that marked the beginning of the end of the war. The battle was a major success, with the battalion advancing through German lines, capturing prisoners, and securing objectives.
The speed and surprise of the attack broke German morale, and General Ludendorff called it the “black day of the German Army.”
WOUNDED IN ACTION GASSED AUGUST 1918
One of the casualties of this offensive was Evrod who was wounded in action on 26th August 1918 with a gas shell. During World War I, the treatment of soldiers exposed to poison gas was a challenging and evolving process. Medical personnel had to adapt quickly to the devastating effects of chemical warfare, which included respiratory damage, blindness, and severe burns. Gassed soldiers were treated in various ways
· Immediate Care: Soldiers were often moved to fresh air as quickly as possible to minimize further exposure. Masks soaked in neutralizing agents, such as bicarbonate of soda, were sometimes used to help alleviate symptoms.
· Decontamination: Clothing contaminated with gas was removed, and the skin was washed to prevent further chemical burns.
· Respiratory Support: For those suffering from respiratory distress, oxygen therapy was provided when available. In severe cases, soldiers were given morphine to ease pain.
· Eye Treatment: Soldiers with eye injuries from gas exposure were treated with saline or other solutions to flush out irritants.
· Hospitalization: Many gassed soldiers required extended care in field hospitals or specialized facilities. Recovery could be slow, and some soldiers suffered long-term health effects.
REST CAMPS
Evrod spent time in hospital then went to a rest camp. Here he would convalesce but continue with drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units. This ensured they did not lose their sharpness for battle and that a unit’s cohesiveness was retrained. He rejoined his unit on 10th October 1918
WAR ENDED- GETTING HOME
The end of the war was in sight and 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.
LEAVE OCTOBER 1918
Evrod was given leave from 19th October to 2nd November 1918
HOSPITALISED TONSILITIS MARCH 1919
On 23rd March 1919 Evrod was hospitalised with tonsilitis. He was discharged on 14th April
HOSPITALISED SEPTIC THROAT MAY 1919
He was admitted again with a septic throat on 2nd May 1919 and discharged 25th May
MAY TO AUGUST DUTIES AT DEPOT HQ
They finalised service records, war gratuities (final pay, bonuses), honours and awards processing. Depot HQs often became custodians of battalion/unit colours and memorabilia until official regimental histories or memorials were established.
With the end of hostilities, recruitment and training functions were phased out. Some Depot HQs remained operational into the early 1920s to manage the transition to peacetime defence structures (e.g. Citizen Military Forces) & storage and disposal of war materiel
After WWI, Depot HQs shifted from training and deployment centres to processing, medical, administrative, and demobilisation hubs, ensuring a smooth return to civilian life for thousands of Australian soldiers. Their role was vital in transitioning from war to peace and laying the groundwork for veterans' support in the 1920s
GOING HOME JULY 1919
Evrod arrived home on the August on 11th August 1919 and was discharged on 18th September 1919
HOSPITALISED AT SEA- SORE THROAT
Evrod was admitted to the ship’s hospital on 31st July with a sore throat
CELEBRATION DINNER
The residents of Condon organised a welcome home dinner for Evrod on 27th August 1919
For his service, John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal
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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