FAMILY LIFE

Herbert John McIlrath was born c1892 in Nhill, Victoria, son of Isaac McIlrath & Sarah Charlotte McIlrath. His father had been a resident of the Tweed district for many years. He had played a large part in the development of the town and district, particularly as an alderman of the Murwillumbah Municipal Council for many years, and as founder of the first butter factory on the Tweed. Herbert’s brother, Charles Arthur enlisted on 8^th June 1916

APPLICATION

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. The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia, as in many other places, with great enthusiasm. Herbert enlisted just 21 days later, on the 25th August.

ATTESTATION

He was single, and a butter maker, eager to do his bit. He enlisted in Lismore, stating his next of kin as his father, Isaac, of Murwillumbah. He was presently serving in the 4^th Light Horse and been for the past 3 years

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, Herbert John McIlrath, 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

Herbert was 22 years 5 months old. He was 5ft 7 inches tall (1.7M), weighed 10 stone 2 oz (64kgs), with a dark complexion, greyish eyes & dark brown hair. He had a scar on his left leg near his thigh. and he was Protestant.

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. Herbert was in Enoggera training camp when this was completed on 25^th August 1914. 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 2nd Light Horse regiments, with service No 539

2^ND LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army during World War I. Raised in August 1914; it was part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade. The regiment fought exclusively against the Ottoman Empire. The regiment was composed of mounted infantry, known for their mobility and versatility, and played a significant role in campaigns across Gallipoli, Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine.

They had the reputation of being the most glamorous arm of the Australian Imperial Force. The Light Horse was organised along cavalry lines in regiments of about 600 men. It functioned more like a mounted infantry, with the horses used as transport or, if required, to carry the men swiftly away from the battlefield. The men mostly fought dismounted. The favoured horse was a mixed breed known as the Australian Waler and when fully loaded, they often carried between 130kg and 150kg.

LIVERPOOL TRAINING CAMP

They only had a short period of training at Liverpool, where 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. 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.

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 SEPTEMBER 1914

On the 24^TH September 1914, the regiment left Brisbane, sailing upon the transport ship Star of England.  Alongside his comrades, he marched aboard, his boots ringing on the gangway. As the ship’s lines were cast off and the quay began to slip away, the reality of war lay ahead, but for now, the sea breeze carried only the sound of voices and the excitement of men bound for adventure, duty, and the unknown.

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 the voyage, due to overcrowding, training was limited to mainly to lectures and a little physical training.

SLEEPING & LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Recruits likely slept in a crowded troop deck below, where rows of hammocks or three-tier wooden bunks were crammed close together.

Air below decks could be stuffy, especially in warmer climates, and seasickness was common during the first few days.

DAILY ROUTINE

Reveille early each morning, followed by physical exercises on the open decks (weather permitting). There were parades and inspections—officers ensured uniforms, rifles, and kit were clean and in order. Training was a little problematic—drill without much space, rifle maintenance, lectures on military discipline, signalling, and trench warfare theory. The ship’s decks were used for marching in tight circles or practising bayonet thrusts into stuffed sacks. Rifle shooting was impossible at sea, so soldiers learned to strip and clean their weapons until it was second nature.

MEALS

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. The meals were served in shifts from the ship’s galley. Queues were long, and eating on a rolling ship meant many tried to eat quickly before nausea set in.

HEALTH & SANITATION

Shipboard hygiene was critical—every man was ordered to scrub his section daily to prevent disease. Saltwater baths were the norm, with freshwater rationed for drinking.

THE VOYAGE EXPERIENCE

Entertainment included church drill, concerts, singalongs, card games, and makeshift cricket matches on deck when the weather allowed. To keep up morale, an area of the ship was roped off where regular boxing and wrestling tournaments were held. This became commonly known as the Stoush Stadium. No letters could be sent until they reached port, but men often wrote diaries or unsent letters to be posted later.

The 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

CROSSING THE EQUATOR CEREMONY

The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

SIGHTS AT SEA

On the way to Egypt the ship would pass through the Great Australian Bight, cross the Indian Ocean, and stop at Colombo (Ceylon now Sri Lanka) for coal and supplies.

SECURITY

By late 1914, German raiders were active, so lifeboat drills were frequent, and lookouts kept watch for suspicious ships. Troopships generally sailed in convoys or at least took zig-zag courses to make torpedo attacks harder. Ships often travelled under blackout conditions at night, with lookouts specifically watching for periscopes or torpedo wakes.

APPROACHING EGYPT

After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. The reality of leaving home truly sank in. The recruits would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the sandy training grounds of Egypt, preparing for what lay ahead.

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP

They arrived in Egypt on 9 December 1914 where they undertook further training. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Training Camp in Egypt, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. 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 

DECEMBER 1914 TO MAY 1915

Between December 1914 and May 1915, the 2nd Light Horse Regiment—though deployed in Egypt—did not participate in any major battles during this period. They were stationed in Mena Camp near Cairo, Egypt. Their primary role was training, acclimatization, and defensive duties in case of Ottoman attacks, especially around the Suez Canal. They conducted patrols, drills, and mounted training, preparing for potential deployment to combat zones.

HOSPITALISATION STOMATITIS MAY 1915

On 25^th May 1915 Herbert developed Stomatitis, which is the inflammation of the oral mucosa, the lining of the mouth, causing redness, swelling, and pain. It can manifest as mouth ulcers, blisters, or red patches, and is often painful, making it difficult to eat, talk, or sleep. Treatment for stomatitis was limited by the medical knowledge and resources of the time and included saltwater rinses or bicarbonate (baking soda) rinses which were common for cleansing and soothing the mouth & Dilute antiseptic mouthwashes. Soldiers with stomatitis were likely placed on soft or liquid diets to minimize pain.

He was discharged to the Heliopolis camp on 28^th September for duty. His training carried on intensively as he was out of the line. Not only was this necessary because there was a high turnover of men in any given unit, but the tactics and technologies of the war developed very rapidly. This tool many months.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH 2^nd INFANTRY BATTALION JANUARY 1916

On 21^st January he was taken on strength with the 2^nd Infantry Btn

SERVICE NUMBER FEBRUARY 1916

On 4^th February 1916 his service No. was changed to 539A and was taken on strength with the 2^nd battalion at Heliopolis.

HOSPITALISATION MARCH 1916

By 15^th March he was again admitted to hospital, no details

TAKEN ON STRENGTH 31^ST BATTALION- MARCH 1916

Herbert proceeded to join the 13^th Battalion ON 29^TH March 1916 at Serapeum where his training continued

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

On 1^st June 1916 his unit embarked at Alexandria and headed for Marseilles where they landed on 8^th June to join other units of II Anzac Corps, and for the next two years it served in the trenches along the Western Front

TRANSFERRED BACK TO 2^ND INFANTRY BATTALION JUNE 1916

Herbert was transferred back to the 2^nd BTN

FURLOUGH & HOSPITALISATION RHEUMATISM OCTOBER 1916

On 25^th October 1916 Herbert was given leave in England., he reported to AIF HQ in London and was sent to the 2^nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Southall for medical treatment for rheumatism.

COMMAND DEPOT NOVEMBER 1916

On 3 November he was sent to No 2-command depot which received and trained men who were likely to be fit to return to the front. He was sent to Sand Hill where his training would continue and he would have duties to perform.

BOMB SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 1917

On 22^nd September he attended a bombing school at Lyndhurst from 10^th October 1917 to 22^nd October 1917 & qualified as an instructor

DISCIPLINED SEPTEMBER 1918

On 5^th September he overstayed his leave by 4 days and was awarded admonishment by his captain and 5 day’s pay forfeited. He must have presented a case for discharge on medical grounds as the records shows the case was dismissed 19^th March 1918 on medical grounds

TRAINING SCHOOL OCTOBER 1918

In October he was sent to France in the Overseas training Brigade. Its role was to train soldiers who had been wounded or ill, to bring their fitness and skills back to that required to enable them to rejoin units at the front or depots in the UK

GOING HOME

On 3rd December 1918 he was awarded leave but the record stops there and the next thing recorded was that Herbert returned to Australia per HMAT Port Hacking on 28th November 1919. He was discharged on 1st May 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

FOR HIS SERVICE

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

HOME LIFE

Herbert died on the 11^th August 1962 in Murwillumbah and is commemorated at Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, Holland Park, Brisbane City, Columbarium 12, Section 9

---

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

We do not have any additional documents or pictures related to this individual.