FAMILY LIFE

Australia Rangy Jerome Clarke (Ossie) was born on 4 June 1891 in Cooma, son of Henry John Alexander & Catherine Isabella (McRae) Clarke. He was one of 6 children and his brother, Henry John Alexander Jnr also enlisted but sadly died in France in 1916.

APPLICATION

He was single farm labourer, living in Murwillumbah, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Lismore on 12^th August 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Henry John Clarke of Murwillumbah.

His medical showed he was 24 years 2 months old, 5ft 4 ¾ inches tall (1.68m), weighed 9 stone (57kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & brown hair. He was Presbyterian and was enlisted as a private into the 25 Infantry Battalion – 7^th Reinforcements with service No 3042

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Australia “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, Australia Rangy Jerome Clarke, 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.” 

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 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

On the 30th December 1915, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Itonus. 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.

TRANSFER TO 47^TH BATTALION MARCH 1916

When Australia arrived in Egypt, he was transferred to the 47^th Battalion on 9^th March 1916.

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP MARCH 1916

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. Training at Tel el Kebir camp in 1916 for Australian troops was intense, exhausting, and critical preparation for the Western Front. The camp, located in Egypt between Cairo and Ismailia, was a sprawling military training area established during the First World War to accommodate and prepare Australian and other British Empire forces. The camp was in a dry, arid area with scorching days and cold nights. Sandstorms were common, and living conditions were spartan. Troops lived in canvas tents, often in overcrowded and dusty conditions. Poor hygiene and primitive latrines led to outbreaks of dysentery, cholera, and skin diseases. Flies were a persistent menace.

Training was designed to transform the fresh troops into efficient soldiers ready for trench warfare in Europe. They were marched in formation, learning military discipline, and strict adherence to orders on long route marches under the hot sun to build endurance.

There was intensive rifle and bayonet practice & live-fire exercises and musketry drills to improve marksmanship. They dug mock trenches in the desert to simulate Western Front conditions, trained in grenade throwing, bombing, and trench raids & learnt how to use periscopes, gas masks, and trench tools.

They went on patrols, scouting, entrenching, camouflage, and night manoeuvres & had instruction in communications, including signals and use of messengers. Daily PT (physical training) routines were held to harden the men. Boxing matches and sports were also encouraged to build stamina and morale.

Soldiers often complained of boredom, overwork, or inefficiency in the camp's administration. Diaries and letters mention intense heat, flies, and poor food, but also a sense of camaraderie. Some units referred to Tel el Kebir as “Hell el Kebir.”

Training at Tel el Kebir was physically demanding, dusty, and essential. It was a crucial phase in preparing the AIF for the brutal trench warfare of the Western Front, instilling discipline, fitness, and combat skills necessary for survival in France and Belgium.

ADMITTED TO FIELD AMBULANCE SYNOVITIS MARCH 1916

During this time Australia was admitted to the 7 Australian Field Ambulance on 30^th March in Moascar with synovitis which is the swelling in the synovial membrane that lines some of your joints. However, he only remained there for the one day. A Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

In 1916 the 47^th Battalion was transferred from Egypt to the Western Front and was engaged in actions in France & Belgium. The recruits 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.

JUNE 1916

Ossie joined them on 9th June 1916. The 47th was stationed near Armentières, a relatively quiet part of the front known as the "nursery sector", used to introduce new units to trench warfare. The battalion rotated in and out of the front lines, support trenches, and rest areas.

Their activities included

·      Familiarisation with trench warfare: They learned how to man parapets, conduct sentry duty, dig communication trenches, and handle snipers and shelling.

·      Training behind the lines: This included route marches, musketry practice, grenade training, and trench raids preparation.

Casualties: While the sector was considered “quiet,” the battalion still suffered sporadic casualties from German shelling, sniper fire, and disease

JULY 1916 – PREPARATION FOR POZIÈRES

Early July: The 47th continued holding trenches in the Armentières area but were beginning to move south in preparation for major operations on the Somme, particularly at Pozières.

Mid–Late July:

The battalion moved south by train and on foot toward the Somme battlefield, which had erupted into full-scale fighting on 1 July with the British offensive. The 47th entered reserve and support positions behind the lines near Pozières by the end of July, getting ready for their first major battle.

No direct engagement: The 47th did not take part in the initial assault on Pozières (which began on 23 July), but they were brought in soon after, and would go into action in early August during the second phase of the fighting.

HOSPITALISATION NO DETAILS AUGUST 1916

He became sick on 9^th August 1916 and he was admitted to hospital but rejoined his unit on the 11^th.

AUGUST 1916 – THE BATTLE OF POZIÈRES

In August 1916, the 47th Battalion took part in its first major battle on the Western Front — the Battle of Pozières, a brutal and costly engagement during the Somme Offensive

The 47th Battalion entered the line at Pozières in early August. On 7 August, the battalion took part in a major assault to capture German trenches east of Pozières village, along the ridge. They attacked under heavy shellfire, navigating shattered ground and facing fierce machine-gun and artillery fire from German positions. The battalion held captured ground under intense shelling and repeated counterattacks over several days. Ossie took part in the last days of the battle

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 1916 – MOUQUET FARM & REST

In September, the 47th was again involved in support operations around Mouquet Farm, another brutal hotspot near Pozières.

Although not the main assaulting unit, they endured more shellfire and casualties. By late September, they were rotated out of the line, moving to rear areas near Albert, then southward to the quieter sectors for reorganisation and training.

NOVEMBER 1916 TO FEBRUARY 1917 – FLERS/GUEUDECOURT SECTOR

The battalion spent much of the winter of 1916–17 in the Flers–Gueudecourt area. This was one of the coldest winters in decades, with snow, mud, frostbite, and trench foot affecting many soldiers.

The sector was comparatively quiet, but conditions were miserable.

The battalion engaged in patrolling, improving trenches, repairing wire, and enduring sporadic artillery fire.

APRIL 1917 – NOREUIL & HINDENBURG LINE PROBING

On 7 April, the 47th took part in the attack on Noreuil, a village near Bullecourt. It was a sharp, limited action designed to push German forces back and probe the strength of the Hindenburg Line. The battalion suffered about 80 casualties, but succeeded in securing the village.

MAY TO JUNE 1917 – BATTLE OF MESSINES PREPARATION

In May, the 47th was moved to Belgium, near Ploegsteert (Plug Street) and Messines. They trained and prepared for a major offensive aimed at seizing the strategic Messines Ridge from German control.

JUNE 1916 BATTLE OF MESSINES

Throughout June, they were in reserve and supported the Battle of Messines (7–14 June), helping with consolidation, carrying supplies, and relieving frontline units. Although not in the initial assault, they entered the line shortly after the mines were detonated, facing heavy shelling and counterattacks during consolidation.

WOUNDED IN ACTION -GASSED JUNE 1917

Ossie was gassed on 7^th June 1917.

 An eye witness describes what happens in a gas attack- “[T]he next thing we heard was this sizzling—you know, I mean you could hear this damn stuff coming on—and then saw this awful cloud coming over. A great yellow, greenish-yellow, cloud. It wasn’t very high; about I would say it wasn’t more than 20 feet up. Nobody knew what to think. But immediately it got there we knew what to think, I mean we knew what it was. Well then of course you immediately began to choke, then word came: whatever you do don’t go down. You see if you got to the bottom of the trench, you got the full blast of it because it was heavy stuff, it went down.”

HOSPITALISED JUNE

Luckily, Australia did not receive the full blast and was only hospitalised till 13^th June when he rejoined his unit.

JULY 1917 – REST AND REORGANISATION

After their involvement in supporting the Battle of Messines in June, the 47th Battalion remained in Belgium, rotating through quieter sectors near Ploegsteert Wood and Messines.

The month was spent in:

·      Trench rotation, including holding front-line, support, and reserve positions.

·      Reinforcement training for new drafts and reorganisation of platoons depleted from earlier actions.

·      Work parties constructing and repairing trenches, duckboards, and strongpoints in preparation for further operations.

Although relatively quiet, there were occasional bombardments and patrols, with sporadic casualties

AUGUST 1917 – PREPARING FOR YPRES

The 47th was moved north toward Ypres, joining the 4th Division's preparations for a renewed offensive.

August saw:

·      Training in mock trench systems to simulate the attack plans near Zonnebeke and Polygon Wood.

·      Fatigue and working parties improving tracks, laying communication cables, and preparing artillery positions.

The weather was already poor, and early signs of the mud and waterlogging that would characterise the coming battle were evident. The battalion was held in reserve during the fighting at Menin Road Ridge (20 September) but suffered casualties from enemy shelling while bringing up supplies.

SEPTEMBER 1917 – BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD

The 47th Battalion took part in the Battle of Polygon Wood on 26 September 1917, one of the major actions of the Third Battle of Ypres.

Objective: To capture and consolidate German positions in and around Polygon Wood, just east of Ypres.

The attack was:

·      Launched under artillery support (“creeping barrage”), which proved effective.

·      Well-coordinated with other battalions in the 12th and 4th Brigades.

·      Successful in reaching objectives, with positions consolidated despite German counterattacks.

Casualties: The 47th suffered moderate losses, but not on the scale of Pozières — a testament to improved planning and support.

The men then held the captured ground under heavy shellfire for several days before being relieved.

 4 OCTOBER 1917 – BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE

The 47th Battalion was part of the 12th Brigade, within the 4th Australian Division, which was placed in the centre of the Australian assault. Their task was to:

Advance in two waves.

·      Seize and consolidate German strongpoints.

·      Capture trenches just beyond Zonnebeke and assist in pushing the line toward Broodseinde Ridge.

The 47th moved forward under cover of a creeping artillery barrage, beginning before dawn in rain and mist. They crossed a shattered and muddy no man's land strewn with barbed wire, shell holes, and abandoned German positions from previous engagements at Polygon Wood

The attack was met with unexpectedly weak resistance at first — because the 47th (and other Australian battalions) struck just as German troops were massing for their own counterattack. Many Germans were caught in the open and overwhelmed, with large numbers killed or taken prisoner.

However, the terrain was deeply cratered and muddy, and enemy machine-gun and artillery fire intensified as the day progressed.

Despite the appalling ground conditions and persistent shellfire, the 47th succeeded in reaching and holding its objectives. The captured line included parts of the Flandern I Stellung, a key German defensive system

The Battle of Broodseinde was one of the most successful Allied attacks during the Passchendaele campaign. The 47th and other Australian battalions inflicted severe losses on the Germans and advanced the line several hundred metres. However, the success came at a high cost in casualties, due both to combat and the exhausting effort of holding newly captured positions under heavy shelling and in knee-deep mud.

WOUNDED IN ACTION SECOND TIME OCTOBER 1917

Ossie was wounded in action on the second occasion (no details). He rejoined his unit on 16th October.

NOVEMBER 1917 TO JANUARY 1918

Between November 1917 and January 1918, the 47th Battalion (12th Brigade, 4th Australian Division) had a relatively quiet period compared to the intense fighting of the Passchendaele campaign just prior. During these months, they were mostly involved in holding the line, rest, refit, and training

NOVEMBER 1917: AFTERMATH OF PASSCHENDAELE

Following their involvement in the Battle of Broodseinde (4 Oct) and the broader Passchendaele operations, the 47th was relieved from the front line. The battalion withdrew to the Ypres rear areas and eventually moved to France, away from the devastated Belgian battlefields. The men were in poor condition after the mud, cold, and heavy shelling. Many were sick, exhausted, or wounded.

DECEMBER 1917: REST AND REFITTING NEAR ARMENTIÈRES

In December, the 47th was stationed in the Armentières sector, northern France, a relatively “quiet” front known as a nursery sector used for training and rebuilding units.

Activities included:

·      Routine trench-holding duties (short rotations in the front lines).

·      Training behind the lines – bombing, musketry, Lewis gun drills, and tactical exercises.

·      Reinforcements arriving, bringing the battalion closer to strength again.

·      Rest, medical treatment, and some leave.

War diaries from this period note weather difficulties (cold, mud, frost), and regular patrols and working parties, but no major attacks.

JANUARY 1918: DEFENSIVE DUTIES AND PATROL WORK

The 47th continued holding sectors in Armentières–Houplines area.

They rotated between frontline trenches, support, and billets.

While it was quieter, there were still occasional German raids or shelling. Australian raids and patrols were often conducted at night & they continued training and preparation for future operations.

GRANTED LEAVE IN FRANCE JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1918

Ossie was granted leave from 18th January 1918 to 5th February 1918 in France

HOSPITALISED PUO FEBRUARY 1918

On 7th February Australia was admitted to the 14th General hospital in France with PUO. This is Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (medical term usually applied to trench fever). Trench fever was also known as quintan fever and was caused by a bacterium called Bartonella quintana found in body lice. Body lice would breed and grow in the soldiers’ clothing by clinging on to the seams of the cloth. To get rid of the lice, soldiers would run flames along the seams of their clothes. It was easily transmissible amongst soldiers and lasted for a period of five days. The symptoms included muscle aches, headaches, high temperature, sores on the skin, and continuous attacks of fever

REST CAMP MARCH 1918

On 10^th March he was marched into the No 5 rest camp in Boulogne. 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.

MAY TO SEPTEMBER 1918

He rejoined his unit on 19^th May. From May to September 1918, the 47th Battalion was heavily involved in the final phase of World War I, including defensive actions, major offensives, and ultimately the breaking of the Hindenburg Line. This period was marked by constant movement, intense combat, and a dramatic shift in the war's momentum in favour of the Allies.

MAY 1918

Location: Somme front near Villers-Bretonneux & Sailly-le-Sec (France)

The 47th was engaged in holding the line on the Somme, in response to the German Spring Offensive which had begun in March.

Duties included:

·      Frontline rotations, under persistent artillery and sniper fire.

·      Night patrols and minor trench raids.

·      Working parties to repair trenches, salvage gear, and improve defences.

Despite no large-scale battles, casualties continued due to sniping, gas shells, and artillery

JUNE – EARLY JULY 1918

Location: Morlancourt sector

In this period, the battalion took part in offensive patrols and minor advances, preparing for larger Allied operations.

There was trench raiding, harassing fire, and defensive readiness as the Allies began probing the German lines.

The unit war diary records several minor operations, often under cover of artillery, designed to keep pressure on the Germans.

LATE JULY – AUGUST 1918: ALLIED OFFENSIVE BEGINS

Location: Hamel–Amiens region → Advancing east

The Allied counteroffensive began with the Battle of Hamel (4 July), in which Australian forces tested new tactics (including tanks, air coordination, creeping barrages).

The 47th was in support roles around this time, not directly in the Hamel assault.

BATTLE OF AMIENS AUGUST 1918

On 8 August 1918, the Battle of Amiens commenced — a major breakthrough battle. The 47th Battalion followed the advance, mopping up, securing objectives, and pushing east. Rapid advances led to the capture of villages and ground long held by the Germans.

The Germans began a general withdrawal east toward the Hindenburg Line.

SEPTEMBER 1918: FINAL BATTLES – HINDENBURG OUTPOST LINE

Location: Near Bellicourt, Le Verguier, Jeancourt

The 47th played a key role in breaching the Hindenburg Outpost Line, a critical part of Germany’s main defensive position. Around 18–21 September, the battalion fought in the Battle of the Outpost Line, capturing trenches, pillboxes, and prisoners. Fighting was fierce and costly, especially against machine guns and fortified positions. This was among the battalion’s last major engagements.

The battalion suffered significant casualties during these final assaults but helped pave the way for the main attack on the Hindenburg Line at the end of September

AWARDED MILITARY MEDAL SEPTEMBER 1918

During this battle Australia was awarded a military medal on 5^th September 1918. This medal is given for bravery in battle on land. His Military Medal was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 6 dated 3 May 1919.

SIGNALLING SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 1918

Australian attended signalling school from 29^th September, rejoining on 6^th November.

WAR ENDING

However, the end of the war was in sight and his unit would no longer be engaging in any action.  On 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait several months before they were headed back to Australia.

GOING HOME

Ossie returned home on the Armagh disembarking on 18^th May 1919. He was discharged 14^th July 1919.

FOR HIS SERVICE

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

HOME LIFE

He married Annie Wood in 1919 in Byron Bay. Ossie enlisted at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 1^st March 1941 as a private in the 2^nd Garrison Battalion. He was discharged 3^rd April 1044

Ossie died 26 June 1967, aged 76, in Brisbane and is buried in Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, Holland Park, Area 18, Pillar 3

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.