FAMILY LIFE

Charles Reginald Simonson (his birth was registered as Charley Simonsen) was born in Sydney on the 11^th December 1894, son of Peter Simonson and Phoebe (Berry) Simonson. He had 5 siblings and two of his brothers enlisted, Alfred William George Simonson and  Peter John Simonson. The Simonson family had lived in the Tweed since 1920, Peter holding the position of master of the tug boat till 1930 when he retired.

APPLICATION

Charley was single carter, living in Tweed Heads, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 2^nd July 1917 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Peter, of Tweed Heads.

His medical which showed he was 22 years 5 months old, 5ft 4 inches tall (1.62m), weighed 126 lbs (57kgs), with a fresh complexion, blue eyes & auburn hair. His eyesight was good. He was Presbyterian.  

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Charles “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, Chales Simonson, 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 10/49^th Battalion with service No 3729. 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 1^st August 1917, the regiment left Sydney. 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.

CODFORD TRAINING CAMP

They disembarked at Liverpool 3^rd October 1917. Over many tough months, in the Training Camp at Codford, 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. Training would normally last 3 months

HOSPITALISATION TONSILITIS DECEMBER 1917

On 1^st December 1917 Charley was hospitalised with tonsilitis then sent to a convalescent camp on 4^th December

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

Between January & March 1918 the 49^th spent these months in the Messines–Ploegsteert sector in Belgium, near the southern end of the Ypres salient. 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.

Duties included:

·      Manning front-line trenches

·      Rotating in and out of the line with rest and training behind the front

·      Working parties, trench maintenance, and small patrols

This was a cold and miserable time, with waterlogged trenches and high sickness rates, though combat was relatively light.

HOSPITALISATION VENEREAL DISEASE JANUARY 1918

On 12^th January he was admitted to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital, Bulford and was discharged 3^RD February 1918 with that complaint

HOSPITALISATION PLEURITIS FEBRUARY 1918

However, he stayed in hospital with pleuritis which is also known as pleurisy, is an inflammation of the pleura — the thin, two-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity.

The symptoms include sharp, stabbing chest pain (worse when breathing deeply) & shortness of breath. There is sometimes dry cough & it may be accompanied by fever, especially if caused by infection

Treatment included

·      Bed rest, warmth, and isolation if infectious

·      Pain relief (e.g. morphine or aspirin)

·      In some cases, mustard plasters or cupping were used

·      Thoracentesis (removal of fluid) if there was pleural effusion

Recovery varied — mild pleuritis could resolve in a week or two; severe or infected cases (with fluid buildup) might last much longer or lead to chronic lung issues.

HURFORD COMMAND POST

On 20^th April 1918 he was marched into Hurdford Command Post. A Command Depot was a military rehabilitation and re-training centre for soldiers who were no longer sick or wounded enough to stay in hospital, but not yet fit enough to return to active duty

TRANSFER TO 25^TH BATTALION APRIL 1918

On 29^th April 1918 he proceeded to France where he was transferred to the 25^th Battalion.

SECOND BATTLE OF VILLERS- BRETONNEUX APRIL 1918

After wintering in Belgium, in early 1918 the 25th Battalion had moved south to Somme as the Australian divisions were transferred there to help blunt the German spring offensive in March and April, undertaking a defensive action around Villers-Bretonneux as the Allies fought to defend the vital railhead of Amiens. 

On 24 April, the Germans launched a surprise attack with tanks and infantry, capturing Villers-Bretonneux. That night, two Australian brigades (13th and 15th Brigades) carried out a famous night counterattack without artillery preparation, successfully recapturing the town by 25 April morning.

The 25th Battalion was not part of the lead assault, but it was engaged in:

·      Support roles, holding sectors nearby

·      Reserve positions, ready to reinforce or exploit gains

·      Possible clearing or consolidation after the main assault

MAY – JUNE 1918: HOLDING THE LINE NEAR AMIENS

After the recapture of Villers-Bretonneux in April, the 25th remained in the Somme region, near Amiens. They manned front-line trenches, conducted patrols, and dealt with artillery bombardments, sniper fire, and gas attacks. The battalion also underwent training in open warfare tactics, preparing for the coming offensive.

The front remained largely static, but the conditions were still dangerous and demanding.

JULY 1918: REST, REFIT, AND TRAINING

The battalion rotated into rest areas where they:

·      Reinforced their numbers with new drafts

·      Engaged in training for mobile operations

·      Integrated new weapons and tactics, such as Lewis guns, rifle grenades, and platoon-level manoeuvres

AUGUST 1918: BATTLE OF AMIENS – START OF THE HUNDRED DAYS OFFENSIVE

8 August 1918: The 25th took part in the Battle of Amiens, which began the Allied counter-offensive. The 25th attacked as part of the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, alongside tanks, aircraft, and heavy artillery. This was one of the most successful days of the war, breaking through German lines and inflicting heavy casualties. The battalion advanced several kilometres, capturing prisoners and equipment

SEPTEMBER – EARLY OCTOBER 1918: HINDENBURG OUTPOST LINE

The battalion helped breach the Hindenburg Outpost Line, the last German defensive belt before open country. The Australians had been fighting non-stop since early August, and were exhausted.

OCTOBER – THE BEAUREVOIR LINE

The Beaurevoir Line was the last major German defensive position behind the Hindenburg Line. Located near the village of Beaurevoir, it featured trenches, wire, and strongpoints. Breaking through it was essential to reach the open country beyond. Charley joined them in this offensive and was part of the attack on the Beaurevoir Line, near Perrone. On the 3^rd October an enemy strong post was encountered, which considerably hampered the advance. Charley, at once, acting on his own iniative, advanced to an exposed position and shot three of the gun crew. He then led the rush to the post killing two more of the enemy. It was mainly to his daring that the post was captured. He later volunteered to carry a message and get in touch with another company on the flank.  This he accomplished under heavy machine gun fire, bringing back valuable information. Throughout he displayed a coolness and courage and set a fine example to all ranks.

MILITARY CROSS

He was awarded the military medal which was posted in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 10^th October 1919 on page 1494 position 109 & in the London Gazette on 17 June 1919 on page 7699 position 7.

HOSPITALISATION INFLUENZA OCTOBER 1918

On 6th October Charley was admitted with influenza to the 52nd Clearing Station, which was a key part of the military medical evacuation chain used by soldiers. It was set up a few miles behind the front lines, often near railways or roads and positioned far enough to be relatively safe from artillery, but close enough for rapid access. On 19^th October he was evacuated to the War Hospital in Bath on 12^th October 1918. He was then transferred to the Military Hospital in Taunton on 30^th October.

Influenza was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. Many people died with this disease which could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain.

There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward.

CONVALESCENT SUTTON VENEY NOVEMBER 1918

On 21^st November Charley was marched into Sutton Veney for rest & recuperation

WAR ENDED- NOVEMBER 11, 1918:

Armistice signed – the war ended 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.

HOSPITALISED TONSILITIS DECEMBER 1918

During this time Charley was admitted on 1^st December 1918 to the Group Hospital in Codford with tonsilitis. He was then transferred to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford where he spent days being treated for VD.

GOING HOME

Charley returned to Australia on 19^th December 1919 per HMAT Bakara as he was discharged 26^th March 1919 in consequence of medical unfitness.

FOR HIS SERVICE

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

HOME LIFE

Charley died in October 1937 and was buried on 18th October 1937 at Tweed Heads Lawn Cemetery, Row L, Grave 18.

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