Private Gordon Reginald Greenaway
Service #: 5020
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
Gordon Reginald Greenaway was born 11 Jan 1899 at Grafton, son of John & Annie Katherine Greenaway. He was one of 11 children.
ATTESTATION
According to his marriage certificate dated 14th June 1919, Gordon was living in Murwillumbah in November 1915 but travelled to Casula, in Sydney to complete his medical and application. He was 19 years 3 months old and a dairy man with his father, John Greenaway of Coraki, as his next of kin. His father signed a letter giving him his consent to enlist as he was under age. He had been an apprentice for 5 years with H.E. Sparks of Hunter River. 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, Gordon Reginald Greenaway, 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 5ft 9 inches tall (1.75m), weighed 140 lbs (63kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & brown hair. His eye sight was good. He 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
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 20th Infantry Battalion with service No 5020.
THE 20TH 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. He was then transferred to the 2nd Machine gun company on 23rd March, 1918
AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP
Now their training began. Firstly, 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
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 SYDNEY TO ENGLAND JULY 1916
On the 5th July 1916, the regiment left Sydney sailing upon the HMAT Ajana. 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. They disembarked at Plymouth on 31st August 1916
HOSPITALISATION AND CONVALESCENCE
On 1st September he was admitted to the Military Hospital in Devonport (no details except sick, slight). He was sent the convalescent camp till 9th October then to the English training camp.
ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP
During an interim period, soldiers typically:
· Recovered from the voyage: After long sea travel from Australia, troops needed time to rest and regain strength.
· Underwent medical inspections: To check for illnesses, infections, or conditions like venereal disease that might delay their training.
· Received equipment and uniforms: This included British-issued gear better suited to the Western Front.
· Were assigned to training battalions: Administrative processing sorted soldiers into reinforcement drafts for specific front-line battalions.
· Drilled lightly: They performed light drills, parades, and familiarisation routines while waiting for formal training slots to open.
When the recruits arrived in England, they entered a period of intensive preparation that was both physically demanding and strategically vital.
Life in camp was austere and relentless. The recruits lived in wooden huts that offered little protection from the English weather, and the damp cold of the Plain came as a shock to men who had trained in Australia and/or Egypt. Days began early, often before dawn, with physical training designed to build endurance and toughness. Long route marches across the open downs were a regular feature, men carrying full packs, rifles, ammunition, and equipment as they were conditioned for the demands of trench warfare.
Training was systematic and increasingly realistic. The men would have spent many hours on the parade ground mastering drill, weapon handling, and unit manoeuvres, but the focus soon shifted to battlefield skills. The battalion practised trench warfare techniques, including entering and clearing enemy trenches, bombing drills with Mills grenades, bayonet fighting, and the rapid consolidation of captured positions. Specially constructed practice trenches on Salisbury Plain allowed officers and NCOs to rehearse attacks down to the smallest detail, ensuring that every man understood his role once the battalion went into action.
Musketry training was constant. The men would have fired thousands of rounds on the rifle ranges, honing accuracy, and speed, learning to fire from awkward positions and under time pressure. Lewis gun teams trained separately, while all infantrymen were taught how to operate the weapon if needed. Gas warfare instruction was also compulsory; men practised donning respirators under simulated gas attacks, a grim but necessary preparation for conditions at the front.
Between training cycles, the battalion undertook further instruction at nearby camps on Salisbury Plain, including periods at Perham Down, another major training area used to relieve overcrowding and provide additional field space. Here the emphasis was on large-scale exercises involving entire brigades, practising attacks behind creeping artillery barrages, night operations, and movement under cover. These exercises often lasted days, with men sleeping in the open, reinforcing the endurance and discipline required for front-line service.
Despite the hard routine, there were moments of respite. When training schedules allowed, the men may have been granted short leave to nearby towns such as Salisbury or even London, where Australian soldiers briefly escaped the rigours of camp life. These interludes, however, were short-lived, and by autumn the training intensified as the battalion’s departure for France drew closer.
After many months of continuous preparation in England, the Battalion was judged ready for active service. The recruits had been transformed from a newly arrived reinforcement into a fully trained infantryman, accustomed to discipline, hardship, and the mechanics of modern war. When the battalion finally crossed to France, it did so as a cohesive and well-drilled unit, prepared—so far as training could allow—for the brutal realities of the Western Front.
WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE FEBRUARY 1917
He sailed on the Arundel to join his unit in France on 7th February 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.
THE HINDENBURG LINE MARCH 1917
Between February and June 1917, the 20th Battalion was actively engaged on the Western Front in France. During this period, the battalion participated in operations related to the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, which began in February 1917. This strategic retreat by the Germans aimed to consolidate their defences and reduce the territory they had to defend
The 20th Battalion, as part of the 5th Brigade in the 2nd Division, was actively involved in pursuing the retreating Germans and engaging in operations to secure the vacated territory
During this period, the battalion faced challenges such as booby-trapped towns and strong German rear-guard actions. Notably, the 20th Battalion participated in the defence against a German counterattack at Lagnicourt in March 1917, where they successfully repelled a force significantly larger than their own. These actions were part of the broader Allied efforts to pressure the German forces and prepare for subsequent offensives.
DISCIPLINED
On 23rd April 1917 Gordon went AWL till 24th April and was awarded 28 days FP No.2 and 46 days forfeiture of pay. He was awaiting trial in 16 days.
FP NO.2
In Field Punishment Number Two, the prisoner was placed in fetters and handcuffs but was not attached to a fixed object and was still able to march with his unit. This was a relatively tolerable punishment.
THE BATTLE OF POZIERES 23 JULY TO 3 SEPTEMBER 1916
The 20th participated in major battles such as Pozières, Flers, and the Hundred Days Offensive. The Battle of Pozières took place during the Battle of the Somme. Australian forces played a crucial role, capturing the village of Pozières and enduring relentless German artillery bombardments, losing as many men in a few weeks as they did over eight months on Gallipoli.
The battle was marked by intense fighting, with Australian divisions suffering heavy casualties—over 23,000 men, including 6,800 killed or dying of wounds. Despite the losses, the Australians secured the high ground, which was vital for further Allied operations. On 29 July 1916 official Australian war correspondent Charles Bean recorded in his diary: “Pozieres Ridge is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth”
HOSPITALISATION & CONVALESCENT DEPOT
On 18th September 1917 he was admitted to the Field Ambulance, sick- no details. A Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was then sent to the 13th Convalescent Depot. 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
HOSPITALISED VENEREAL DISEASE
He must have had some furlough while in the convalescent depot as he was admitted to the 39th General Hospital with 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 had most patients recovering and returning to the front. Gordon was discharged on 31ST December 1917.
EARLY 1918
In early 1918 the 20th Battalion was involved in routine trench warfare, including patrols, raids, and defensive operations. This was a quieter phase compared to the major battles earlier in 1917, as both sides prepared for the German Spring Offensive that would begin in March 1918.
The battalion would have focused on maintaining their positions, improving fortifications, and enduring the harsh winter conditions. They also likely participated in training and reorganization to prepare for the challenges ahead.
FURLOUGH & DISCIPLINED
During this time Gordon was granted furlough in London where he went AWL from 7.30am on 14th February 1918 to 7.30am on 15th February when he reported to Victoria Station. He was awarded 7 days FP No.2 and forfeited 7 days’ pay.
WOUNDED IN ACTION MARCH 1918
He rejoined his unit and was wounded in action on 11th March 1918 during one of their routine raids. The wound was not detailed but was slight as he rejoined his unit on 17th March.
TRANSFER TO 2ND MACHINE GUN COMPANY MARCH 1918
On 23rd March 1918 he was transferred to the 2nd machine gun company.
THE SECOND MACHINE GUN BATTALION
The 2nd Machine Gun Battalion was an Australian Army unit formed during World War I as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Established in March 1918, it consolidated the machine gun companies of the 5th, 6th, and 7th Infantry Brigades, along with the 22nd Machine Gun Company. This battalion was equipped with Vickers medium machine guns, renowned for their reliability and firepower. Its legacy highlights the evolution of machine gun tactics and their critical role in modern warfare
MARCH TO MAY 1918
Between March and May 1918, the 2nd Machine Gun Company, which became part of the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion in March 1918, was involved in key engagements during the German Spring Offensive. This period saw intense fighting as German forces launched a series of offensives to break through Allied lines before American reinforcements could fully arrive. The 2nd Machine Gun Company played a critical role in defensive operations, providing sustained fire to repel German advances and protect Allied positions. Their Vickers machine guns were essential for enfilade fire, covering barbed wire defences, and disrupting enemy movements. Specific battles during this time included actions around Villers-Bretonneux, where Australian forces famously counterattacked to recapture the town in late April 1918.
THE BATTLE OF VILLERS-BRETONNEUX APRIL 1918
The Battle of Villers-Bretonneux was a significant engagement during World War I, fought on 24–25 April 1918 as part of the German Spring Offensive. The town of Villers-Bretonneux, located near Amiens in northern France, was strategically important due to its proximity to vital transport hubs.
German forces launched an attack on the town using infantry, artillery, and tanks—the first time tanks were used in combat by the Germans. The British defenders, including inexperienced troops, struggled to hold their positions, and the town fell into German hands. However, the Australian 13th and 15th Brigades were brought forward for a counterattack. In a well-coordinated night assault, the Australians successfully recaptured the town, marking a turning point in the battle. This victory demonstrated the effectiveness of the Australian forces and their ability to adapt to challenging conditions. Villers-Bretonneux remains a symbol of Australian bravery and sacrifice during the war.
HOSPITALISATION PUO- PYREXIA OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN- TRENCH FEVER
MAY 1918
On 8th May 1918 he was taken to England and admitted to Fulham Military Hospital with PUO. Trench fever, often classed as “PUO- pyrexia of unknown origin,” is a condition that was first reported from troops in Flanders in 1915, when individuals suffered from a febrile illness that relapsed in five-day cycles.
Human louse was rife in the trenches of the Western Front. It was the cause of much discomfort to the troops who found it almost impossible to get rid of them. But the body louse did cause another disease that became to be known as 'Trench Fever'.
The body louse was infected by biting a soldier suffering from Trench Fever. The infected soldier did not show any signs, or symptoms, for anything from a week to a month, when a severe head-ache developed with debilitating muscle pains; characteristically of the shins - hence the commonly used alternative name 'Shin-bone Fever'. With a duration of around five days, the fever went into remission and often reoccurred (relapsed) one or more times. There was no effective treatment for Trench Fever other than bed-rest
DISCIPLINED JUNE 1918
On his furlough in London, he was again charged with being AWL from 8th June to noon on 10th June. He was awarded loss of 4 days’ pay. He rejoined his unit in France on 2nd October but was disciplined for being drunk in town- Boulogne. He was awarded loss of 14 days’ pay.
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.
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 Gordon was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal
MARRIAGE
On 4th June 1919 Gordon married Mary Robertson Paterson at Crosshill Street, Lennoxtown in the Campsie, Stirling, Scotland registration district. They were married under the Church of Scotland ceremony. Gordon was stationed at Sutton Veney at the time.
RETURNED HOME
Gordon & Mary returned to Australia 25 September 1919 on the Mahanal, arriving home 12th November 1919. He was discharged 17th January 1920
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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