FAMILY LIFE

John Cleaton Marshall was born in the Tweed River district in 1887, son of David Cleaton Marshall and Georgina Catherine (Munro) Marhsall. He was brother to his younger sister Marion. David Marshall was sometimes called the “father of Uki, saw the need for a community hall and instigated the construction in 1911 as well as set up the original Trustees. The Hall buildings have undergone a range of renovations and upgrades to keep up with modern requirements. Throughout its history installations have included new floors, electricity, telephone lines, and hopefully a new coat of paint on the interior of the large hall. Even with all the changes and updates the Uki Hall has maintained its character with walls that have held the history of this rural Tweed village that echoed the events of the larger world around them. It is a deeply personal building that conserves the memories and history of the village of Uki.

Meanwhile, David’s wife, Georgina, and her sister Mrs Huggins, taught their children in a barn on the Marshall farm. Soon other parents wanted their children to learn so the wheels were put in motion for a school in the area. While the children waited for the new school to be built, classes continued in the Marshall’s barn, moving to Mr Sweetnam’s barn. In 1894 the 20 children in attendance then moved half a mile away to the current well-known location in the centre of Uki. John & Marion would have been among those children. John’s mother is on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district

APPLICATION

John was single assistant stock inspector, living in Uki, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 28^th September 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, David. He had been rejected for military service previously due to his teeth. His medical showed he was 29 years 4months old, 5ft 9 inches tall (1.75m), weighed 158 lbs (71kgs), with a medium complexion, hazel eyes & brown hair.  His eyesight was good and required dental treatment. John was Presbyterian. He was enlisted as a private into the 26^th Infantry Battalion – 17^th Reinforcements with service No 6117

26^TH INFANTRY BATTALION

The 26th was originally raised in April 1915 during World War I as part of the Australian Imperial Force and was assigned to the 7th Brigade. The legacy of the 26th Infantry Battalion is deeply rooted in its remarkable contributions during both World Wars. It is remembered for its bravery and resilience in key battles

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 27^th October 1916, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Marathon. 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.

ROLLESTONE TRAINING CAMP

They disembarked at Plymouth on 9^th January 1917 and were marched into the training camp at Rollestone. Over many more tough months, 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.

TRENCH WARFARE

John joined the 26^th Battalion on 12^th June 1917 in France. 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.

BATTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917

John and the other recruits were thrown head first into the war.  On the June 17, 1917, the 26^th Battalion was withdrawn from the Battle of the Somme to the battle for Messines which was initiated by the detonation of five-hundred tonnes of high explosives placed in 19 tunnels dug by the British, including Australian, tunnellers under the German fortifications along the Messines Ridge.

The resultant explosion, the largest ever in the world to that date, was clearly felt and heard in London. The Battle for Messines was the first time the new reinforcements were subjected to Phosgene Gas.

This gas had previously been delivered by hand grenade and being subject to wind and how far it could be thrown was not all that popular with the enemy. Later the Germans perfected artillery and mortar shells which delivered the gas into the back of the enemy lines.

The British tactical objective was to capture the German defences on the ridge, which ran from Ploegsteert Wood in the south, through Messines and Wytschaete to Mt Sorrel, depriving the German 4th Army of the high ground. The ridge gave commanding views of the British defences and back areas of Ypres to the north, from which the allies intended to conduct the Northern Operation, an advance to Passchendaele Ridge and then the capture of the Belgian coast up to the Dutch frontier. The battle began with the detonation of nineteen mines beneath the German front position, which devastated it and left large craters. A creeping barrage, 700 yd (640 m) deep, began and protected the  troops as they secured the ridge with support from tanks, cavalry patrols and aircraft. The effect of the  mines, barrages and bombardments was improved by advances in artillery survey, flash spotting and centralised control of artillery from the Second Army headquarters. The attacks from 8 to 14 June advanced the front line beyond the former German Sehnenstellung (Chord Position, the Oost Taverne Line to the British). 

BATTLE OF POZIERES JULY AND AUGUST 1916

The Battle of Pozières took place during the Battle of the Somme. Australian forces played a crucial role, capturing the village of Pozières and enduring relentless German artillery bombardments, losing as many men in a few weeks as they did over eight months on Gallipoli. Less than one third of the Australian reinforcements had fought at Gallipoli; they were largely inexperienced and ill-prepared to deal with the deadly onslaught of the battle-hardened machine that was the German Imperial Army.

The battle was marked by intense fighting, with Australian divisions suffering heavy casualties—over 23,000 men, including 6,800 killed or dying of wounds. Despite the losses, the Australians secured the high ground, which was vital for further Allied operations. On 29 July 1916 official Australian war correspondent Charles Bean recorded in his diary: “Pozieres Ridge is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth” The 26^th Battalion suffered over 650 casualties

THE BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE OCTOBER 1917

The Battle of Broodseinde was fought on 4 October 1917 near Ypres. The 26th Battalion played a crucial role in this battle. The battle was the most successful Allied attack of the Third Battle of Ypres. Using bite-and-hold tactics, with objectives limited to what could be held against German counter-attacks, the allied devastated the German defence, prompted a crisis among the German commanders and caused a severe loss of morale in the 4th Army. Preparations were made by the Germans for local withdrawals and planning began for a greater withdrawal, which would entail the abandonment by the Germans of the Belgian coast, one of the strategic aims of the Flanders Offensive. During the battle, the 26th Battalion advanced under heavy fire, overcoming German defensive positions and contributing to the broader Allied victory. Their actions helped secure the ridge, which was crucial for further operations in the Third Battle of Ypres.

WOUNDED IN ACTION 4TH OCTOBER 1917

On the 4^th October 1917 John was wounded in this battle with concussion. He was admitted to the 18^th General Hospital but he was diagnosed with brain contusion, also known as cerebral contusions. They are serious due to the location and function of your brain and after being discharged from hospital John spent time in several command depots. 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.

DECEMBER 1917- FEBRUARY 1918

He rejoined his unit on 26th December 1917 in Belgium. During December 1917 to February 1918, the 26th Battalion was stationed on the Western Front, continuing its involvement in the war following the intense battles of Broodseinde and Poelcappelle. This period was largely spent in trench warfare, conducting patrols, reinforcing defensive positions, and preparing for future offensives.

The battalion was part of the 2nd Australian Division, which was engaged in winter operations in Belgium and northern France. The harsh conditions of winter made movement difficult, and soldiers endured freezing temperatures, mud, and constant artillery bombardment. While there were no major offensives during this time, the battalion remained active in raiding enemy trenches, gathering intelligence, and maintaining pressure on German forces.

ENGLISH LEAVE FEBRUARY 1918

On 21st February 1918 he was given leave in England. He returned on 16^th March.

THE SOMME 1918

In early 1918, after the fighting on the Eastern Front ended following the collapse of the Russian Empire, the Germans transferred a large number of divisions to the Western Front and subsequently launched a major offensive that became known as the Spring Offensive. In April 1918, after the Allies had been pushed steadily back, the 26th Battalion was transferred from the Messines sector south to the Somme and committed to the fighting along with other Australian units. The 26th undertook defensive tasks throughout April and May in various locations including Baizieux, Camon and Ribemont, during which time over 100 casualties were suffered before the German offensive was eventually halted.

HUNDRED DAY OFFENSIVE AUGUST 1918

John was given leave from 17^th August in Paris and returned on 28^th August. In August, the Allies launched their Hundred Days Offensive, which ultimately brought an end to the war. On the opening day of the offensive, the 26th led the 7th Brigade's attack around Villers-Bretonneux. After a period in reserve, in late August they advanced on the brigade's left during an attack at Biaches which saw the Allies push towards the Somme River. The following month they took part in the attack on Mont St Quentin, during which they experienced heavy machine-gun fire.

KILLED IN ACTION BEAUREVOIR LINE 3^RD OCTOBER 1918

After the Somme was crossed, the 26th joined an attack around Grandcourt and Lormisset on 3 October 1918, part of the "Beaurevoir Line", which was the third and final line of the Hindenburg Line defences.

It was approximately eight kilometres to the rear of the main Hindenburg Line and consisted of thick barbed wire entanglements and well-sited machine and anti-tank gun bunkers. The bulk of the trenches, however, were only partly dug. 

The original attack on the Hindenburg Line launched on 29 September had been intended to smash right through the Beaurevoir Line as well, but had not succeeded in this objective. The order was to breakthrough the Beaurevoir Line on 3 October 1918. The Australians were to seize the village of Beaurevoir, and the British Montbrehain. The Australian attack was a success, but was stopped short of the village due to insecure flanks. During the attack, the 26th followed up the initial gains made in the 7th Brigade's sector by the 25th Battalion, and attacked the second line of German defences around Grandcourt, suffering 123 casualties, including 21 killed. WOUNDED IN ACTION 3^RD OCTOBER 1918

KILLED IN ACTION 10^TH OCTOBER 1918

Amongst those killed was John who received a gunshot wound to the head on 3^rd October, was admitted to the 72^nd General Hospital and died of his wounds on the 10^th October 1918

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial, Loyal Uki Lodge No. 262 Tweed River District M.U.I.O.O.F. Great War Honour Roll, Baulkham Hills William Thompson Masonic School War Memorial, Tweed Heads Lodge Tweed 136 Roll of Honour, Uki Tweed River South Arm War Memorial and the Sydney United Grand Lodge Honour Roll

John’s effects were returned to his father on 2^nd September 1919 and consisted of his disc, letters, photos, wallet, pouch, fountain pen, masonic certificate & pay book. The memorial scroll was received 5^th February, 1922. The memorial plaque was received on 9^th December 1922 & his victory medal was received 18^th April 1923

His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial panel 108 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War and he is commemorated at the Tourgeville Military Cemetery (Plot IV, Row D, Grave No. 2), France

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