Private Cecil Alfred Blow
Service #: 20
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
Cecil Alfred Blow was born on 16th January 1897 in Kiama, son of Alfred & Francis “Fanny” (Jarman) Blow. He was one of 12 children. His brothers, Linden & Norman, also enlisted. The Blow family came to the Tweed in 1907, living in Boatharbour, where Alfred was engaged in farming. Alfred was a member of the Masonic Lodge & a warden of All Saints Murwillumbah for many years.
APPLICATION
Cecil was single farmer, living in Murwillumbah, eager to do his bit. He enlisted locally on 22nd January 1915 and as he was 18 years old, he presented his parents’ consent. His application showed his next of kin as his father, Alfred. Cecil was a serving cadet. His medical showed he was 5ft 7 ¾ inches tall (1.75m), weighed 9 stone 9 lbs (57kgs), with hazel eyes & dark brown hair. He was Church of England and was enlisted as a private into the 25th Infantry Battalion with service No 20
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.
AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP
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.
VOYAGE OVERSEAS
On the 29 June 1915, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Aeneas. 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. 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. It was a foretaste of what was to come.
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. 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.
TAKEN ON STRENGTH
GALLIPOLI SEPTEMBER- DECEMBER 1915
EGYPT JANUARY TO MARCH 1916
On 4th September 1915 Cecil joined the 25th Battalion in Alexandria who were reinforcements at Gallipoli in the latter part of the campaign. The battalion's involvement was limited to mainly defensive operations.
The 25th Battalion was evacuated from Gallipoli in December 1915. The battalion then sailed to Egypt in early 1916. They spent several months in Egypt—specifically in the region around Mena and Cairo—where the men engaged in various activities related to training, rest, and preparation for future operations. During this period, the battalion underwent intensive training to prepare for its next deployment. Some training was also focused on adapting to the different terrain and methods of warfare they would face in France and Belgium.
HOSPITALISATION- MUMPS FEBRURY 1916
On 27th February 1916 Cecil was admitted to hospital with mumps.
Mumps was, and is, a contagious viral illness, easily spread among the soldiers. It can cause fever, swelling of the salivary glands and inflammation in other parts of the body. Soldiers would have suffered fever, headaches, tiredness, body aches & poor appetite. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Instead, treatment focuses on symptom relief. Treatment would have included plenty of rest, lots of fluids, using a warm or cool compress to relieve facial pain and swelling & eating foods that do not need a lot of chewing. He rejoined his unit on 11th March 1916.
TRENCH WARFARE
After returning to Egypt the AIF was reorganised and expanded, and the 25th Battalion was returned to the 2nd Division, with which it subsequently served on the Western Front after being transferred to Europe. Cecil sailed to Marseilles on 14th March to join his unit. 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. On 4th June he was granted 8 days leave.
THE BATTLE OF POZIERES JULY 1916
On his return Cecil now had his first taste of war, with the 25th’s first significant battle in France at Pozières on 28 July 1916 where the battalion suffered heavily during a night-time attack on the heights, losing 12 officers and 350 other ranks killed or wounded, many of whom were caught in thick wire obstacles that had been left intact by the pre-attack artillery bombardment.
The 25th Battalion played a key role in the Battle of Pozieres, one of the most intense and significant engagements fought by the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. The battle took place as part of the broader Somme Offensive, and it became one of the defining moments in the history of the 25th and the Australian military in general. The battle is often remembered for its brutal conditions, high casualties, and the courage shown by Australian soldiers.
The battalion was heavily involved in the initial attack on Pozieres, which began on 23 July 1916. The 2nd Division, including the 25th Battalion, was assigned the task of capturing the German positions around the village of Pozieres, particularly the Pozieres Ridge, which was a crucial defensive position. The German defences were well-fortified, and the soldiers of the 25th faced intense opposition. The German artillery pounded the area with shells, and machine gun fire was constant. Despite the difficulties, the Australian soldiers pushed forward with determination
The battalion advanced through the muddy, crater-filled landscape under intense fire. The 25th Battalion was among the Australian units that endured some of the heaviest artillery bombardments in the war up to that point. The German artillery fired on the captured positions with such intensity that the Australian soldiers were at times unable to move from their newly taken positions. Over the coming days, the Germans launched several counterattacks to recapture Pozieres. The Australians, including the 25th, fought bravely to hold the position. The fighting was close and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. It is said that the battalion’s position was so heavily shelled that it seemed as though the Germans were trying to erase the Australian presence from the map.
The Battle of Pozieres was a defining moment for the 25th Battalion. They faced overwhelming challenges, including relentless artillery bombardments, difficult terrain, and fierce resistance from the Germans. Despite suffering heavy casualties, the 25th helped secure Pozieres Ridge, contributing to the success of the Australian Corps and the broader Allied effort on the Western Front.
Their role in the Battle of Pozieres became a symbol of Australian courage and determination during one of the most devastating battles of World War I. The experience of the 25th Battalion at Pozieres left an indelible mark on those who survived and became an important chapter in the history of the AIF.
WOUNDED IN ACTION 29TH JULY 1916
HOSPITALISATION & CONVALESCENCE
During the aftermath on 29th July, Cecil was wounded in action and on 30 July 1916 he was admitted to the 2nd Australian General Hospital with gunshot wound to the leg, mild. He was transferred to the 3rd General Hospital in Sheffield, England. On 20th October he was marched into No.1 command depot at Perham Downs which received men who are likely to be fit for duty within three weeks. 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. On 13th December 1916 he left England and rejoined his unit on 18th December.
RELIEF, REORGANISATION & PREPARATION
The battalion had suffered significant casualties during the Somme campaign (particularly at Pozieres) and needed time to recover, train, and reinforce. Between major battles, soldiers had a mix of rest, training, and support duties to maintain readiness and morale. Some key activities included:
· Rest & Recovery – Soldiers spent time away from the front lines in billets or camps, recovering from combat, treating injuries, and regaining strength.
· Training & Drills – They practiced trench warfare tactics, weapons handling, and new strategies to prepare for upcoming battles.
· Construction & Maintenance – Soldiers repaired trenches, dugouts, roads, and fortifications to keep defensive positions strong.
· Patrols & Raids – Small groups conducted reconnaissance missions and trench raids to gather intelligence or disrupt enemy positions.
· Daily Life – Soldiers wrote letters home, played games, attended religious services, and tried to maintain morale.
· Fatigue Duties – They carried supplies, transported wounded soldiers, and assisted with logistics.
· Medical Treatment – Those wounded or sick received care in field hospitals or were evacuated to rear areas for recovery.
Life between battles was often physically demanding, but it provided brief moments of normalcy and camaraderie before returning to combat. The winter months in the Western Front were notoriously difficult. Cold, wet, and muddy conditions made life in the trenches particularly harsh.
HOSPITALISATION MAY 1917
On 12th May 1917 Cecil was admitted sick to hospital (no details recorded) and rejoined on 19th May.
THE BATTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917
Cecil’s next battle was the Battle of Messines. The 25th Battalion was part of the 2nd Australian Division, which was tasked with attacking positions along the Messines Ridge. The battalion was involved in the initial assault on the German positions along the ridge on 7 June 1917. The Australian forces advanced after the explosions, which devastated much of the German defences.
The fighting was intense, but the Australians were successful in capturing their objectives. Casualties for the 25th Battalion were relatively high, but the battle was a success for the Australian forces. The capture of Messines Ridge provided the Allies with a strategic position and paved the way for future offensives in the Ypres Salient.
THE THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES (PASSCHENDAELE)
JULY TO NOVEMBER 1917
The Third Battle of Ypres, also known as Passchendaele, was one of the most infamous battles of the First World War due to the extreme rain, mud, and heavy casualties. The goal of the battle was to break through the German lines in the Ypres Salient, in Belgium, and to capture key German-held positions, including the village of Passchendaele.
The 25th participated in several phases of the Third Battle of Ypres, including the Battle of Westhoek and the final assault on Passchendaele. On 31 July 1917, the initial assault on Ypres began with heavy artillery bombardments and infantry attacks. The 25th Battalion, like many Australian units, was subjected to brutal artillery fire, gas attacks, and machine gun fire.
The battalion played a crucial role in the capture of German positions, particularly around Westhoek Ridge and Broodseinde Ridge, which were part of the larger effort to break the German defensive lines in the Ypres Salient. The conditions were incredibly difficult—continuous rain turned the ground into deep, sinking mud, which made movement extremely difficult. Soldiers were often bogged down in the mud or drowned in the flooded trenches.
The 25th Battalion, like many other units, suffered heavy losses during the battle. The exact number of casualties varies, but the battle took a toll on the battalion's strength, with hundreds killed, wounded, or missing. The toll of mud, gas, shellfire, and the relentless combat in the Ypres Salient made the Third Battle of Ypres a gruelling and painful experience for the battalion and for the AIF
THE BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE 4th OCTOBER 1917
The Battle of Broodseinde was a key phase in the Third Battle of Ypres and was a part of the broader effort to break through the German defences around Passchendaele. The Allied forces, including Australian and British troops, launched a major assault aimed at capturing the Broodseinde Ridge and moving closer to Passchendaele.
The 25th Battalion was involved in the initial assault on the German positions at Broodseinde Ridge on 4 October 1917.The battalion advanced in close coordination with artillery barrages designed to soften up the German defences. Despite facing heavy machine gun fire, artillery shelling, and sniper attacks, the Australians managed to secure a significant portion of the ridge. However, the battle for Broodseinde was costly. The 25th Battalion suffered significant casualties due to German counterattacks and the devastating artillery bombardments.
THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 1917
Following the capture of Broodseinde Ridge, the battle for Passchendaele intensified. The goal was to capture the village of Passchendaele and push the Germans back from their defensive positions in the Ypres Salient.
The 25th Battalion was again involved in the final push towards Passchendaele. They fought to capture the heavily fortified German positions in the Passchendaele region, with heavy artillery barrages and gas attacks used to suppress German resistance. The battle was marked by extremely muddy and difficult conditions, with soldiers fighting through deep mud, flooded trenches, and constant German artillery bombardment.
These battles in 1917 marked some of the most difficult and brutal engagements for the 25th Battalion, with high casualties, difficult fighting conditions, and a lasting impact on the battalion's soldiers.
ENGLISH LEAVE DECEMBER 917 TO JANUARY 1817
On 31st December Cecil was given leave in England till 19th January 1918.
After wintering in Belgium, in early 1918 the 25th Battalion moved south to Somme as the Australian divisions were transferred there to help blunt the German spring offensive in March and April. They played a pivotal role in several major engagements during the Hundred Days Offensive, a series of Allied offensives that ultimately led to the end of World War I. This period saw the 25th Battalion involved in both defensive and offensive operations, including key battles that contributed to the Allied victory on the Western Front.
THE FIRST BATTLE OF THE SOMME (21 MARCH – 5 APRIL 1918)
The first major phase of the Spring Offensive came in the Somme region, where the Germans launched their attack on 21 March 1918, targeting the British and Australian lines near St. Quentin and Bapaume.
The 25th Battalion was positioned near Bapaume, one of the areas under direct threat in the early phases of the offensive. On 21 March, the Germans attacked in a series of waves, and the 25th Battalion found itself engaged in intense defensive fighting as the Germans pushed forward.
The 25th Battalion took part in delaying actions, trying to hold the Germans back from advancing further into the Somme region.
The Germans made initial gains, and the Allied forces, including the 25th Battalion, were forced to retreat in the face of the German onslaught. The 25th Battalion was involved in fighting withdrawal operations as the Germans advanced, causing the Allied defence to buckle in several places. Although the 25th Battalion was not directly responsible for holding the line in all areas of the Somme, they played an important part in the defensive actions during this initial phase.
THE GERMAN ATTACK ON THE AMIENS-BAPAUME LINE MARCH 1918
As part of the First Battle of the Somme, the Germans launched attacks on Amiens and Bapaume to try and break through Allied defences. The 25th Battalion played a role in defending the Allied line and retaking lost positions. After retreating in some areas, they were part of the forces who helped stabilize the situation in Amiens.
The 25th Battalion was also involved in counterattacks after the Germans had broken through, with Australian units attempting to regain ground wherever possible
THE BATTLE OF VILLERS- BRETONNEUX APRIL 1918
After resting from the previous year’s battles, the 25th were engaged in the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux. This was a key defensive action as part of the German Spring Offensive, which had been launched earlier in the year. In April 1918, the Germans attempted to push through the Allied lines in northern France, and the village of Villers-Bretonneux became a crucial objective
The 25th Battalion was involved in defending the village of Villers-Bretonneux against a German assault. On 24 April 1918, the battalion was called into action as the Germans advanced towards the village, capturing it and part of the surrounding area. The 25th Battalion participated in the counterattack alongside other Australian units, including the 13th Battalion. Australian forces successfully recaptured Villers-Bretonneux in a night assault on 25 April 1918. The 25th Battalion suffered significant casualties during the battle, with many soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. Despite the cost, the successful defence and recapture of Villers-Bretonneux were seen as a major morale booster for the Allied forces
HOSPITALISATION MAY 1918 -PUO- PYREXIA OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
AKA TRENCH FEVER
On 10th May 1918 Cecil was admitted to hospital with PUO- Trench fever, often classed as “PUO- pyrexia of unknown origin,” is a condition that was first reported from troops in Flanders in 1915, when individuals suffered from a febrile illness that relapsed in five-day cycles.
Human louse was rife in the trenches of the Western Front. It was the cause of much discomfort to the troops who found it almost impossible to get rid of them. But the body louse did cause another disease that became to be known as 'Trench Fever'. The body louse was infected by biting a soldier suffering from Trench Fever. The infected soldier did not show any signs, or symptoms, for anything from a week to a month, when a severe head-ache developed with debilitating muscle pains; characteristically of the shins - hence the commonly used alternative name 'Shin-bone Fever'. With a duration of around five days, the fever went into remission and often reoccurred (relapsed) one or more times. There was no effective treatment for Trench Fever other than bed-rest. He rejoined his unit on 4th June 1918
GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE- MARCH TO JULY 1918
The 25th Battalion played a critical role during the German Spring Offensive of 1918. The Spring Offensive, also known as the Kaiserschlacht (Kaiser’s Battle), was a series of attacks launched by the German army between March and July 1918. The Germans aimed to break the deadlock on the Western Front by attacking the Allied lines in the spring of 1918 before the Americans could fully reinforce the Allied forces.
Although the 25th Battalion was not at the very forefront of the initial assaults, they were involved in defensive operations during the spring offensive to hold back the German advances and prevent breakthroughs in key sectors of the Western Front, especially in the Somme and Picardy regions.
THE BATTLE OF HAMEL 4TH JULY 1918
Next month the 25th were engaged in the Battle of Hamel. The Battle of Hamel, fought on 4 July 1918, was a significant engagement during the Hundred Days Offensive. It was the first battle in which the Australian Imperial Force operated under the command of General Sir John Monash, and it was a major success for the Allied forces.
The 25th Battalion played a crucial role in the capture of the village of Hamel, which was part of a broader effort to break the German defensive lines in northern France.
The attack on Hamel was meticulously planned. The Australian Corps was given the task of capturing the village and surrounding areas, and the 25th was involved in the initial assault. The 25th was assigned to advance with the infantry after the initial bombardment, taking out German machine gun positions and clearing the area around the village. German defences were quickly overwhelmed due to the surprise nature of the assault and the use of combined arms tactics.
The infantry, including the 25th Battalion, worked closely with the tanks, which helped break through the German lines and advance through the village. The success of the battle was due to effective coordination between infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft, and the 25th Battalion’s role in the infantry assault was key to the capture of German positions.
THE BATTLE OF MORLANCOURT EARLY SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1918
The 25th was involved in the attack around Morlancourt. The battalion, as part of the 2nd Australian Division, took part in the final push to breach the Hindenburg Line. This was one of the key objectives in September 1918, where Australian forces were tasked with advancing through German positions in Morlan Court, the area surrounding it, and further to the north.
The 25th Battalion was engaged in heavy fighting as they advanced through difficult terrain, pushing the German defenders back from positions that had been heavily fortified over the previous year. German machine guns, artillery, and counterattacks were frequent, but the AIF's tactics and the coordination between infantry, artillery, and tanks allowed the 25th and other Australian units to make significant progress. The capture of Morlan Court, along with other successes along the Hindenburg Line, was crucial in weakening the German defensive position and pushing them back across the Western Front.
THE BEAUREVOIR LINE 18TH -20TH SEPTEMBER 1918
Exhausted by the fighting earlier in the year, the 25th’s final action came in early October 1918 against the Beaurevoir Line. The 25th Battalion, as part of the 2nd Australian Division, was involved in attacks against the Beaurevoir Line as part of the Allied strategy to break through the German defences in northern France.
The Beaurevoir Line was a part of a broader series of attacks launched by the Allied forces after the successful Battle of Amiens (August 1918), during which the Allied armies began to push back the German forces. The 25th was tasked with breaking through sections of the German defence near Beaurevoir, in the northern part of the Hindenburg Line. The Australian forces were involved in attacking fortified positions and clearing the German defences, which included strong points around Beaurevoir and the surrounding areas.
The Battle of Beaurevoir took place from 18–20 September 1918, and the 25th Battalion was engaged in heavy fighting to capture the German positions and push forward. Despite the heavily fortified nature of the Beaurevoir Line, the 25th Battalion and other Allied forces made significant progress in overcoming German resistance. The 25th Battalion’s actions during this period were part of a larger series of Allied breakthroughs, which saw the Australian Imperial Force gaining a reputation as elite soldiers capable of conducting complex operations and overcoming formidable defences.
TRANSFER TO 26TH BATTALION
After this battle, the 25th was disbanded to provide reinforcements to the 26th Infantry Battalion with a view to undertaking further operations. On 30th October 1918 he was transferred to the 26th Battalion. Cecil was given leave to England 29th October and returned to his unit on 16th November.
On 11th 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. Cecil returned to Australia 26th May 1919. He was discharged 27th July 1919.
For his service, Cecil was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. He is listed on the Rous Public School Great Wall of Honour.
HOME LIFE
Cecil married Jessie Ryan in Murwillumbah in 1923. Cecil enlisted in WWII on 22nd February 1940, serving as a sapper with the 3rd Workshop & COY Royal Australian Engineers. He was discharged 17th October 1940.
On the death of his first wife in 1952 he married Alice Bowman. Cecil died 19th December 1969, aged 72, in Brisbane. He is buried at Mount Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium, Nathan, Plot Anzac 2 255
If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.
Memorial Location
We do not know the memorial location of this individual
Buried Location
Mount Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium, Nathan,
