FAMILYLIFE

Edward George (known as George) Paxton was born on 1^st August, 1891 in Milton, son of George & Dorothy (Gardner) Paxton.  According to NSWBDM he was the eldest of 4 boys and his brother Harry enlisted in May 1916. His father died in 1895

ATTESTATIO9N

George was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Kiama on 24^th July 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Dorothy Paxton, of Nobbys Creek. 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

PAGE 2

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, George Paxton, 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 25 years 11 months old, 5ft 3 ½ inches tall (1.6m), weighed 130 lbs (58kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & black hair. He was Church of England.

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

This was completed on 12^th September 1916. 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 30^th Infantry Battalion – 10^th Reinforcements with service No 4147.

LIVERPOOL TRAINING CAMP

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men 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 five shillings a day

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 7^th October 916, the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Ceramic. 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.

DISCIPLINED OCTOBER 1916

Whilst on the Ceramic George was charged with being absent without leave for 6 hours at one of the ports on 20^th October. He was admonished by his superior officer & forfeited 1 day’s pay. Later, at another port on 31^st October, he was again charged but this time there were 3 charges-

1.    Absent without leave from 2 parades on 1^st November

2.    Disregarding His Majesties uniform and wearing civilian attire in order to get a drink

3.    Being drunk on deck.

He forfeited 8 day’s pay which totalled 2pounds 5shillings together with his earlier fine. He also had 8 day’s detention

HURDCOTT TRAINING CAMP

They disembarked at Plymouth on 2^nd November 1916. 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: This included British-issued gear better suited to the Western Front.

·      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.

They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the English training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind.

Training involved trench warfare techniques, bayonet drills, live fire exercises, gas mask use, and coordination with British units.

Their accommodation was tents or wooden huts, often cold, damp, and muddy — especially in the British summer/autumn. The weather was very different from Australia-wet, overcast conditions were common, and many Australians found the climate miserable compared to home.

The parade grounds, rifle ranges, gas training areas, bayonet fighting pits, and mock trench systems were built to simulate battlefield conditions. The training included the use and maintenance of the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle, grenade throwing (often live grenades) & Lewis Gun handling and section tactics

Regular drilling included building and occupying practice trenches, night operations and trench raids & rotations simulating life under shellfire and gas attack.

Gas Warfare Training was very important and they were trained in the use of PH-type gas helmets and box respirators & drills in gas chambers using low concentrations of chlorine or phosgene to acclimate soldiers.

Close-combat techniques using bayonets — aggressive training with thrusts, parries, and charges were held

Tactical training included understanding platoon and company movements & signals training (flags, lamps, runners).

The recruits’ daily life began early with reveille at dawn, PT, then drills. Route marches in full kit were common — often 10–15 miles across the chalky countryside. Evenings often included lectures or maintenance. Pay parades, church services, and mail from home offered some morale boosts however the cold, wet conditions were physically hard, and sickness was common (influenza, bronchitis, trench foot-like conditions).

Use of Mills bombs and defensive bombing techniques in dugouts or trench corners was carried & section-level manoeuvres with live ammunition — dangerous but essential for battlefield realism

Training at Hurdcott was tough, realistic, and intense. It forged untested Australian recruits into soldiers ready for the horrors of trench warfare on the Western Front. While some men found it exhausting and bleak, it undoubtedly helped save lives once they reached the trenches of either Gallipoli or the Western Front. Training would normally last 3 months.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH FEBRUARY 1917

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

George was taken on strength with the 30th on 13th February 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.

HOSPITALISED FEBRUARY SCABIES

He was admitted to hospital on 23^rd February with scabies. With soldiers fighting in close proximity in the trenches, usually in unsanitary conditions, disease spread quickly and scabies, which is a very itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite (bug), is very contagious

In WW1 The treatment of scabies consisted of a 4-day process. On the first day the patient was thoroughly rubbed with soft soap for fifteen minutes. He then entered a warm bath where he lay for twenty minutes; during the last five minutes the infected sites were gently scrubbed with a soft brush. This procedure was designed to open up the burrows and expose the acari and ova. Steam or shower baths could not accomplish this satisfactorily and were therefore unsuitable. After drying, a liberal quantity of sulphur ointment was rubbed over the whole body below the neck, special attention being paid to the hands, feet, and penis. This inunction was repeated on the second and third days. On the fourth day, but not before, the patient was given a second bath and supplied with clean clothing and bedding. Such articles as socks, wrist straps, gloves, and the string of identification discs also required disinfection

BATTLE OF BULLECOURT APRIL 1917

George rejoined his unit on 12^th April, 1917. His unit were then engaged in the Battle of Bullecourt. Four experienced Australian divisions of ANZAC Corps were part of the British 5th Army under Sir Hubert Gough. The general wanted to attack at Bullecourt to support an important offensive by the adjoining British 3rd Army to the north and the French Army further to the south. Relatively young, Gough was an energetic commander. However, his aggressive spirit coupled with poor planning resulted in heavy losses. His attack launched at Bullecourt on 11 April 1917 was a disaster. Despite this a further attack across the same ground was ordered for 3 May. The Australians broke into and took part of the Hindenburg Line but no important strategic advantage was ever gained; in the two battles the AIF lost 10,000 men.

Rather than wait until he had sufficient artillery resources Gough decided to employ a dozen tanks to lead the troops through the enemy’s barbed-wire. An attack set for 10 April was suddenly abandoned when the tanks did not arrive. It went ahead the next morning with disastrous results. Exposed to murderous machine-gun and artillery fire the Australians were forced back to their own lines while tanks stood burning on the battlefield. The Australians had 3,000 men killed or wounded; many survivors remained bitter about such a futile waste.

HOSPITALISED BRONCHITIS JUNE 1917

On 1^st June George was admitted to hospital with tuberculosis, but the condition was changed to bronchitis on the 9^th June. A persistent cough that lasts one to three weeks is the main symptom of bronchitis. It is caused by viruses & bacteria, and, again, easily caught in the trenches. Rest & relaxation was the best method to help soldiers get over this and George remained in hospital until 24^th June.

CONVALESCENT CAMP

He then convalesced at Rouen. 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.

DISCIPLINED JULY 1917

On 12^th July he was again under 3 charges:

·      Being absent from the tattoo roll on 2^nd July until apprehended by MPs on 3^rd July at 5.30am

·      Altering his pass

·      Being out of bounds.

FIELD PUNISHMENT NO 2

His punishment was severe- he received field punishment No 2 for 20 days & one day’s pay. The soldier could be kept in irons to prevent his escape however was not allowed to be tied to a fixed object, carried out in the units if the punishment was sentenced to less than 14 days. They had to undergo hard labour, made to march in full order with packs and rifles twice daily, usually morning and afternoon. The soldier’s rifle equipment was inspected and if not satisfactory would be further punished.  Soldiers under field punishment no.2 were not allowed to smoke or drink any rum; pay was also lost during this time. If the prisoner messed up, they were sent straight to the bottom of the leave roster and also did at least an hour pack drill every day. The prisoners were only allowed blankets and to sleep on the floor and were under guarded supervision in a room from between the hours of 6pm and 6am. 

DISCIPLINED AUGUST 1917

He was again disciplined for overstaying his pass from 9.30pm to 12 midnight on 1^st August and for drunkenness. He was deprived on 20 day’s pay

BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 1917

He rejoined his unit on 31^st August 1917. They were active in France and in October joined the Battle of Polygon Wood, which was the second of three battles between 20 September and 4 October 1917 in which ‘step by step’ or ‘bite and hold’ tactics were used to batter down the formidable German defensive positions. After an opening bombardment the infantry would advance for a prescribed distance behind a ‘creeping’ barrage of shells. This barrage would keep the Germans in their ‘pillboxes’ until British soldiers were almost upon them. The enemy positions would then be captured consolidated and protected from counter-attack by artillery. Artillery would be brought forward and the next ‘bite’ attempted. In this way the British aimed to work their way from their start lines near Ypres to the heights of the ridge ten kilometres away at Passchendaele village. Charles Bean, the Australian Official Historian described the opening barrage on 26 September as the most perfect that ever protected Australian troops and that it rolled ahead of the troops roaring ‘like a Gippsland bushfire’.

DISCIPLINED OCTOBER

On 16^th October 1917 George was accused of being in illegal possession of an illegible bag. He was marched into detention on 15^th November awaiting court martial but the case was dismissed as having insufficient evidence. George was likely confined in military guardrooms, detention barracks or military prisons whenever he was recaptured. The repeated escapes suggest the authorities may have moved him to increasingly secure facilities before the trial.

 COURT MARTIAL MAY 1918

On 2^nd May 1918 a Field General Court Martial in the field was held, its president being Major B. A Wark of 32^nd Battalion. There were five charges

1.    Absent without leave on 28^th August 1917 until apprehended by military police on 31^st December 1917

2.    When in lawful custody escaping on 17^th January 1918

3.    Absent without leave from 17^th January until apprehended on 1^st February 1918

4.    When in lawful custody escaping on 14^th March 1918

5.    Absent without leave from 14^th March until apprehended 17^th March

George was found guilt of all charges and sentenced to 2 years in prison with hard labour. This was confirmed by Major General Sir Joseph Hobbs

IMPRISONMENT

Once sentenced, George was committed to HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs in London, one of Britain's largest and most imposing prisons. During the First World War it housed civilian and military prisoners, including soldiers serving sentences imposed by courts martial.

Life at Wormwood Scrubs was far removed from military service. The prison was a massive Victorian institution built on the principle of strict discipline and hard work. George would have occupied a small individual cell furnished with only the bare necessities. Daily life followed a rigid timetable controlled by bells and warders.

A typical day involved:

·      Rising early, often around dawn.

·      Cell inspections and roll calls.

·      Prison labour for much of the day.

·      Strict obedience to prison regulations.

·      Limited conversation with other prisoners.

·      Simple and repetitive meals.

·      Exercise periods conducted under supervision.

·      Return to cells in the evening.

The "hard labour" component varied over time, but prisoners could be assigned to physically demanding or monotonous work intended as punishment as well as occupation. Prison discipline was strict, and privileges were limited.

TIDWORTH CAMP JUNE 1919

Despite receiving a two-year sentence, George clearly did not serve the full term. By 1919 the war had ended and many military prisoners were having sentences reduced, suspended or remitted to facilitate demobilisation. On 26 June 1919 he was transferred from Wormwood Scrubs to Tidworth Camp, one of the principal Australian demobilisation centres in England. His transfer to Tidworth indicates that the authorities had decided to return him to military control and process him for repatriation rather than keep him imprisoned. At Tidworth he would have undergone medical examinations, administrative processing, equipment accounting and preparations for the long voyage back to Australia. Like thousands of other AIF soldiers awaiting transport home, he would have spent his final weeks in England in military camp conditions rather than behind prison walls.

AWL AGAIN

Even after spending more than a year in prison, George's disciplinary troubles were not over. Having been transferred from Wormwood Scrubs to Tidworth Camp in June 1919 to prepare for his return to Australia, he was absent without leave again on 3 July and was punished with forfeiture of pay and 72 hours' detention.

RETURNING HOME- JUMPED SHIP FREMANTLE

George returned to Australia, via Fremantle on 23^rd July 1919. When the ship left Fremantle George was not on board. His conduct remained consistent with the pattern that had marked much of his later service.. George's record reveals a soldier who repeatedly clashed with military discipline and authority, earning a reputation as a persistent offender despite the opportunities given to him to reform. Yet, like many men of the AIF, he ultimately completed his service and returned to Australia after a wartime career that was as eventful as it was unconventional.He was discharged 26^th September 1919.

FOR HIS SERVICE

George received the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal

HOME LIFE

George stated he was a single man but according to findagrave.com he had a daughter & a son by 1916, although I cannot confirm if he was married to Angelina Davis, who is his wife on that website. He had two more sons in 1922 & 1925.

COURT APPREARANCE MARCH 1928

In March 1928 Trove advises that George appeared before Mr. W. C. Geikie, P.M in Murwillumbah Police Court with having maliciously set fire to a dwelling house at Tumbulgum, a person, (his wife) being an occupant of the dwelling at the time. On the application of the police, defendant was remanded for eight days

On a second charge, of having been found drunk at Tumbulgum, defendant was fined 10/- in default of three days’ hard labour

DEATH

George died 15^th August 1950 in Brisbane and is buried Lutwyche Cemetery, Kedron, Plot ANZ-8-3-64

---

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

We do not have any additional documents or pictures related to this individual.