FAMILY LIFE

Oliver Gerald Connor was born in 1896 in Guyra, son of Joseph & Jessie Connor. Oliver was one of nine children. The Connor family moved to Murwillumbah in 1907, Joseph purchasing a butcher shop which he ran until 1927. Joseph became a councillor in 1909, a position he occupied for 14 years, 5 of them as mayor. He was a committee member of the Tweed River Agricultural Society, and the Tweed District hospital. Joseph is listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district

APPLICATION

Oliver was single clerk, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Lismore on 21^st June 1917 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Joseph, of Murwillumbah. He had previous military experience being 3 years as a senior cadet & 4 years in the militia.  His medical showed he was 20 years 8 months old, 5ft 4 ½ inches tall (1.62m), weighed 7 stone 13 lbs (51 kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & black hair. His eyesight was good. Oliver was Presbyterian.

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Oliver “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.”  On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Oliver Gerald Connor, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” 

36^TH INFANTRY BATTALION

He was enlisted as a private into the 36^th Infantry Battalion – 8^th Reinforcements with service No 3281. The 36th Infantry Battalion, known as "Carmichael's Thousand," was part of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Australian Division during World War I.

34^TH INFANTRY BATTALION

He was transferred to the 34^th Battalion on 18^th July 1918. The 34th Battalion, also known as "Maitland's Own," was part of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Australian Division during World War I. Formed in January 1916 at Maitland, New South Wales, the battalion was composed of volunteers, many of whom were coal miners from the region. It was named after its strong ties to the Maitland community.

AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months

The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 2nd August 1917 the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Miltiades. 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. The disembarked in Glasgow on 2nd October 1917

ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP

Training for the new recruits began in the 36^th Battalion’s English training camp. 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. 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.

Military training grounds, had soldiers exposed to harsh weather. The sanitary facilities in training camps were often rudimentary, and the spread of infections was common

HOSPITALISATION MUMPS

However, Oliver was a little behind as he was admitted to Parkhouse Military Hospital on 9^th October with mumps. Mumps is a contagious viral illness, easily spread among the hundreds of recruits on the ship. It can cause fever, swelling of the salivary glands (parotitis) and inflammation in other parts of the body. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Instead, treatment focuses on symptom relief. Treatment would have included plenty of rest, lots of fluids, using a warm or cool compress to relieve facial pain and swelling & eating foods that do not need a lot of chewing

TRENCH WARFARE

At the end of the training Oliver was sent overseas to France to join the 36^th Battalion & was taken on strength on 9^th February 1918. He and the other recruits were introduced to 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, 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.

VILLERS-BRETONNEUX 4^TH APRIL 1918

In April 1918, the 34th Battalion, part of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Australian Division, was actively engaged in defending the approaches to Amiens, France, during the German Spring Offensive. This was a critical period as German forces launched their last major attempt to break through Allied lines.

On April 4, 1918, during the German Spring Offensive, the 34th Battalion played a vital role in defending Villers-Bretonneux, a strategically important town near Amiens, France. As part of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Australian Division, the battalion was tasked with repelling a major German assault aimed at breaking through Allied lines.

The 34th Battalion, along with other Australian and British units, faced intense artillery bombardments and infantry attacks. Despite being outnumbered, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, successfully halting the German advance and preventing the capture of Amiens. Their efforts were crucial in maintaining the integrity of the Allied defences during this critical phase of the war

WOUNDED IN ACTION & HOSPITALISATION

One of the casualties was Oliver, wounded in action, with a gunshot wound to the right left on 4^th April, 1918. He was invalided to England to the 1^st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham on 6^th April.

DISCIPLINED

During this time, he was charged with two offences, the first being AWL from 7pm on 28^th May to 1.45am on 29^th May and the second breaking into the hospital. He forfeited 4 day’s pay.

CONVALESENCE

After being discharged on 29^th October, he was 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.

TRANSFER TO 34^TH BATTALION

He was transferred to the 34th Battalion on 18th July 1918 and sailed for France 15th August 1918. He was taken on strength on 20th August 1918.

THE BATTLE OF ST QUENTIN CANAL SEPTEMBR 1918

In September 1918, the 34th Battalion, part of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Australian Division, was actively engaged in the Battle of St Quentin Canal, a critical operation during the Hundred Days Offensive. This battle, which took place at the end of September, was a decisive moment in breaching the Hindenburg Line, the formidable German defensive system.

The 34th Battalion played a key role in the assault, demonstrating exceptional bravery and coordination. Their efforts contributed to the successful crossing of the St Quentin Canal and the capture of key German positions. This victory was a significant step toward the eventual Allied triumph in World War I

WITHDRAWN FROM ACTIVE SERVICE

The involvement of the 34^th Battalion in the Australian Corps earlier actions in 1918 had significantly depleted its battalions which had suffered heavy casualties that they had been unable to replace as the number of volunteers arriving from Australia had fallen. As a result, upon Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes' request, it was subsequently withdrawn from the line for reorganisation and rest in October. It remained out of the line until the armistice came into effect in November

GOING HOME

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 many months before they were headed back to Australia. Oliver was attached to the 3^rd Division paymaster then given leave to Paris on 28^th February till 13^th March 1919. He then returned to England where he was attached to various duties until he returned to Australia on the HMAT Ceramic on 20^th March 1920.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Oliver was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.

AFTER THE WAR

Oliver died on 22nd July 1940, aged 43 and is buried at Rookwood General Cemetery, plot Presbyterian Section 5F Row 22 Grave 2007

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