FAMILY LIFE

Garnet Cecil McLennan was born in 1894 in Inverell, son of James Sutherland & Annie Elizabeth (Wall) McLennan. He was one of 5 children. The McLennan family moved to Burringbar in 1878. His father died in 1926 and his mother then moved to Murwillumbah. Their names are listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district

ATTESTATION

Garnet was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 1^st February 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Annie, of Burringbar.

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, Garnet Cecil McLennan, 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 9 months old, 5ft 4 inches tall (1.62m), weighed 126 lbs (57kgs), with a medium complexion, blue eyes & fair hair. His eyesight was good. Garnet was Presbyterian and had a scar on his left heel.  

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 14^TH Light Horse Battalion with service No 88

LIGHT HORSE BATTALIONS

The Australian Light Horse units were mounted troops that combined the characteristics of cavalry and infantry. Their general role was to provide mobility and versatility in combat, particularly in challenging terrains like deserts. The Light Horse units are remembered for their adaptability, courage, and significant contributions to the Allied war effort.

SYDNEY TRAINING CAMP.

Garnet almost certainly underwent his initial military training at the great military camps around Sydney, most likely at Liverpool and nearby Casula, which were the principal training centres for New South Wales recruits during the war. These camps housed thousands of men preparing for overseas service and provided the instruction needed to transform civilian volunteers into soldiers.

During the months between enlistment and embarkation, Garnet's days would have been filled with drill, physical training, route marches, rifle practice and horsemanship. As a Light Horseman he was expected to master not only infantry skills but also the care and handling of horses, saddlery, mounted manoeuvres and scouting duties. Long hours were spent learning discipline, fieldcraft and weapon handling, while regular inspections ensured that every man met military standards. The training was demanding, but it built the fitness and endurance required for active service overseas.

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 ENGLAND MAY 1916

On the 13^th May 1916, the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Beltana. 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. 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. 

ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP

The disembarked at Devonport, England on 10^th July 1916. When Garnet he and the other recruits were sent to the Australian camps on the vast expanse of the Salisbury Plain in southern England. The Australians occupied a number of camps there, including places such as Hurdcott, Larkhill, Tidworth and Perham Downs. These camps served as the main training and reinforcement centres for Australian troops in Britain.

During his time on Salisbury Plain, Garnet's training would have been both intensive and varied. He would have undertaken route marches across the rolling chalk downs, rifle and musketry instruction, bayonet fighting, signalling, fieldcraft and tactical exercises designed to prepare men for service on the Western Front. As a Light Horseman, he would also have received instruction in mounted duties, horse management, saddlery and reconnaissance work, although opportunities for mounted training in England were often more limited than those available in Australia or the Middle East. Much emphasis was placed on physical fitness, discipline and operating in large formations. The camps were frequently cold, wet and muddy, particularly for Australians accustomed to a warmer climate, but the training was intended to prepare men for the conditions they would eventually encounter overseas. Australian training depots on Salisbury Plain were specifically organised to train reinforcements before they were allocated to operational units.

For Garnet, the weeks spent on Salisbury Plain would have been a period of uncertainty as well as preparation. Having enlisted as a Light Horseman and travelled halfway around the world expecting to serve in a mounted regiment, he soon learned that military needs were changing. Nevertheless, the training he received in England provided him with valuable soldiering skills and helped prepare him for whatever role the Army would ultimately assign him when the 14th Light Horse Regiment was broken up in September 1916.

TRANSFERRED TO 41^ST BATTALION 23^RD SEPTEMBER 1916

SERVICE NUMBER CHANGED TO 96

Like many of the men around him, he could have expected to serve as mounted troops. Unknown to Garnet, however, changes within the Australian Army would soon alter the future of the regiment. The 14th Light Horse Regiment had been formed only weeks earlier and sailed for England before reaching its intended strength. Soon after arrival overseas, army reorganisation led to the regiment being broken up and many of its men transferred elsewhere for service where they were most needed. Garnet was transferred to the 41^st Battalion while in training camp.

SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER 1916

After the 14th Light Horse Regiment was disbanded in September 1916, Garnet was transferred to the 41st Battalion, part of the 11th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division. The battalion was then training on Salisbury Plain, particularly around Larkhill, where the division had spent many months preparing for service in France. During September, October and November 1916, Garnet would have been absorbed into his new infantry battalion and undergone further training in trench warfare. The emphasis shifted from mounted duties to infantry soldiering, including bombing practice, bayonet fighting, musketry, trench construction, wiring parties, gas defence and large-scale field exercises. The men knew that active service in France was drawing near and training became increasingly realistic and demanding

TRENCH WARFARE

On 25 November 1916, Garnet arrived in France with the 41st Battalion. The battalion moved into the Armentières sector, often described as a "nursery sector" where newly arrived troops could gain experience of trench warfare before being committed to major battles. The winter of 1916–17 was particularly severe, and the battalion alternated between periods in the front-line trenches, reserve positions, working parties and training behind the lines. Garnet would have experienced trench raids, artillery bombardments, mud, freezing temperatures and the constant threat of enemy snipers while learning the realities of life on the Western Front.

CHRISTMAS EVE 1916

The battalion entered the front line for the first time on Christmas Eve and spent the bleak winter of 1916-17 alternating between service in the front line, and training and labouring in the rear areas. 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

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.

HOSPITALISATION- SCABIES

On 30^th January 1917 Garnet was admitted to hospital with scabies. Scabies is a very itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite (bug) Scabies is very contagious and spreads quickly, especially in the close confines of the trenches. It causes intense itching, threadlike tracks on your skin and sometimes a rash. The rash looks like tiny red lumps and is caused by an allergic reaction to the mite. The treatment of scabies was on the first day the patient was thoroughly rubbed with soft soap for fifteen minutes. He then entered a warm bath where he lay for twenty minutes; during the last five minutes the infected sites were gently scrubbed with a soft brush. This procedure was designed to open the burrows and expose the acari and ova. Steam or shower baths could not accomplish this satisfactorily and were therefore unsuitable. After drying, a liberal quantity of sulphur ointment was rubbed over the whole body below the neck, special attention being paid to the hands, feet, and penis. This inunction was repeated on the second and third days. On the fourth day, but not before, the patient was given a second bath and supplied with clean clothing and bedding. Such articles as socks, wrist straps, gloves, and the string of identification discs also required disinfection.

REJOINED UNIT FEBRUARY 1917

After being hospitalised with scabies on 20 January 1917, Garnet rejoined the 41st Battalion in February. At that time the battalion was holding trenches in the Armentières area along the Lys River.

KILLED IN ACTION 1^ST MARCH 1917

There was no major battle involving the 41st Battalion on 1 March 1917. Instead, Garnet was killed during the routine but dangerous trench warfare that characterised this period. Even in so-called quiet sectors, men were frequently killed by artillery fire, trench mortars, snipers, machine-gun fire or patrol clashes. The battalion was carrying out its normal front-line duties while preparing for the operations that would follow the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line later in March. The 41st were engaged in front-line duties and training or labouring in rear areas and were subject to heavy shellfire and flooded trenches.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Garnet was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Brisbane 41st Battalion Roll of Honour, Burringbar War Memorial, Cooma St Andrew's Memorial Gate. His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial Number 134 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

EFFECTS, SCROLL, VICTORY MEDAL AND PLAQUE

Garnet’s effects were returned to his mother and consisted of his identity disc, photos, match box cover, letters, tobacco pouch, mittens, toilet case, writing wallet & cloth wallet. His father received his Memorial Scroll on 30^th May 1922, his Memorial Plaque on 26^th February 1923 and his Victory Medal on 5^th April 1923.

BURIAL

He is buried at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France, plot III. F. 37. 

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.