FAMILY LIFE

William Cooney was born in 1894 in Carbago, a small village near Bega, son of Thomas & Amy Mary (Blacker) Cooney. William was one of 10 children. The Cooney family arrived in Murwillumbah in 1908 and the parents’ names are on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district. Many the children settled and died in the district and are buried in the local cemeteries.

APPLICATION

William was single farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 20^th July 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Amy, of Tyalgum.

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

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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, William Cooney, 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 21 years 2 months old, 5ft 6½ inches tall (1.7m), weighed 161 lbs (73kgs), with a fresh complexion, grey eyes & brown hair. His eyesight was good. William was Church of England and had 2 moles on his chest & a birthmark on his right arm.  

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

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 31^st Infantry Battalion – 1^st Reinforcements with service No 1532

31^st INFANTRY BATTALION

The 31st was raised in August 1915 as part of the 8th Brigade & it joined the 5th Australian Division in Egypt before heading to the Western Front in France in 1916. The 31st Infantry Battalion's legacy is marked by its resilience, bravery, and dedication to its missions. Its history is preserved through memorials and historical records, ensuring its contributions are remembered and honoured

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. William received his first one on 27^th July, the second on 6^th August & the last on 16^th August. 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.

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 six shillings a day

VOYAGE OVERSEAS MELBOURNE TO EGYPT OCTOBER 1915

Some of the 31^st battalion’s companies, however, were also raised at Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria. In early October, these two elements were united at Broadmeadows, and the battalion sailed from Melbourne on 9^th November 1915 on the HMAT Wandilla on the 5^th. William sailed on the Wandilla.

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. They disembarked on the Suez on 7^th December 1915

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP DECEMBER 1915

The 31st joined the newly raised 5th Australian Division in Egypt. 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.

Over many tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began an intensive period of training in preparation for deployment to the front. These camps were shared by other Australian and New Zealand forces, creating a large and active training environment.

Daily life followed a strict military routine. Reveille was sounded around 5:30 am, followed by physical training, which included route marches and endurance work in the desert conditions. After breakfast, the men began structured morning sessions focusing on drill, bayonet practice, and rifle handling. Training resumed after lunch, often with practical field exercises such as digging trenches, constructing defences, and simulating attacks on mock enemy positions. The day ended with roll call, personal time, and lights out around 9:00 pm.

The training itself covered a wide range of military skills. Soldiers learned close-order drill, musketry (rifle shooting), bayonet fighting, and basic tactics. Musketry was particularly important: the men practised with their Lee-Enfield rifles on firing ranges, learning how to load, aim, fire rapidly, and judge distances accurately. Bayonet training was also emphasized, with troops practising thrusts, parries, and charges on straw-filled dummies to build aggression and confidence.

Physical fitness was a high priority. Route marches of 10 to 15 kilometres in full kit were a regular part of the schedule to build stamina and discipline. Troops also received instruction in field engineering—learning how to dig trenches, build parapets and revetments, and position barbed wire obstacles effectively.

Other important areas of training included basic first aid, battlefield communication (such as flag and lamp signalling), and map reading.

Sanitation and hygiene were stressed throughout the training period. Soldiers were taught how to prevent disease by maintaining clean clothing and equipment, constructing latrines, and purifying drinking water. This was crucial in the Egyptian climate, where illness could spread rapidly.

Although the training was demanding, there were occasional opportunities for leave. Many soldiers visited the bazaars, cafés, and sights of Cairo, or made trips to the pyramids near Mena. Morale was generally high, though the men understood active service was approaching.

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.

TRENCH WARFARE

The 31st proceeded to France, destined for the Western Front, leaving Alexandria on the Hororata on 16^th June 1916. They disembarked in Marseilles on the 23^rd June 1916.

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.

THE BATTLE OF FROMELLES JULY 1916

The 31st Battalion fought its first major battle at Fromelles on 19 July 1916, having only entered the front-line trenches 3 days previously. The Battle of Fromelles, fought on July 19-20, 1916, was the first major engagement for Australian troops on the Western Front during World War I. It was intended as a diversion to prevent German reinforcements from moving to the Somme, but the attack was poorly planned and executed. Australian and British forces faced heavily fortified German positions near Aubers Ridge, including the "Sugar Loaf" strongpoint. The assault resulted in catastrophic losses, with over 5,500 Australian casualties, including nearly 2,000 killed. The battle is remembered as one of the darkest days in Australian military history

WOUNDED IN ACTION

The attack was a disastrous introduction to battle for the 31st – it suffered 572 casualties, over half of its strength. William was one of the casualties being wounded in action on 20th July with a gunshot wound to the arm.  

HOSPITALISATION & CONVALESCENCE

He was transferred to England on the 21st per the Jan Breydel & admitted to the 2nd General Hospital in Manchester.  He would spend several months there and then be marched into the Lark Hill camp. 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.

DISCIPLINED

Whilst there he went AWL from 3pm on 7^th September until he reported in at 3pm on the 8^th. He forfeited 6 day’s pay

REJOINED UNIT

He rejoined his unit on 30th September 1916. The 31st were in France fighting in the trenches. They had suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Fromelles in July, which rendered them non-operational for the remainder of 1916. While they continued to spend time in the front-line trenches, they did not participate in any major offensive actions during that period. The battalion's focus during this time was likely on rebuilding its strength and preparing for future operations. They would be doing a variety of things such as repairing & reinforcing the trenches, venturing into No Man’s Land to gather intelligence on the enemy’s movements, practising weapon handling, supporting supply line with food etc and resting for periods in billets & rest areas. 

HOSPITALISATION MEASLES & BRONCHIAL PNEUMONIA

On the 11^th November 1916 William was admitted to Reading War hospital with measles and bronchial pneumonia. The measles virus attacked the respiratory epithelium but the real risk was that the compromised pulmonary defences of the immunosuppressed soldier would succumb to a secondary infection when respiratory bacteria descended into the lungs to cause pneumonia, which it did with William.  There were no antibiotics in WWI so doctors focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications through measures like bed rest which was crucial to allow the body to conserve energy and fight the infection, oxygen therapy which helped patients breathe easier & managing complications by focusing on treating complications like secondary bacterial infections. 

CONVALESCENCE

William was again marched into one of the command posts- this one at Wareham, on 25^th November 1916

DISCIPLINED JANUARY 1917

William’s recovery was taking some time and he was still in Wareham when he went AWL from the Tattoo on 16^th January 1917 to 8pm on the 26^th January. He was awarded 11 days detention in custody awaiting trial in 3 days and forfeited 25 day’s pay.

Later that year he incurred a further charge of unauthorised absence and was awarded seven days' confinement to camp. Despite these setbacks, his health eventually improved sufficiently for him to be returned to active service.

SEPTEMBER 1917

In September 1917 William was transferred to the 69th Draft Battalion and prepared for overseas movement. Embarking at Southampton on 14 October 1917, he crossed the English Channel to Le Havre, arriving the following day. On 26 October he was taken on strength in France and entered the Australian reinforcement system. Rather than returning immediately to the front line, however, he appears to have remained attached to depots and reinforcement units for an extended period.

1918

By 1918 William's health was again causing difficulties. On 2 July 1918 he was admitted to hospital suffering from scabies, an irritating skin disease that was widespread among troops living under crowded field conditions. He passed through the medical chain, being treated first in the field before admission to a Casualty Clearing Station and then a General Hospital. After treatment he was discharged to a convalescent depot to regain his strength before returning to duty.

1919

His troubles did not end there. Early in 1919 he was again admitted to hospital with a recurrence of scabies. He was transferred through several medical facilities, including a General Hospital, before finally being discharged to a reinforcement depot. On 14 January 1919 he proceeded to England, and by 25 January was again fit enough to rejoin his unit.

The war, however, had ended before William could return to active operations. During the months that followed he remained with the Australian Imperial Force awaiting repatriation.

 

GETTING HOME

On 5^th November 1918 he was given leave and rejoined the unit on 28^th November. 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. In March 1919 he was selected for return to Australia and proceeded to the embarkation depot at Le Havre. After completing the necessary administrative and medical formalities he embarked for home, bringing to an end a service marked by wounds received in battle, serious illness, lengthy periods of hospitalisation and repeated efforts to regain fitness for duty. William returned to Australia per Devana on 27^th June 1919.

CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES GIVEN TO SOLDIERS FOR SOLDIERS PROCEEDING TO AUSTRALIA FOR DEMOBILISATION

Badges Hat                    Badges Collar (2)                    Bags kit universal

Bags kit sea                   Braces (pair)                            Brush, shaving

Brush, tooth                  Breeches M.S (Military service)

Cap comforter (warm cap)                                           Comb, hair

Disc identity with cord                                                  Drawers (2 pairs)

Great Coat                     Hat, Khaki fur                          Hat, white

Holdall                           Housewife (compact sewing kit)

Jackets Cardigan           Jackets S.D (service dress)

Leggings 1 pair             Laces, leather 1 pair

Puggarees, small (a traditional Indian head wrap, worn in warm conditions

Puttees, 1 pair (cloth bandages worn by soldiers, to provide support and protection for the lower leg)

Razor                              Shirts, flannel (2)                   Socks, 3 pairs

Singlets (2)

Strap chin                      Soap piece                               Suit, working

Towels, hand (2)

Titles “Australia” (4)-
Australian soldiers and non-commissioned officers wore an “Australia” title at the base of their shoulder straps. Each serving soldier also wore unit titles above this which indicated the units to which they belonged

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, William was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial 

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