FAMILY LIFE

Gavin John Ritchie was on born in 1894 in Murwillumbah, son of James Leman & Catherine Christine (Stevens) Ritchie.  His father was one of the early Tweed pioneers, arriving with his parents, in 1847.  James conducted one of the first general supply stores in the Tweed. His name is inscribed on the Newell Park monument in Murwillumbah. Gavin’s brother James also enlisted

ATTESTATION

Gavin was single butcher, living in Wardrop St, Murwillumbah, eager to do his bit. He enlisted on 9^th March 1915 in Murwillumbah. His next of kin was his father, James of South Murwillumbah. 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, 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, 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 21 years 1 months old, 5ft 3 inches tall (1.6m), weighed 150 lbs (68kgs), with a medium complexion, grey eyes & dark brown hair.  His eyesight was good. Gavin was Presbyterian. He had a mole on his left cheek, 1 right & 2 left molars missing. He had never been vaccinated.

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 25 Battalion – 7^th Infantry Brigade, D coy with service number 972

25TH INFANTRY BATTALION

The 25th Infantry Battalion, part of the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Australian Imperial Force, was raised in March 1915 at Enoggera, Queensland. Their service is remembered for their resilience and contributions to key victories

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

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.

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 JUNE 1915

On the 29 June 1915, the recruits 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- HELIOPOLIS AUGUST 1915

After disembarkation in Alexandria, the battalion was stationed at Heliopolis, near Cairo. 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: Egypt's heat made the heavy wool uniforms uncomfortable. As a result, lighter clothing was often issued or obtained locally. Soldiers frequently wore:

ü Khaki cotton shirts without the tunic

ü Lightweight drill uniforms made from cotton

ü Shorts on some occasions, particularly in camp

ü Pith helmets or sun helmets for fatigue duties and work in the sun, although the slouch hat remained the iconic Australian headgear

·      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.

Over many tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began an intensive period of training in preparation for deployment to the front. These camps were shared by other Australian and New Zealand forces, creating a large and active training environment.

Daily life followed a strict military routine. Reveille was sounded around 5:30 am, followed by physical training, which included route marches and endurance work in the desert conditions. After breakfast, the men began structured morning sessions focusing on drill, bayonet practice, and rifle handling. Training resumed after lunch, often with practical field exercises such as digging trenches, constructing defences, and simulating attacks on mock enemy positions. The day ended with roll call, personal time, and lights out around 9:00 pm.

The training itself covered a wide range of military skills. Soldiers learned close-order drill, musketry (rifle shooting), bayonet fighting, and basic tactics. Musketry was particularly important: the men practised with their Lee-Enfield rifles on firing ranges, learning how to load, aim, fire rapidly, and judge distances accurately. Bayonet training was also emphasized, with troops practising thrusts, parries, and charges on straw-filled dummies to build aggression and confidence.

Physical fitness was a high priority. Route marches of 10 to 15 kilometres in full kit were a regular part of the schedule to build stamina and discipline. Troops also received instruction in field engineering—learning how to dig trenches, build parapets and revetments, and position barbed wire obstacles effectively.

Other important areas of training included basic first aid, battlefield communication (such as flag and lamp signalling), and map reading.

Sanitation and hygiene were stressed throughout the training period. Soldiers were taught how to prevent disease by maintaining clean clothing and equipment, constructing latrines, and purifying drinking water. This was crucial in the Egyptian climate, where illness could spread rapidly.

Although the training was demanding, there were occasional opportunities for leave. Many soldiers visited the bazaars, cafés, and sights of Cairo, or made trips to the pyramids near Mena. Morale was generally high, though the men understood active service was approaching.

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

GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 1915

The 25th Battalion landed at Gallipoli on 11 September 1915, reinforcing the troops already fighting there. By the time the 25th arrived, major offensives had ended, and the battalion was mainly involved in defensive duties, patrolling, and enduring harsh trench conditions. The battalion remained at Gallipoli until the general evacuation of the peninsula. Most of the 25th Battalion was evacuated from Gallipoli in December 1915. The battalion then sailed to Egypt in early 1916

HOSPITALISED VENEREAL DISEASE FEBRUARY 1916

On 14^th February 1916 Gavin was admitted to 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 often averaged between 50 and 60 days, with most patients recovering and returning to the front. He also developed a chancre – a painless ulcer, typically associated with primary syphilis. He spent 47 days in hospital and was discharged on 31^st March 1916

ADMITTED TO AUSTRALIAN BASE DEPOT APRIL 1916

On the 1^st April Gavin was admitted to the base depot where he would convalesce and regain his strength. He would also undertake further training and wait till it was time to rejoin his unit.  By this time, they had been moved to France and he needed to retrain for a different type of warfare- life in the trenches.

TRAINING CAMP

Life at the camp revolved around rebuilding fitness and military efficiency. Soldiers followed a daily routine of route marches, physical training, rifle practice, bayonet drill, and instruction in the latest battlefield tactics. Men who had recently recovered from wounds or illness were gradually returned to full duties through a carefully supervised training programme. The area bustled with activity as drafts of troops arrived and departed daily. Soldiers encountered comrades from every corner of the Australian Imperial Force, exchanged news from the front, and awaited orders sending them to their units. During off-duty hours they could attend concerts, sporting competitions, picture shows, or visit the nearby YMCA huts, which provided reading rooms, refreshments, and a welcome break from military routine.

For many Australians, time spent at here formed a transition between hospitalisation or leave and a return to active service. The camp's purpose was to ensure that men were physically fit, properly equipped, and familiar with the latest developments in warfare before rejoining their battalions in the field. Within days or weeks, most would once again find themselves moving towards the battlefront and the realities of war.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH WITH 57^TH BATTALION

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

He left Marseilles on 30^th June 1916 to join the 57^TH battalion in France and was taken on strength on 22^nd July 1916. Gavin now found himself 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.

JULY TO NOVEMBER 1916

Between July and November 1916, the 57th Battalion was actively involved on the Western Front in France, participating in significant battles as part of the First Division’s efforts during the Battle of the Somme. Gavin had missed the Battle of Fromelles on 20^th July and the battalion spent the next months in rotations between the front line and rest areas in the Armentières and Fleurbaix sectors.

During this period, they rebuilt and trained new reinforcements, conducted trench maintenance and patrols & suffered sporadic casualties from shellfire and sniper activity. The unit’s war diary also records periods of fatigue duty, carrying parties, and work on defensive positions

TRANSFER TO 25^TH BATTALION NOVEMBER 1916

ALBERT- BAPAUME ROAD LATE 1916

On 25^th November Gavin was taken on strength with the 25^th Btn again. The 25^th were engaged in the Albert-Bapaume Road action, where they undertook further attacks throughout November to extend their observation of the Albert–Bapaume Road. The Albert–Bapaume Road was a key location during the Battle of the Somme in World War I, which lasted from July to November 1916. This road connected the towns of Albert and Bapaume in northern France and was a critical supply route for the British forces.  By November 1916, the battle had become a gruelling war of attrition, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The area around the road saw intense fighting as British and Allied forces attempted to push back the German defences. Despite some territorial gains, the offensive ended in stalemate, with the front lines only moving a few miles. The battle is remembered for its high human cost and the introduction of new military technologies, such as tanks

BETWEEN BATTLES

Between battles, battalions engaged in a variety of critical activities to recover, prepare, and maintain their effectiveness. Some of the key activities included rest & recovery, continuing their training, maintaining their weapons & uniforms, building & reinforcing the trenches & dugouts & barbed wire defences

They also conducted patrols and reconnaissance to gather intelligence on enemy movements and maintain control over no-man's-land & engaged in activities like writing letters, playing games, and sharing stories to bond as a unit and maintain their spirits. This downtime between battles was essential for ensuring that battalions could perform effectively when called back into action

DISCIPLINED AWL MARCH 1917

On 15^th March 1917 Gavin went AWL from 2pm till apprehended by MPs on 16^th March at 8.30pm. He forfeited 7 day’s pay

THE SECOND BATTLE OF BULLECOURT, (9 APRIL-16 MAY 1917)

Their first action in 1917 was the Second Battle of Bullecourt. Despite the failure of the first attack on 11 April 1917, a few weeks later General Gough once again tried to break the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt. On 3 May 1917 the 2nd Australian Division attacked with the British alongside. Although the brigade on the right faltered under deadly machine-gun fire, the 6th Brigade got into the enemy’s trenches and, despite heavy shellfire and counter attacks, bravely held on.

The 1st Division relieved the 2nd, and soon the 5th Division took its turn. Finally, after more than a week, the Germans gave up these blood-soaked fields. Then the depleted Australian battalions were withdrawn to recover. The furious fighting, which in the end only advanced the line a kilometre or so, had been at the heavy cost of another 7,000 Australian casualties. 'The Second Bullecourt (battle) was, in some ways, the stoutest achievement of the Australian soldier in France'.

WILL MADE JUNE 1917

On 16^th June 1917 Gavin made a will bequeathing all his assets to his mother

LEAVE IN ENGLAND JULY 1917

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

THE BATTLE OF MENIN ROAD RIDGE (20-25 SEPTEMBER 1917)

They then were engaged in the Battle of Menin Road, which was an offensive operation, part of the Third Battle of Ypres on the Western Front, undertaken by the British Second Army to take sections of the curving ridge, east of Ypres, which the Menin Road crossed. This action saw the first involvement of Australian units (1st and 2nd Divisions AIF) in the Third Battle of Ypres. The attack was successful along its entire front, though the advancing troops had to overcome formidable entrenched German defensive positions which included mutually supporting concrete pill-box strongpoints and resist fierce German counter-attacks. A feature of this battle was the intensity of the opening British artillery support. The two AIF Divisions sustained 5,013 casualties in the action

THE BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE RIDGE  OCTOBER 1917.

The Battle of Broodseinde was a significant engagement during the Third Battle of Ypres. The 25th Infantry Battalion, as part of the 2nd Division, played a crucial role in this battle. Their objective was to advance and secure positions on Broodseinde Ridge, a strategically important area in Belgium.

The battle was marked by intense artillery bombardments and fierce resistance from German forces. The 25th Battalion was part of the first wave of the attack, and their efforts contributed to the overall success of the operation. The Allied forces achieved a decisive victory, inflicting heavy casualties on the German defenders and capturing key positions. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated infantry and artillery tactics, as well as the resilience of the soldiers involved. The 25th Battalion sustained significant casualties but played a vital role in achieving the Allied objectives

WOUNDED IN ACTION

One of the casualties of this battle was Gavin who received a gunshot wound to his neck on 7^th October

ADMITTED TO FIELD AMBULANCE

He was admitted to the 3^rd Field Ambulance. A Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

HOSPITALISATION LOCAL, THEN ENGLAND

On 8^th October he was admitted to the 14^th General Hospital then transferred to England on the Jan Breydel on 10^th October & admitted to the Eastbourne Military Hospital

CONVALESCENCE

On 29^th October he was admitted to the 3^rd auxiliary depot at Weymouth. 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.

MARCHED INTO SUTTON VENEY COMMAND POST NOVEMBER 1917

On 11^th November Gavin was marched into Sutton Veney Command Post with classification A3. This classification is returned Expeditionary Force men, ready except for physical condition. Gavin would now spend several weeks getting back into shape for warfare. During this time his dental work was done

DISCIPLINED AWL DECEMBER 1917

Gavin went AWL from 14^th December to 4,45pm 17^th December. He was awarded 6 days Field Punishment No. 2 & forfeited 9 day’s pay

FIELD PUNISHMENT 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.

REJOINED UNIT BELGIUM JANUARY 1918

On 4^th January Gavin rejoined his unit. In January 1918, the 25th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was stationed in Belgium, occupying front-line positions and rotating through rest and support duties in the Ypres sector, specifically near the Messines–Warneton area. The fighting had largely died down into a static, trench-based war over winter, though the conditions were still dangerous and harsh. Even in the absence of major battles, the 25th still suffered sporadic casualties from shelling, sniper fire, illness, and exposure to cold. The War Diary for January 1918 mentions a steady trickle of casualties, particularly during frontline tours.

MISSING IN ACTION 12^TH JANUARY 1918

On 12^th January 1918 Gavin was reported missing in action.

COURT OF ENQUIRY NO 6407

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. Gavin’s mother wrote asking for information and was advised 7^th May 1918 that nothing further had been received in respect of your son. Gavin Ritchie. Gavin’s mother was now living in Brisbane and she was advised that any information would be forwarded to Gavin’s father.

KILLED IN ACTION 12^TH JANUARY 1918

In this case the court took till 16^th July 1918 to decide that Gavin was killed in action on the 12^th January 1918.

MILITARY MEDAL

On 31^st October Gavin was awarded Military Medal Number 88. The award stated “during an attack on enemy position at Zonnebeke on 4^th October, this man was on the Battalion stretcher bearers. He showed exceptional courage in attending the wounded.

He was wounded while carrying a wounded officer, but remained on duty during the whole operation, doing excellent work. His personal example to the other men was of great value. It was signed by Sydney Smyth, Commanding Second Australia Division. Notice of the medal was promulgated in the London Gazette Fourth Supplement No. 30476 dated 11^th January 1918 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 76 dated 23^rd May 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 Panel Number 106 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

NO KNOWN GRAVE

He has known grave and is his memorial is at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium

MEDAL, SCROLL

Gavin’s Military Medal was received by his mother on 30^th December 1918. His memorial scroll was received by his father on 11^th September 1921. 

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