FAMILY LIFE

Herbert Samuel Nichols (Bert) was born in 1891 in Milton, son of Walter Herbert & Dina (Fitch) Nichols. The family moved to the Tweed in 1914. Bert’s brother, Clarence, enlisted the same day with him but died on 29^th November 1918 in France. Although Bert was living in Edith St, Leichhardt when he enlisted, I have included him due to his family connection and the fact his brother travelled to Sydney to enlist with him.

ATTESTATION

He was single tram conductor, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Liverpool on 7^th February, 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Walter Herbert Nichols, of Tumbulgum. His medical showed he was 24 years 5 months old, 5ft 10 ¾ inches tall (1.8m), weighed 150 lbs (68kgs), with a fair complexion, hazel eyes & light hair.  His eyesight was good

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Herbert “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, Herbert Samuel Nichols, 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. Bert had varicocele which is  a collection of enlarged veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs, which does not need treatment. He also had a scar on the right side of his scalp. He was enlisted as a private into the 36^th Infantry Battalion B Coy Rifle Battery with service No 527

TRAINING AT LIVERPOOL

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, 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.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

The brothers left Sydney on the Beltana on the 13^th May 1916. 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

ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP

The boys disembarked at Devonport on 9th July 1916. When Australian soldiers arrived in England, they were initially sent to depot camps or staging areas, such as Perham Downs, Larkhill, or transit depots near the port. These were not full training camps but temporary holding locations where soldiers could be processed.

During this interim period, soldiers typically:

·      Recovered from the voyage: After long sea travel from Australia (often via South Africa), 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 be available

They then went into the training camps. 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.

Military training grounds had soldiers exposed to harsh weather. The sanitary facilities in training camps were often rudimentary, and the spread of infections was common. Training would normally last 3 months

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

Bert & Clarence left Southampton on 22^nd November 1916, heading for France. The soldiers now found themselves fighting the Germans 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.

1917: FRONTLINE SERVICE

JANUARY – MARCH 1917: FIRST EXPOSURE TO THE WESTERN FRONT- INITIAL STAGING & INSERTION INTO THE TRENCHES

The 36th Battalion's first significant engagement in France was in January 1917. They were stationed in the Armentières region, near the French-Belgium border. This was considered a relatively quiet sector, but it was still a dangerous environment, with constant artillery shelling and sporadic attacks.

Bert would have experienced the harsh realities of trench life, with freezing cold, mud, rats, and the constant stress of enemy shellfire. His tasks would likely have included maintaining trenches, standing sentry duty, and participating in minor raids

APRIL 1917: BATTLE OF BULLECOURT (FIRST BATTLE)

The Battle of Bullecourt (April 1917) was a significant and bloody battle in which Australian troops attempted to break through German lines at a village in northern France.

The 36th Battalion was not directly involved in the first phase of Bullecourt (April 1917), but they were part of the follow-up actions and spent time in the area under heavy artillery bombardment. As he had only newly joined the Battalion Bert may not have been part of the initial assault, but he would have likely taken part in the mopping-up operations or defensive positions post-battle.

MAY – JUNE 1917: THE BATTLE OF MESSINES

The Battle of Messines (June 1917) was a key engagement for Australian forces, marked by the successful detonation of a series of massive mines beneath the German lines. It was a strategically important battle.

The 36th Battalion played an active role in capturing German positions and holding newly gained ground. By this time, Bert would have been deeply immersed in active combat, experiencing both the preparation for the battle and the intense fighting. He likely would have participated in the assault on the German defensive positions, which required moving through heavily defended trenches and strongpoints

JULY – NOVEMBER 1917: THE THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES (PASSCHENDAELE)

The Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Passchendaele offensive, was a prolonged and brutal series of engagements fought in horrible weather conditions (rain, mud, and floods). The Australians were tasked with advancing in difficult terrain, often wading through mud and under constant artillery bombardment.

The 36th Battalion participated in the battle at Polygon Wood and other areas in the Ypres sector. By this point, Bert would have been part of several attacks and possibly witnessed massive casualties. Passchendaele was an especially hard battle for Australian forces, with very little territory gained for the tremendous cost. Bert would have had direct exposure to gas attacks, intense shelling, and the deadly nature of trench combat.

LATE 1917: REST AND REAR AREA DUTIES

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 1917: REST & RECOVERY

POST-PASSCHENDAELE REST

After the heavy fighting at Passchendaele, the 36th Battalion and the entire Australian Corps were rotated out of the frontlines for rest and recuperation.

Rear Area Activities: During this period, Bert’s duties may have included maintenance of equipment, rebuilding trenches, or preparing for the next phase of the war. He might have spent time in a relatively quieter area behind the lines, though artillery shelling and air raids were still constant threats.

The Winter of 1917: Winter in the trenches could be miserable, with cold and wet conditions making it difficult to stay dry and healthy. Bert would have also likely experienced some form of illness, like trench foot, colds, or the more severe outbreaks of influenza.

JANUARY 1918: BERT'S LEAVE GRANTED

12^th January 1918 marks the point where Bert is granted leave in the UK. During this leave, Bert would have had a chance to recover from the stresses of war. He might have visited the UK for rest, or simply spent time away from the front to recuperate physically and mentally. He rejoined his battalion on 25^th January

HOSPITALISED INFLUENZA FEBRUARY 1918

Bert was hospitalised with influenza on 11^th February but was only absent until 15^th February when he rejoined his unit

FEBRUARY 1918: REJOINING THE 36TH BATTALION

After his leave, Bert would have rejoined his battalion in a quieter, possibly rear-area sector, depending on where the 36th was stationed at the time. The battalion would have been rotating in and out of the front lines, conducting operations or getting ready for the next phase of the war.

BATTLE PREPARATIONS- MARCH 1918

The German Spring offensive (known as the Kaiserschlacht, starting in March 1918) was on the horizon. Bert would have been involved in preparatory tasks, such as strengthening defensive positions, improving trench systems, or training for what was about to come.

R&R AND REAR AREA DUTIES:

The winter months on the Western Front were typically harsh, and after the fighting at Passchendaele in 1917, there may have been an emphasis on rest and recuperation for some units. While some battalions were still on active duty, others were in more restful areas or behind the lines preparing for upcoming operations.

Bert would have participated in standard trench warfare duties: guard shifts, reconnaissance patrols, and working on improving the trench system. He might have been involved in defensive work—fixing up the lines, laying out wire entanglements, and digging new positions in case of an attack.

MARCH 1918: THE GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE – KAISERSCHLACHT"- THE GERMAN ATTACK BEGINS

On 21st March 1918, the German army launched the Kaiserschlacht (Spring Offensive), a series of attacks designed to break the deadlock of trench warfare. The offensive aimed to capture vital territory and weaken the Allied lines before the full strength of American forces could arrive.

The 36th Battalion was in the vicinity of the Somme and was likely involved in defensive actions against the German offensive. This would have been a tense period, with the battalion potentially engaged in fighting for key positions or retreating as part of a larger, more fluid defensive maneuver.

Depending on where the 36th Battalion was positioned, Bert would have been involved in either holding defensive lines or helping with withdrawals to more secure positions. If the 36th was involved in any counterattacks, he would have been directly in combat. The pressure would have been immense, as the Germans made rapid advances during the early days of the offensive.

APRIL 1918: STABILIZATION AND TRANSFER TO THE 33RD BATTALION- DEFENDING AGAINST THE KAISERSCHLACHT

In April 1918, the Germans made additional attacks, but the initial momentum of the Spring Offensive started to slow as the Allies adapted and counterattacked. The 36th Battalion would have been deeply involved in stabilizing the lines and holding on to key positions.

It is likely that Bert was again in a defensive role, with periods of heavy shelling and close combat. The battalion would have been involved in holding positions around critical areas like Villiers-Bretonneux (an area of fierce fighting in April 1918), a location that saw intense battles between the Australians and Germans.

The battalion’s role during this time would likely have been centered around mopping up after the Germans in the wake of their withdrawal or maintaining positions during the quieter times between German attacks. This would have been exhausting and dangerous work, with Bert likely enduring both physical fatigue and the psychological toll of constant shellfire.

TRANSFER TO THE 33RD BATTALION APRIL 1918

On 30^th April 1918 Bert was transferred to the 33^rd Battalion. This would have marked a significant change in Bert’s service. The reasons for transfers between battalions can vary—sometimes it was due to the need for reinforcements, the merging of battalions, or changes in the line of command. He could have been transferred for logistical reasons, as the 36th Battalion might have needed more reinforcements, or the 33rd Battalion could have suffered higher casualties and needed experienced soldiers like Bert.

As part of the 33rd Battalion, Bert would have faced new challenges, including adjusting to a different group of soldiers and officers. The 33rd, part of the same 3rd Australian Division, would have operated similarly, but every battalion had its own character and approach. The transfer would have meant another phase of intense fighting, though likely involving a change in the operational area and potentially new battles or defensive actions

MAY – JUNE 1918: ENGAGED IN DEFENSIVE ACTIONS AND COUNTERATTACKS (THE FINAL STAGES OF THE GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE)

MAY 1918: THE BATTLE OF THE LYS (SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME)

The 33rd Battalion, as part of the 3rd Australian Division, was involved in defending positions along the Lys River (near Hazebrouck and Bailleul) during the German Spring Offensive that continued through April and into May 1918. The Kaiserschlacht (Spring Offensive) had inflicted significant casualties, but the Germans were beginning to lose momentum in May as the Allies adapted.

Bert's Role: Bert would have been involved in holding defensive positions against the continued German attacks. The Allies, including Australian forces, were pushed back, but they managed to hold key positions along the Lys River. As part of a defensive action, he likely experienced intense artillery bombardments, small unit actions, and possibly some close-quarter fighting as the Germans tried to break through the lines.

Counterattack Preparations: The battalion would have likely participated in local counterattacks or defensive operations aimed at regaining lost territory or preventing further enemy advances

JULY 1918: THE BATTLE OF HAMEL

The Battle of Hamel (4th July 1918) was a successful Australian offensive where General John Monash demonstrated innovative tactics, including the use of combined arms (infantry, tanks, artillery, and air support). The 33rd Battalion participated in this key victory, which helped turn the tide of the war.

By the time of the Battle of Hamel, Bert would have been engaged in the planning and preparation for the assault. The battle was relatively short but intense, lasting for several hours, and involved careful coordination of artillery bombardments, machine guns, and tanks. Bert would likely have been part of the initial assault, advancing across open ground under heavy artillery support.

While Hamel was a success, it still came at a cost. Bert would have witnessed both the brutality of combat and the success of a well-coordinated attack, gaining ground and pushing the Germans back.

ALLOCATED NEW SERVICE NUMBER JULY 1918

On 9th July 1918, Bert was allocated a new service number on his transfer to the 33rd- it was now 527A

AUGUST 1918: THE BATTLE OF AMIENS AND THE START OF THE "100 DAYS OFFENSIVE"

The Battle of Amiens (8th August 1918) marked the beginning of the Allied “100 Days Offensive”, a series of coordinated attacks that would lead to the eventual defeat of Germany. The 33rd Battalion took part in actions around the Amiens sector, where the Australians made significant advances.

Bert would have been involved in assaults and advancing through German positions, likely facing heavy resistance from the retreating German forces. The “100 Days Offensive” was characterized by high mobility, with Australian troops pushing forward through previously entrenched German positions, sometimes encountering guerilla warfare-style resistance.

The 33rd Battalion would have been involved in reconnaissance, securing territory, and pushing forward, likely working with tanks and aircraft to coordinate attacks. This was a fast-paced period, requiring soldiers to be ready for rapid movements

SEPTEMBER 1918: THE BATTLE OF ST. QUENTIN CANAL (AND THE FINAL PUSH)

The Battle of St. Quentin Canal was part of the larger Hundred Days Offensive and was one of the key successes in breaking through the German defences.

The 33rd Battalion participated in this attack, pushing through the Canal du Nord area. The battle was significant because it marked the breaking of the German Hindenburg Line defences. Bert would have been part of attacks on entrenched positions along the canal. The fighting here was particularly brutal, with many soldiers engaging in close-quarter combat as they cleared German positions from the canal and surrounding defences. Heavy artillery and machine-gun fire would have made this a dangerous and exhausting period.

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 1918: ADVANCING INTO THE HINDENBURG LINE AND BEYOND

Late October 1918 saw the Allied forces continuing their advance, breaking deeper into the Hindenburg Line, and pushing German forces back towards their own borders.

Bert’s Role: The 33rd Battalion, still engaged in pursuit and mopping-up operations, would have continued to face sporadic resistance from retreating German forces. The pace of advance increased, and Bert likely took part in smaller engagements or patrols behind enemy lines to ensure that enemy forces were not regrouping.

By now, German morale was faltering, and many soldiers were retreating rather than fighting, but the battalion still faced challenges, including attacks on supply lines, enemy snipers, and harassment by aerial bombardment

WAR ENDED- HOSPITALISATION INFLUENZA NOVEMBER 1918

The War Ended on 11th November 1918 with the signing of the Armistice. However, Bert was hospitalized on 22nd November, with influenza. He rejoined his unit on 7^th December 1918. 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 IN ENGLAND DECEMBER 1918- JANUARY 1919

Bert was granted leave in England from 24^th December and rejoined his unit on 10^th January 1919

FRANCE AFTER THE WAR ENDED

After the Armistice on 11 November 1918, Australian soldiers in France did not immediately return home. Instead, they remained in France and Belgium for weeks or even months performing a wide range of duties. These duties included

·      Many soldiers helped repair roads, railways, and bridges damaged during the war.

·      They cleared battlefields of debris, barbed wire, and unexploded ordnance.

·       Some worked on reinterring bodies in formal war cemeteries under the Imperial War Graves Commission.

Units still followed military discipline: parades, inspections, drills.

Continued training exercises, including physical training and military education & participated in victory parades and ceremonies.

BASE DEPOT MARCH 1919

On 15th March Bert reported to Base Depot in England. When the war ended soldiers would be on duties such as with Depot HQs which had 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. He was engaged in clerical work or helping demob soldiers at depots at Weymouth & Codford

RETURNED HOME JUNE 1919

On 11^TH May 1919 left England and on 28^th June 1919 Bert disembarked the Borda in Australia.

FOR HIS SERVICE

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

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