Private John Edward Withers
Service #: 2998A
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
John Edward Withers was born 11th December 1895 in Murwillumbah, son of John Augustus Withers & Mary (Reilly) Withers. He came from a large family and two of his brothers also enlisted. His parents are listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district.
ATTESTATION
John was single printer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 1st February 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, John, of East Murwillumbah.
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, John Edward Withers, 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 1 month old, 5ft 7 inches tall (1.7m), weighed 108 lbs (49kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & black hair. His eyesight was good. John was Roman Catholic and had a scar on his left shin.
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 31st Infantry Battalion – 8th Reinforcements with service No 2998. This was changed to 2998A on 16th January 1917.
31st 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
ENOGERA TRAINING CAMP
The 31st Battalion was raised as part of the 8th Brigade at Enoggera, on the outskirts of Brisbane, and the recruits all attended the training camp at Rifle Camp, Enoggera. 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 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 could 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 SYDNEY TO EGYPT APRIL 1916
The recruits left Brisbane on the 12th April 1916 on the troop train heading for Sydney and they sailed from Sydney on 14th April 1916 on 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.
EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP MAY 1916
They disembarked on the Suez on 16th May 1916. Soldiers arriving from Australia usually underwent a short period of further training and conditioning at the base depots in Egypt
This included familiarisation with trench warfare tactics & use of gas masks and bayonets. They went on route marches to build stamina & battlefield discipline was reinforced. They were also updated on enemy tactics or new weapons (e.g. gas alerts)
Awaiting Deployment Orders
Soldiers did not immediately go to their units. They had to wait for:
· A draft of reinforcements to be requested by the Battalion
· The logistics to arrange movement to the front
· Sometimes, movement was delayed due to transport availability, enemy activity, or unit reorganisation.
Medical Checks & Paperwork
Troops were also given medical inspections, final checks of records, and issued any missing kit or equipment before joining the battalion.
EGYPT TO ENGLAND JUNE 1916
On the 6th June the recruits embarked on the Franconia at Alexandria and sailed to England
ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP JUNE 1916
They arrived in Plymouth on 16th June 1916. Over many more tough months, in the 8th Battalion’s English training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther even behind.
When the recruits arrived in England, they entered a period of intensive preparation that was both physically demanding and strategically vital.
Life in camp was austere and relentless. The recruits lived in wooden huts that offered little protection from the English weather, and the damp cold of the Plain came as a shock to men who had trained in Australia and/or Egypt. Days began early, often before dawn, with physical training designed to build endurance and toughness. Long route marches across the open downs were a regular feature, men carrying full packs, rifles, ammunition, and equipment as they were conditioned for the demands of trench warfare.
Training was systematic and increasingly realistic. The men would have spent many hours on the parade ground mastering drill, weapon handling, and unit manoeuvres, but the focus soon shifted to battlefield skills. The battalion practised trench warfare techniques, including entering and clearing enemy trenches, bombing drills with Mills grenades, bayonet fighting, and the rapid consolidation of captured positions. Specially constructed practice trenches on Salisbury Plain allowed officers and NCOs to rehearse attacks down to the smallest detail, ensuring that every man understood his role once the battalion went into action.
Musketry training was constant. The men would have fired thousands of rounds on the rifle ranges, honing accuracy, and speed, learning to fire from awkward positions and under time pressure. Lewis gun teams trained separately, while all infantrymen were taught how to operate the weapon if needed. Gas warfare instruction was also compulsory; men practised donning respirators under simulated gas attacks, a grim but necessary preparation for conditions at the front.
Between training cycles, the battalion undertook further instruction at nearby camps on Salisbury Plain, including periods at Perham Down, another major training area used to relieve overcrowding and provide additional field space. Here the emphasis was on large-scale exercises involving entire brigades, practising attacks behind creeping artillery barrages, night operations, and movement under cover. These exercises often lasted days, with men sleeping in the open, reinforcing the endurance and discipline required for front-line service.
Despite the hard routine, there were moments of respite. When training schedules allowed, the men may have been granted short leave to nearby towns such as Salisbury or even London, where Australian soldiers briefly escaped the rigours of camp life. These interludes, however, were short-lived, and by autumn the training intensified as the battalion’s departure for France drew closer.
After many months of continuous preparation in England, the Battalion was judged ready for active service. The recruits had been transformed from a newly arrived reinforcement into a fully trained infantryman, accustomed to discipline, hardship, and the mechanics of modern war. When the battalion finally crossed to France, it did so as a cohesive and well-drilled unit, prepared—so far as training could allow—for the brutal realities of the Western Front. Training could last many months
WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH SEPTEMBER 1916
John proceeded to France on 5th September 1916 with the 31st destined for the Western front, where they found themselves fighting in trenches. 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, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats.
· 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
SEPTEMBER 1916 TO EARLY 1917
Although it still spent periods in the front line, the 31st played no major offensive role for the rest of the year. Due to the heavy losses in the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, they were rendered 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.
In early 1917, the German Army withdrew to the Hindenburg Line allowing the British front to be advanced and the 31st Battalion participated in the follow-up operations. The battalion subsequently missed the heavy fighting to breach the Hindenburg Line during the second battle of Bullecourt as the 8th Brigade was deployed to protect the division’s flank.
BETWEEN BATTLES
Between battles, battalions engaged in a variety of critical activities to recover, prepare, and maintain their effectiveness. Some of the key activities included rest & recovery, continuing their training, maintaining their weapons & uniforms, building & reinforcing the trenches & dugouts & barbed wire defences
They also conducted patrols and reconnaissance to gather intelligence on enemy movements and maintain control over no-man's-land & engaged in activities like writing letters, playing games, and sharing stories to bond as a unit and maintain their spirits. This downtime between battles was essential for ensuring that battalions could perform effectively when called back into action.
BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD 26TH SEPTEMBER 1917
The only large battle in 1917 in which the 31st Battalion played a major role was Polygon Wood, fought in the Ypres sector in Belgium. It was a battle 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’. The battle cost 5,770 Australian casualties
LATE SEPTEMBER 1917
The period between late September 1917 and June 1918 was one of the most demanding stretches of the war for the 31st Battalion. Although it lacks the fame of Gallipoli or the great battles of 1916, the battalion endured months of relentless trench warfare, the mud of Passchendaele, a bitter winter, and finally the desperate fighting that stopped the German Spring Offensive.
THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES OCTOBER 1917
In late September 1917, the 31st Battalion was in Belgium as part of the 8th Brigade, 5th Australian Division. The men had already participated in the fighting around Polygon Wood and were heavily involved in the Third Battle of Ypres. Throughout October they occupied positions near Zonnebeke and Broodseinde, where rain transformed the battlefield into a sea of mud. Roads disappeared beneath shell holes filled with water, and men often struggled to move guns, ammunition, and supplies forward. The battalion alternated between front-line duty and periods in support positions, but there was little respite. German artillery constantly bombarded the area, and casualties mounted even when no major attack was underway.
BETWEEN BATTLES
As autumn gave way to winter, the battalion left the worst of the Passchendaele battlefield and moved through various sectors of the front. Life settled into the grim routine of trench warfare. Days were spent repairing trenches, draining waterlogged positions, strengthening barbed-wire defences, carrying rations and ammunition, and standing sentry. Nights were often devoted to working parties or patrols into No Man's Land. The enemy was never far away, and shellfire, snipers, and trench mortars ensured that the casualty lists continued to grow.
CHRISTMAS 1917 AND EARLY 1918 PLOEGSTEERT AND MESSINES
Christmas 1917 and the opening months of 1918 were spent largely in the Ploegsteert and Messines sectors. The weather was bitterly cold, and the ground frequently turned to mud. The men lived in dugouts and shelters that offered only limited protection from the elements. Reinforcements arrived to replace losses from the Flanders fighting, while training occupied much of the battalion's time when it was out of the line. Officers were increasingly concerned about signs that Germany was preparing a major offensive following the collapse of Russia on the Eastern Front.
DISCIPLINED DECEMBER 1917
On 29th December 1917 John went AWL from midnight to 9.25pm on 30th December. He forfeited 6 day’s pay and was awarded 2 day’s Field Punishment No. 2 where the prisoner was placed in fetters and handcuffs but was not attached to a fixed object and was still able to march with his unit. This was a relatively tolerable punishment
SPRING OFFENSIVE MARCH 1918
Those fears proved justified when the Germans launched their Spring Offensive on 21 March 1918. Although the 31st Battalion was not initially in the direct path of the attack, the battalion soon found itself involved in the desperate efforts to halt the German advance. During April the 5th Australian Division was rushed south to the Somme region, where the situation was critical. The Germans were pushing towards the vital rail centre of Amiens, and every available unit was needed to stop them.
The 31st Battalion entered the line around Villers-Bretonneux and neighbouring sectors during some of the most important fighting of the war. The men occupied defensive positions, conducted patrols, and prepared for counter-attacks. The threat of a German breakthrough hung over every day. The battalion endured heavy shelling and frequent clashes with enemy patrols while helping to stabilise the front.
MAY AND JUNE, 1918, THE SOMME SECTOR
Through May and into June 1918, the battalion remained in the Somme sector. Although the great German assaults had largely been checked, the fighting continued. Raids, patrol actions, artillery duels, and local attacks were common. The Australians increasingly adopted aggressive tactics, pushing patrols forward and seizing advantageous positions whenever possible. This period marked the transition from desperate defence to the offensive spirit that would culminate in the Allied victories later in the year.
JUNE 1918
By 21 June 1918, the 31st Battalion had survived the mud of Passchendaele, a harsh winter in the trenches, and the crisis of the German Spring Offensive. The men were battle-hardened but exhausted. Within weeks they would become part of the series of Allied attacks that began at Amiens in August and ultimately led to the end of the war.
For a soldier serving continuously with the battalion, this nine-month period was characterised by constant movement between trenches, support lines, reserve camps, and battle sectors. There were few moments of comfort and almost no periods of true rest. Even when not engaged in major battles, the men faced the daily dangers of shellfire, disease, exhaustion, and the ever-present threat of death or injury on the Western Front
Unlike some AIF battalions, the 31st had a relatively quiet time during the German Spring Offensive of 1918 as the 5th Division was largely kept in reserve. However, they were still in the trenches, daily fighting the Germans, and on 21st June 1918 he was wounded in action (no details recorded) and rejoined his unit on 1st July.
THE BATTLE OF AMIENS AUGUST 1918
The Allies launched their own offensive with the battle of Amiens on 8 August, in which the 31st Battalion participated. It was subsequently involved in the operations that continued to press the retreating Germans through August and into September.
WOUNDED IN ACTION 30TH AUGUST 1918 2ND OCCASION
John was wounded in this action on 30th August with a gunshot wound to his left buttock.
HOSPITALISED & REST CAMP
On 1st September he was invalided to the 4th Southern General Hospital, Plymouth, England. He would have spent several months in hospital then marched into a command post where 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.
The end of the war was in sight and 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.
GOING HOME
He embarked on 3rd January 1919 per HMAT Orontes. He was discharged 27th March 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, John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
AFTER THE WAR
He married Mabel Jordan in Murwillumbah in 1937 and was accidentally killed (no further details) on 9th February 1942, aged 46, leaving a widow and 4-year-old son. He is buried at Tweed Heads Old General Cemetery, plot L18
WORLD WAR II
John also enlisted in WWII as private in the 1st Garrison Battalion
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
Tweed Heads Old General Cemetery, plot L18
