FAMILY LIFE

Born in the Tweed Valley c1896, Victor John Sweetnam (known as John) was the son of George & Esther Cecelia (Neylan) Sweetnam. George arrived in 1879 and cut cane for 14 years. He then selected land at Uki and farmed the land until he retired. George was the person who suggested they name the place "Uki," after the mountain of that name. George is listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district

APPLICATION

Victor was single farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 17^th May 1917 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, George, of Murwillumbah. His medical showed he was 21 years 6 months old, 5ft 8 ½ inches tall (1.73m), weighed 150 lbs (68 kgs), with a dark complexion, hazel eyes & dark hair. His eyesight was good and he was dentally fit. The Examining Medical Officer stated that Victor “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, Victor John Sweetnam 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.”  Victor was Roman Catholic and had a scar on his left knee.  He was enlisted as a private into the 4^th Pioneer Battalion – 11^th Reinforcements with service No 4122

4^TH PIONEER BATTALION

The 4th Pioneer Battalion was an Australian infantry and light engineer unit raised during World War I as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Formed in March 1916 in Egypt, the battalion was assigned to the 4th Division and served on the Western Front in France and Belgium until the end of the war in November 1918. Its service is remembered for its versatility and dedication under challenging conditions

 AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague. Victor received his on 24^th May, 31^st May & 5^th June. 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

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 1^st August 1917, the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Medic. 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.

ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP

The arrived in Halifax on 21^st September and changed ships to the SS Orissa, and arrived in Liverpool, England on 3^rd October 1917. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the English training camp at Sutton Veney, 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

Victor left England for France on 12^th December 1917 and was taken on strength 18^th February 1918. 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 & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE MARCH 1918

The 4th Pioneer Battalion (AIF) was not directly involved in front-line combat during the initial German Spring Offensive of March 1918, but they played a critical support role during and after the offensive, particularly in the reorganization and counterattack phases. As a pioneer unit, the 4th Pioneers were not front-line infantry but a specialized hybrid of engineers and soldiers.

Their main responsibilities during this period included:

·      Building and repairing trenches and dugouts

·      Constructing roads and bridges for supply and troop movement

·      Laying barbed wire and preparing defensive positions

·      Assisting in the evacuation of wounded and supplies under fire

LATE MARCH TO APRIL

After the initial German offensives (Operation Michael in March and Georgette in April), the division was redeployed to the Somme to reinforce defences. By late March and April, the 4th Pioneers were working under extreme pressure to strengthen the collapsing British lines.

DERNACOURT MARCH TO JULY 1918

The 4th Pioneer Battalion played a crucial role during the battles at Dernancourt in 1918, which were part of the German Spring Offensive. As a pioneer unit, their responsibilities included constructing defensive positions, maintaining roads and railways, and supporting infantry operations. They were involved in defensive actions around Dernancourt, showcasing their versatility by both engaging in combat and performing engineering tasks2.

The battles at Dernancourt were among the fiercest faced by Australian troops during World War I, and the 4th Pioneer Battalion's contributions were vital in halting the German advance

THE BATTLE OF AMIENS AUGUST 1918

After the German advance stalled, the 4th Pioneer Battalion supported the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, beginning with the Battle of Amiens (8 August 1918). They continued critical engineering work alongside advancing troops, including rebuilding infrastructure as territory was retaken.

BELLENGLISE SEPTEMBER 1918

The battalion's final actions were fought around Bellenglise, along the St Quentin Canal, in mid-September 1918 in support of the 4th Division's final assault on the Hindenburg Line. In September 1918, the 4th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force was part of the 4th Australian Division, which played a significant role in the Battle of the Hindenburg Outpost Line near Bellenglise. This battle was a key part of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, which ultimately led to the end of World War I.

The 4th Battalion was involved in operations between September 18 and 24, 1918, where they successfully breached German defences along the Hindenburg Line. This marked the culmination of the 4th Division's efforts during the war. The site of their achievements is commemorated by the 4th Division Memorial at Bellenglise, which stands as a tribute to their bravery and sacrifice

HOSPITALISATION INFLUENZA NOVEMBER 1918

Victor caught influenza and was admitted to the 12^th General Hospital in Rouen on 17^th November 1918. This was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. Many people died with this disease which could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain. There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward.

DIED OF DISEASE NOVEMBER 1918

Unfortunately, Victor developed broncho pneumonia and died of the disease on 28^th November 1918.

FOR HIS SERVICE

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

Victor’s effects were returned to his father and consisted of a rosary (broken), 1 metal ring, 2 religious medallions, 1 devotional book, 1 notebook, 1 fountain pen, 1 leather wallet, post cards & photos.  His memorial scroll was received by his father 30^th June 1932 & his Victory Medal on 31^st May 1923. He had made a will before enlisting which was held by his solicitor, Mr. Sweet, of Murwillumbah, which left his estate to his father, George.

BURIAL

Victor is buried at St Sever Cemetery Extension, Haute-Normandie, France.

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