FAMILY LIFE

Gavin John Ritchie was born in Murwillumbah in 1894, son of James Lehman & Catherine Ritchie. He was brother to Marion, Mary, and James (who also saw service). His father was one of the very early pioneers of the Tweed, arriving in the 1860’s. He had one of the first general supply stores in the Tweed, at Tumbulgum and was one of the first to join the Masonic Club, doing so at North Tumbulgum, the first club in the Tweed

APPLICATION

He was single butcher, living in Wardrop St, South Murwillumbah, eager to do his bit. He enlisted at Murwillumbah on 9^th March 1915 for his medical which showed he was 21 years 1 month old, 5ft 3 inches tall (1.6m), weighed 150 lbs (68kgs), with a medium complexion, grey eyes & dark brown hair. He had 1 right & 2 left lower molars missing. He was Presbyterian. He completed his application on 10^th March 1915 stating his next of kin as his father, James, of South Murwillumbah.

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Gavin “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, Gavin John Ritchie, 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 enlisted as a private into the 25 Infantry Battalion – 17^th Infantry Brigade D Company with service No 972

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.

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.

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

On the 29 June 1915, the regiment left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Aeneas. 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.

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP

The ship arrived in Alexandria and the recruits were marched in the Egyptian training camp. In August 1915, the 25th Battalion was stationed in Egypt, undergoing training in preparation for their deployment to Gallipoli. During this period, they were stationed at the Mena Camp, located near Cairo. Mena Camp was a major training facility for Australian troops during World War I, situated at the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The camp provided a base for training and acclimatization before soldiers were sent to the front lines.

They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. Temperatures during the day could be extremely hot. The area was dusty and sandy, with frequent sandstorms. These made daily life and drills difficult and unpleasant

MENA TRAINING CAMP, EGYPT

They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind.

Conditions were harsh and often criticized by the Australian troops training there. Temperatures during the day could be extremely hot. The area was dusty and sandy, with frequent sandstorms. These made daily life and drills difficult and unpleasant

Soldiers lived in canvas tents with minimal protection from the elements. There was little shade or comfort. Latrines and hygiene facilities were basic and sometimes inadequate. Flies and other insects were a constant problem. Rations were repetitive and not always sufficient in quantity or quality. Complaints about the food were common.

Despite the conditions, training was rigorous—drills, route marches, musketry, and entrenching were conducted daily. 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. 

Training would be for eight hours a day six days a week. 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 and many deaths from pneumonia were attributed to this cause. Mena Camp was a place of tough acclimatization, designed to prepare the men for combat in Gallipoli. It was physically uncomfortable, with limited resources, but it played a critical role in transitioning a civilian army into one ready for war

TRAINING FOR THE WESTERN FRONT

Between October 1915 and January 1916, the 25th was stationed in Egypt. During this period, the battalion underwent further training in preparation for deployment to the Western Front.

The battalion had a relatively quiet time during this period, as the last major Allied offensive had been launched and turned back in the previous month. It left the Gallipoli Peninsula on 18 December 1915 and returned to Egypt via the island of Mudros, arriving on 9 January 1916

HOSPITALISATION CHANCRE, EGYPT, VENEREAL DISEASE

JANUARY 1916

While in Egypt soldiers had some opportunities to visit both local landmarks, which was often a highlight amid the drudgery of camp life, and Cairo. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of these visits was contacting venereal disease. Gavin was hospitalised on 14^th January with Chancre which is a painless ulcer that typically appears as the first sign of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium. It usually develops at the site where the bacterium entered the body—commonly the genitals, anus, or mouth—and appears about three weeks after exposure. The chancre is firm, round, and non-tender, and it heals on its own within a few weeks, even without treatment, but the infection continues to progress internally if untreated.

Syphilis was a major medical issue during World War I. At that time, penicillin had not yet been discovered, so syphilis treatment was more primitive and less effective. In WWI, it was treated with mercury, Salvarsan, and bismuth, which were only partially effective and often toxic. The lack of effective antibiotics made prevention and long-term care challenging.

CONVALESCENT & TRAINING

Gavin was released after 47 days and was marched into the training camp at Tel El Kebir. 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.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH 57^TH BATTALION JULY 1916

On 21^st June 1916 he embarked on the Ivernia heading for Marseilles and on 27^th July was taken on strength with the 57^th Battalion. New recruits and reinforcements joined the battalion during this period, bolstering its numbers and readiness. They had been engaged in the Battle of Fromelles, earlier in July, before Gavin joined them.

Following the Battle of Fromelles, the 57th Battalion was engaged in holding and defending positions in the trenches. The battalion underwent intensive training to adapt to the challenges of trench warfare, focusing on improving tactics and coordination

Between November to December 1916 the battalion maintained a state of readiness for potential engagements, conducting regular patrols and maintaining defensive positions. Additional reinforcement drafts were sent to the battalion, ensuring it remained at full strength for future operations. The battalion continued to experience casualties due to the ongoing harsh conditions and skirmishes along the front lines.

TRANSFERRED BACK TO 25^TH BATTALION NOVEMBER 1916

On 25^th November Gavin was transferred back to the 25^th

NOVEMBER 1916 TO MARCH 1917

Between November 1916 and March 1917, the 25th Battalion was stationed on the Western Front in France, primarily engaged in holding front-line positions, rotating through the trenches, and undergoing rest and training cycles. This period came after the heavy fighting at Pozières and Mouquet Farm earlier in 1916, which had resulted in substantial casualties for the unit.

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 1916 NEAR FLERS, IN THE SOMME REGION OF FRANCE.

The 25th was involved in winter trench duties during one of the coldest winters of the war. The front-line conditions were horrific, with deep mud, snow, freezing rain, and trench foot becoming common. They engaged in routine trench rotations, including manning front lines, support lines, and rest billets. Even in the absence of major offensives, trench raids, artillery fire, and disease caused steady attrition.

JANUARY – FEBRUARY 1917 CONTINUED HOLDING THE LINE IN THE SOMME.

The battalion likely participated in raids and reconnaissance, supporting intelligence efforts during a quiet period on the front.

Ongoing training, reinforcement, and recovery from the earlier 1916 campaigns

MARCH 1917

The 25th began to move forward as part of the broader Allied push in response to the German strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line (Operation Alberich). This marked a change from static trench warfare to a more fluid advance. The battalion conducted advances into previously German-held territory, encountering booby traps, delayed demolition, and light resistance.

Between March and July 1917, the 25th Battalion was actively engaged in various operations on the Western Front, primarily in the Flers and Bullecourt sectors.

MARCH–APRIL 1917: FLERS SECTOR

The battalion was stationed in the Flers sector, a region characterized by challenging terrain and active combat zones. During this period, the 25th Battalion participated in two attacks to the east of Flers. Both offensives encountered significant difficulties due to the muddy conditions, which hampered movement and logistics. Despite these challenges, the battalion played a crucial role in supporting the overall objectives of the 2nd Division

DISCIPLINED MARCH 1917

On 15^th March 1917 Gavin went Awl from 2pm till apprehended by MPs at 8.15pm on 16^th March 1917. He forfeited 7 day’s pay

MAY–JUNE 1917: BULLECOURT SECTOR

The battalion was then moved to the Bullecourt sector, an area that had witnessed intense fighting during the earlier part of the year.

Role: In May 1917, the 25th Battalion acted in a supporting role during the Second Battle of Bullecourt. Although they did not carry out a major offensive role, their involvement was vital in providing reinforcement and maintaining the defensive lines

JULY 1917: PREPARATION FOR FUTURE ENGAGEMENTS

Training and Reinforcement: As the battalion's engagements in the Flers and Bullecourt sectors concluded, they underwent periods of training and received reinforcements. This preparation was essential for upcoming operations, including the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Passchendaele Offensive, which commenced later in the year

LEAVE IN ENGLAND JULY 1917

Gavin was given leave in England from 7^th to 19^th July 1917

BETWEEN MID JULY TO OCTOBER 1917

Between mid-July and October 1917, the 25th Battalion AIF was heavily involved in one of the most gruelling campaigns of the war: the Third Battle of Ypres (also known as the Battle of Passchendaele), on the Western Front in Belgium.

MID-JULY TO EARLY SEPTEMBER 1917

The 25th Battalion was rotating through the front lines and rear areas near Ypres, Belgium. They were training, rebuilding, and preparing for the major offensive operations planned by the British command (Haig’s push to break through Flanders). They were likely engaged in working parties, reconnaissance, and trench maintenance — physically and mentally preparing for combat

SEPTEMBER 20–21: BATTLE OF MENIN ROAD

The battalion was part of the major Allied offensive in Ypres. The 25th Battalion played a frontline role in the attack on German positions east of Ypres. Their objective was near Polygon Wood, where they advanced under heavy fire, secured enemy trenches, and held captured ground under counterattack.

The attack was successful, but casualties were high. It was noted for effective use of creeping barrages and close cooperation between artillery and infantry. The conditions were grim — waterlogged terrain, mud, and shattered trees.

SEPTEMBER 26: BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD

The 25th was in support, helping consolidate positions taken by other Australian battalions. The area was a hellish landscape, with constant shelling and terrible mud.

OCTOBER 4: BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE RIDGE

The 25th Battalion again took part in this major offensive.

This was one of the most successful Australian actions in the Ypres campaign. The battalion attacked through heavy German resistance, captured the ridge, and inflicted significant losses. But again — the cost was severe. The battalion’s casualty list grew.

WOUNDED IN ACTION OCTOBER 1917

One of the casualties of the battle was Gavin who was wounded in action on 7^th October with a shell wound to the back of his neck

HOSPITALISED

Gavin was admitted to the 7^th Field Ambulance on 7^th October. 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 transferred to the 14^th General Hospital at Le Tréport, a coastal town in northern France, near the border with Belgium.

TRANSFERRED TO ENGLAND

On 10^th October Gavin embarked on the Breydel and admitted to Eastbourne Hospital in Eastbourne.

MILITARY MEDAL 15^TH OCTOBER 1917

Gavin was recommended for military medal on 15 Oct 1917. Military medals were awarded for several reasons, mainly to recognize bravery, service, and achievement in the face of the enemy or in support roles. Gavin received his for gallantry and bravery:
acts of courage under fire, such as rescuing comrades, holding a position against overwhelming odds, or leading attacks

His father received his notice of the award on 17^th June 1918 which stated “His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the field to the undermentioned- No 972 Private G J Ritchie” The notice was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 34 May 1918 Page 1124 Position 168 & in the London Gazette 14 Jan 1918 Page 846 Position 147. The medal was sent to his mother and received by her on 30^th December 1918.

COMMAND DEPOTS

On 31^st October he was marched in Weymouth command 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.  Each command depot has men with different levels of wellness. Weymouth was one for men who needed more convalescence than training. He was transferred to Sutton Veney as he got better then finally Deverill where he spent most of the time training to go back to his unit

While in the depots he had dental work done on 12^th December 1917 & Gavin was satisfied about the work and stated he did not need dentures. He had his eye test done 27^th December & glasses ordered

DISCIPLINED JANUARY 1918

While at Deverell, Gavin went AWL from 14^th December till 4.45 on 17^th December. He received 6 day’s FP No 2 and forfeited 9 day’s pay. 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.

REJOINED BATTALION

He rejoined his Battalion in Belgium on 4^th January 1918

JANUARY 1918

The battalion was stationed in the Ploegsteert area, sometimes nicknamed “Plug Street,” just south of Ypres, in the quieter Messines sector of the front. This region had been captured by the Allies in mid-1917 and was more stable, used for rest, reinforcement, and trench rotations. Though considered a “quiet sector,” there was still intermittent shelling, sniper fire, and occasional trench raids by both sides. Conditions were harsh due to winter weather — mud, flooding, frostbite, and illness were common

The main activities the 25th did was frontline trench duties: regular rotation between frontline trenches, support lines, and rest areas. They conducted patrolling and reconnaissance, with night patrols to monitor enemy activity or capture prisoners. The working parties had repairs to trenches, laying barbed wire, and building dugouts.

MISSING IN ACTION

On 12^th January Gavin was reported missing.

COURT OF ENQUIRY- KILLED IN ACTION

As soon as possible after a battle/action a court of Inquiry was held to determine what had happened to all ranks within the battalion. All soldiers were then listed and what happen was ascertained to the best of the knowledge of the men involved. This was not always possible to confirm those missing unless they were seen by a survivor to be killed or wounded. In many cases those listed as missing and were not on the hospital or PoW reports from the Redcross or from the Enemy either German or Turkish were declared dead. The actual date of death was not determined until they made all enquiries and this process could take a few days to many months. On the 16^th July 1918 the court decided that Gavin was killed in action on 12^th January 1918

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service Gavin was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial

His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour  in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Number Panel 106 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War. He is memorialised at the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres White House Cemetery. The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 23), Belgium

The Menin Gate Memorial (so named because the road led to the town of Menin) was constructed on the site of a gateway in the eastern walls of the old Flemish town of Ypres, Belgium, where hundreds of thousands of allied troops passed on their way to the front, the Ypres salient, the site from April 1915 to the end of the war of some of the fiercest fighting of the war.

The Memorial was conceived as a monument to the 350,000 men of the British Empire who fought in the campaign. Inside the arch, on tablets of Portland stone, are inscribed the names of 56,000 men, including 6,178 Australians, who served in the Ypres campaign and who have no known grave.

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