FAMILY LIFE

Alfred Conlon was born in 1878 in Redfern, son of William & Margaret Conlon. He was one of 9 children, with 5 brothers & 3 sisters, all born in Redfern.

APPLICATION

Alfred was single labourer, living in Burringbar, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Sydney on 12^th April 1916 for his medical which showed he was 39 years 9 months old, 5ft 6½ inches tall (1.69m), weighed 120 lbs (54kgs), with a medium complexion, hazel eyes & black hair. He was Church of England and had a scar on his chin.  He completed his application on 17^th April stating his next of kin as his brother, Walter, of Burringbar. He had spent 12 months in Wellington, New Zealand, in the militia. He was enlisted as a private into the 20th Infantry Battalion- 14 to 17 Reinforcements with service No 5801

THE 20^TH INFANTRY BATTALION

The 20th Infantry Battalion of Australia was raised in March 1915 in Liverpool, New South Wales, as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). It was part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. The 20th Infantry Battalion is remembered for its resilience and dedication throughout World War I

NSW SIGNAL SCHOOL

Alfred was sent to the NSW Signal School on 20th April. During warfare, a commander needs to know where his troops are and what they are doing, whether he has sufficient supplies and signallers are responsible for these military communications. The Signal Company was part of the Royal Australian Engineers and was responsible for providing communication between headquarters and subordinate formations

Sappers (signallers) had to be proficient in Morse code signalling on flag, lamp and heliograph and map reading. They also served as dispatch riders, often using bicycles or motorcycles to deliver messages. The work was hazardous, as laying and repairing communication lines exposed them to enemy fire. He completed the course on 1^st September.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 7^th October 1916, the regiment left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Ceramic. They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time 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. They disembarked at Plymouth on 21 November 1916.

ROLLESTONE TRAINING CAMP

On 7th December 1916 his unit was marched into the 5^th training battalion units in Rollestone. The aim was to turn them into soldiers who were partly prepared for trench warfare in Belgium and France. They covered warfare topics in the last 3 weeks of its 14-week training program. Instruction included wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with a gas attack, using bombs (hand grenades), using the bayonet & routines in the trenches

After completing training in England, the troops received an extra 10 days of training at the major British base depot at Étaples near Boulogne, on the French coast. British officers subjected them to a strict medical check and some military 'tests', such as practicing their response to gas attacks

HOSPITALISATION SCABIES

During his training, on 6^th April, 1917, he was admitted to hospital with scabies. It was not unusual for soldiers to have this complaint. Scabies is contagious and can be contracted through prolonged physical contact with an infected person. The treatment typically involved exposing the parasite and its eggs, destroying them with parasiticides, and disinfecting contaminated clothing and bedding. Sulphur ointment was widely used due to its effectiveness and affordability. The process included scrubbing infected areas, applying sulphur ointment, and ensuring thorough hygiene practices. He returned to Rollestone on 19^th April 1917

TRENCH WARFARE

His unit proceeded to France on 9^th July 1917 and joined his unit on 1^st August 1917.  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.

BATTLE OF AMIENS 8^TH TO 11^TH AUGUST 1918

His unit were involved in the battles at Amiens. The Battle of Amiens, fought from 8 August to 11 August, 1918, was a pivotal moment in World War I. It marked the beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive, a series of Allied victories that ultimately led to the end of the war. The Allies employed innovative tactics, including the use of 600 tanks, heavy artillery, and aircraft, to achieve a surprise attack on German forces3. The element of surprise was crucial, as the attack was not preceded by a bombardment. The 20th played a significant role in the battle.

During the battle, they contributed to the rapid advance against German forces, capturing key objectives and breaching heavily fortified positions. The battalion worked closely with British tanks, artillery, and other support units, showcasing exceptional coordination and determination. Their efforts were instrumental in achieving the surprise attack that led to significant gains for the Allies and dealt a blow to German morale

THE BATTLE OF MONT ST QUENTIN

31^ST AUGUST 1918 TO 3^RD SEPTEMBER, 1918

The Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin was a key engagement during the Hundred Days Offensive in World War I. It took place near Péronne, France, and was led by General John Monash of the Australian Imperial Force. The battle was a remarkable achievement for the Australians, who managed to capture the strategically vital hill of Mont Saint-Quentin despite being vastly outnumbered and exhausted

The 20th played a crucial role in this battle. The battalion faced intense resistance as they advanced uphill under heavy fire, but their determination and coordination allowed them to breach German defences. Working alongside other units of the 2nd Division, they contributed to the capture of the hill and the nearby town of Péronne. This victory was a significant achievement for the Australian forces, showcasing their resilience and tactical skill. The battle was costly, with the Australians suffering heavy casualties, but it marked a turning point in the Hundred Days Offensive

THE ATTACK ON THE BEAUREVOIR LINE 3 OCTOBER TO 5 OCTOBER 1918

They then participated in the attack on the "Beaurevoir Line" at Montbrehain in October. The attack WAS during the final stages of World War I. The Beaurevoir Line was part of the Hindenburg Line, a series of formidable German defensive positions. It was located approximately 8 kilometers behind the main Hindenburg Line and consisted of barbed wire entanglements, machine gun bunkers, and partially dug trenches

The battalion faced intense resistance as they advanced through barbed wire entanglements and machine gun fire. Despite these challenges, they contributed to the successful breach of the Beaurevoir Line, showcasing their resilience and tactical skill. This attack marked one of the last major engagements involving Australian forces in World War I.

THE BATTLE OF POELCAPPELLE 9^TH TO 10^TH OCTOBER 1917

They were then involved in the Battle of Poelcappelle. The 20th Battalion, part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division, was actively involved in the Battle of Poelcappelle, which took place during the Third Battle of Ypres in Belgium. This battle was marked by challenging conditions, including heavy rain and waterlogged terrain, which made movement and combat extremely difficult.

The battalion faced intense German resistance as they advanced through the muddy landscape, aiming to capture key objectives. Despite the adverse conditions and high casualties, the 20th Battalion demonstrated remarkable resilience and contributed to the limited gains achieved during the battle. Their efforts were part of a broader Allied strategy to weaken German defences in Flanders

WOUNDED IN ACTION

It was in this battle that Alfred was wounded in action on 9^th October with a gunshot wound to his face. It must have been a very minor wound as he returned to his unit on 2^nd November 1917

EARLY 1918

In early 1918, the 20th Infantry Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was engaged in defensive and offensive operations on the Western Front. During this period, the battalion was involved in resisting the German Spring Offensive, which began in March 1918. This offensive was a major German attempt to break through Allied lines before American forces could fully arrive.

The 20th Battalion played a role in holding key positions and countering German advances. They were stationed in the Somme region, where they faced intense fighting and challenging conditions. Their efforts helped to stabilize the front and prevent the Germans from achieving their objectives.

GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE 21^ST MARCH TO 18^TH JULY 1918

The German Spring Offensive was a series of German attacks on the Western Front during World War I, launched between March 21 and July 18, 1918. It was Germany's last major attempt to secure victory before the arrival of significant American forces. The offensive consisted of four operations: Michael, Georgette, Gneisenau, and Blücher-Yorck3.

The main goal was to break through Allied lines, outflank British forces, and force the Allies into a peace settlement. Initially, the Germans made significant territorial gains, achieving the deepest advances on the Western Front since 19143. However, logistical challenges, overextension, and fierce Allied resistance eventually stalled the offensive. By mid-summer, the Germans were exhausted and vulnerable to the Allied counteroffensive, which ultimately led to their defeat

WOUNDED IN ACTION- SECOND OCCASION- GASSED

One of the casualties of this action was Alfred who was gassed on 2nd July 1918. chemical warfare was still a significant threat on the Western Front, including in France. The most used gases at the time were mustard gas, phosgene, and chlorine gas

·      Mustard gas: Introduced by the Germans in 1917, mustard gas caused severe chemical burns on the skin and respiratory damage. It was particularly feared because it could linger on the ground for weeks, contaminating areas long after its release.

·      Phosgene: This colourless gas had a smell resembling rotting hay and was less irritating than chlorine, making it more insidious. Victims often inhaled it deeply before realizing its effects, leading to suffocation.

·      Chlorine gas: Although less commonly used by 1918, chlorine gas was still employed in some attacks. It caused severe irritation to the lungs and eyes.

These gases were delivered through artillery shells, mortars, or cylinders, and their use was a grim hallmark of trench warfare.

Treatment for soldiers exposed to gas during World War I was challenging and often limited by the medical knowledge of the time. Immediate care focused on decontamination and alleviating symptoms:

·      Decontamination: Soldiers were stripped of contaminated clothing and bathed to remove traces of gas, especially mustard gas, which could linger on the skin and cause severe burns.

·      Respiratory relief: For those who inhaled gas, treatments included inhaling mixtures of substances like menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor to ease breathing and reduce inflammation.

·      Eye care: Alkaline eye irrigations were used repeatedly to treat conjunctivitis caused by gas exposure.

·      Burn treatment: Chemical burns were cleaned, blisters excised, and wounds dressed with antiseptic solutions or Vaseline gauze to promote healing.

Despite these efforts, recovery was often slow, and many soldiers suffered long-term effects from gas exposure. He rejoined his unit on 22^nd September 1918 where his unit was training out of line. He was given leave in France from 24^th September 1918 to 10^th October 1918

WAR ENDED- HOSPITALISATION VENEREAL DISEASE

The Armistice was declared in November 1918. However, Alfred, spent much of 1919 in and out of hospital, including admission to 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital, Bulford for venereal disease. 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. Alfred had 5 short stays in this hospital between February & July 1919

GOING HOME

Alfred returned to Australia on 5^th September, almost one year after the war officially ended. The logistical challenge of bringing troops home 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. Alfred landed in Australia on 30^th October 1919, on the Plassy, one of the last ships to leave England. He was discharged 30^th October 1919.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Alfred was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is on the Burringbar War Memorial. His records state he died 14^th September, 1948

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