Private David Griffiths
Service #: 1826
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
David Griffiths was born c1882 in Ipswich, Qld, son of David & Margaret Griffiths.
APPLICATION
He was single labourer, living with his parents in Murwillumbah, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Sydney on 7th March 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, of the same address. His medical showed he was 24 years 10 months old, 5ft 9 inches tall (1.75m), weighed 160 lbs (72kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & black hair. His eyesight was good. David was Church of England with no previous illnesses and had a scar on the base of his left thumb. The Examining Medical Officer stated that David “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, David Griffiths, 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.”
He was enlisted as a private into the 36th Infantry Battalion 2nd reinforcements with service No 1826
THE 36TH BATTALION
The 36th Battalion was raised at Broadmeadow Camp, in Newcastle, in February 1916 as part of an expansion of the First Australian Imperial Force, which occurred after the Gallipoli Campaign. It formed the 9th Brigade, attached to the 3rd Division. The legacy of the 36th Battalion is one of resilience, sacrifice, and significant contributions to Australia's military history.
AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP
Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men normally received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, but David had attended to these before he enlisted, on 1st March. 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 many 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 4th September 1916, the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Port Sydney. 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 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
WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE DECEMBER 1916
David left England for France on 19th December 1916 on the Princess Victoria and was taken on strength on 18th January 1917. The recruits 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, 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.
Between January and June 1917, the 36th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was engaged in various activities on the Western Front in France and Belgium.
JANUARY–MAY 1917: WINTER CONDITIONS AND TRENCH DUTIES
After arriving in France in late November 1916, the 36th Battalion moved into the trenches of the Western Front on 4 December, just as the severe winter of 1916–17 began. The battalion endured harsh conditions, with their war diary noting in late March: “Snow falling. Cold intense.” During this period, the battalion was primarily involved in minor defensive actions and routine trench duties, without participating in major offensives
THE BATTLE OF MESINES JUNE 1917
Over the course of the next five months the 36th Battalion was mainly involved in only minor defensive actions and it was not until 7 June 1917 the battalion fought in its first major battle, at Messines. The British tactical objective was to capture the German defences on the ridge, which ran from Ploegsteert Wood in the south, through Messines and Wytschaete to Mt Sorrel, depriving the German 4th Army of the high ground.
The ridge gave commanding views of the British defences and back areas of Ypres to the north, from which the allies intended to conduct the Northern Operation, an advance to Passchendaele Ridge and then the capture of the Belgian coast up to the Dutch frontier. The battle began with the detonation of nineteen mines beneath the German front position, which devastated it and left large craters. A creeping barrage, 700 yd (640 m) deep, began and protected the troops as they secured the ridge with support from tanks, cavalry patrols and aircraft. The effect of the mines, barrages and bombardments was improved by advances in artillery survey, flash spotting and centralised control of artillery from the Second Army headquarters. The attacks from 8 to 14 June advanced the front line beyond the former German.
This battle was a pivotal moment for the 36th Infantry Battalion of the Australian Army. This battle was part of a larger Allied offensive aimed at capturing the strategic Messines Ridge in Belgium, which had been heavily fortified by German forces.
The 36th Battalion, as part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division, played a crucial role in the operation. The battle began with the detonation of 19 massive mines beneath the German positions, creating a shockwave that was felt as far away as London. This dramatic start allowed the Allied forces, including the 36th Battalion, to advance under the cover of artillery fire.
The 36th Battalion demonstrated exceptional bravery and discipline during the assault, securing their objectives despite facing fierce resistance and challenging terrain. Their efforts contributed significantly to the overall success of the battle, which resulted in the capture of the ridge and a substantial blow to German defences.
KILLED IN ACTION- RED CROSS ENQUIRIES
David was one of the casualties of this battle being killed in action on 7th June 1917. The Australian Red Cross investigate all reports of soldiers killed in action. Their enquiry into David’s death included statements from various other soldiers. These reports are often many months after the actual date of death.
On 28th February 1918 in London a letter from Pte H Jones, Infirmary Dispensary, Warrington stated “that Pte Griffiths was killed on 7th June at Messines. He had his right leg knocked right off, he only lived for a while, and was buried at Dead Horse Corner, near the wood. I was going to write to his mother but it slipped out of my head as I am in hospital now”
Lance Corporal J Hamilton of 36th Battalion C Coy stated “Griffiths was about 5ft 10inches high, inclined to be stout, dark complexion, aged about 26 or 27. Believed to have come from the South Coast. Left Australia in the Port Sydney.” Informant states “on 7th June 1917 the battalion was at the opening of the Battle of Messines. Both belonged to C Coy No 1 Platoon. They went over the top at 3.10am. Griffiths being behind informant, who was in charge of the party. They were in the third attacking wave and had hardly moved, in fact we note out of the trench, when Griffiths was hit by a piece of shell. Informant went back to him. Griffiths was conscious and told informant he thought he was done. Informant had to go on and so could do nothing for him. He was informed Griffiths died shortly afterwards. Informant added that Griffiths was one of the best liked men in the coy.”
C Cox of 36th Battalion C Coy advised that Griffiths was killed on 7th June at Messines by shell fire- he wads badly wounded and only lived for a short while. I can’t say anything of his burial but I reckon the chances of his being buried were very good
Pte R Robson of No 9 Red Cross Hospital advised “he died of wounds at Messines, the first stunt. He was hit in both arms and both legs. We were carrying and gave him a drink of water from time to time as we passed. He died in no man’s land- they couldn’t/t get him out quick enough. He was brought out and buried in a cemetery by Dead Horse Corner. I did not see the grave but as they put up crosses there is sure to be one in the cemetery.
O Hersee advised that “he was a big man, dark about 27 years old. I saw him wounded in the trench at Messines, just before we went over as a carrying party on 7th June. His leg was nearly blown off by a shell and he was also wounded in the face. He asked for a drink of water- we gave it to him and asked him to let us bind up the wound on his face, but he would not let us. He knew he was done. He spoke quite sensibly and I do not think he was suffering greatly. He died from loss of blood from his leg wound after about an hour. We had to go over: we said goodbye to him before we went and when we came back, he was dead. I do not know if he was buried but it would be a Prows Point, Messines. There were many more reports, all basically telling the same story.
For his service, David was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial & St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Honour Roll and Plaque Murwillumbah. His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War. He is memorialised at the Ypres (Menin Gate) memorial West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
His mother was granted a pension of 30 shillings per fortnight from 27th August 1917. His father received his Memorial Plaque on 25th August 1922 & his Victory Medal on 29th March 1923.
If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.
Memorial Location
Murwillumbah War Memorial & St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Honour Roll and Plaque Murwillumbah.
Buried Location
Menin Gate Memorial
