FAMILYLIFE

Gerald Albert Whalan was born 8^th August 1888 in Cudgen, son of Robert & Sarah Kesiah (Butler) Whalan. He was one of eleven children. He married Bertha Ann Kyle in 1907 in Murwillumbah. The couple had three children, all born in Murwillumbah. Robert was born in 1907, Sarah in 1908 and Victoria in 1909. Bertha worked at Dell’s Café in Murwillumbah while Gerald was overseas.

APPLICATION

Gerald travelled to Brisbane on 3^rd February 1916 to complete his application which showed his occupation as a labourer and his next of kin as his wife, Bertha, of North Tumbulgum. His medical showed he was 26 years 5 months old, 5ft 7 inches tall (1.7m), weighed 125 lbs (57kgs), with a medium complexion, blue eyes & light brown hair. His eyesight was good. He was dentally fit.

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Gerald “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, Gerald Albert Whalan, 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.” 

Gerald was Roman Catholic and had scars on his shins.  He was enlisted as a private into the 41st Battalion – C Coy with service No 791. He was taken on strength from the 41^st to the 49^th Battalion on 9^th September 1916

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. 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 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 18^th May 1916, the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Demosthenes. 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

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.

TRANSFER TO 49TH BATTALION

During this time Gerald was transferred from the 41^st to the 49^th Battalion on 49^th September 1916

THE 49^TH BATTALION

After forming at Tel-el-Kebir, the 49^th battalion were in Egypt in 1915. At that time, the four AIF infantry divisions that were based in Egypt were transferred to Europe, where they would later be joined by the 3rd Division, which undertook its initial training in Australia before finalising its preparations in the United Kingdom at the end of the year.

TRENCH WARFARE

Sailing on the transport Arcadian, the 49th Battalion landed in Marseilles, France, on 12 June 1916, and moved up to the front line around Strazelle, arriving on 21 June. They 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.

OVERSEAS SERVICE

On 22nd September Gerald was taken on strength. The battalion would fight in numerous battles in the trenches along the Western Front in France and Belgium. 

THE BATTLE OF MOUQUET FARM

The battalion's first significant action came during the Battle of Mouquet Farm, taking part in two efforts in August and early September. During the battle, the divisions of Anzac Corps advanced north-west along Pozières ridge, towards Mouquet Farm, with British divisions supporting on the left. The approaches to the farm were watched by German artillery observers, who directed artillery-fire on the attackers from three sides of the salient that had developed in the lines. Many casualties were caused to the attackers as they approached the farm; in August and into September, the Australians were repulsed three times

By 25 September, further attacks had captured part of the farm on the surface but the Germans still held the cellars, dug-outs, and tunnels beneath. The farm was captured on 26 September by the 34th Brigade of the 11th (Northern) Division, in the general attack of the Battle of Thiepval Ridge. The 49th Battalion suffered heavy casualties in making their debut – 14 officers and 417 other ranks killed or wounded – and did not take part in any more significant attacks for the rest of the year; nevertheless, they rotated through the front a number of times – firstly around Ypres and then later back in the Somme – where they conducted patrols and raids, in between periods of rest, training and manual labour in the rear.  Gerald was hospitalised between 3^rd November & 20^th November but no details recorded.

THE HINDENBURG LINE

After enduring the harsh winter of 1916–17, early in the new year the Germans withdrew between 15–50 kilometres across a broad front between Arras and the Aisne, as part of a plan to shorten their lines and free up reserves. A brief advance followed, as the Australians followed their opponents up, before they were checked by the strongly prepared defences of the Hindenburg Line.

The Hindenburg Line was a German defensive fortification built during the winter of 1916–1917 on the Western Front in France. It stretched from Arras to Laffaux, near Soissons on the Aisne1. The line was designed to consolidate German defences after the exhausting battles of Verdun and the Somme in 1916. It featured concrete pillboxes, barbed wire, and machine-gun positions, creating a defence system up to eight miles deep.

ATTACHED TO 13^TH AUSTRALIAN LIGHT TRENCH MORTAR BATTERY FEBRUARY 1917

On 28^th February 1917 he was detached from the 49^th for duty with the 13^th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery. Trench Mortar Batteries and Machine Gun Companies gave the Brigades their own integral fire support. The trench mortars were the Brigade's own ‘artillery’ and the soldiers were generally drawn from units within the Brigade. The Battery would have provided support exclusively to the Battalions of the Brigade. The next record states Gerald was, on 8th March, in hospital sick, no details.  He rejoined the 49^th on the 18^th March 1917.

THE FIRST BATTLE OF BULLECOURT- NOREUIL APRIL 1917

In early April, as a preliminary to the First Battle of Bullecourt, the 13th Brigade was thrown into an attack around Noreuil, during which the 49th was initially placed in brigade reserve, before putting in an attack that captured a railway cutting on the Cambrai–Arras line. The village of Noreuil in northern France was a key site during the early April 1917 phase of World War I. It was part of the broader Allied advance following the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. The Germans fortified villages like Noreuil to delay the Allies' progress and buy time to strengthen their defences.

On April 2, 1917, Australian forces, including the 50th and 51st Battalions, launched an attack on Noreuil. The battle was intense, with heavy resistance from German forces. While the Australians managed to secure positions around the village, the fighting highlighted the challenges of advancing against fortified positions

THE BATTTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917

Its next significant action came in June, after the AIF was transferred to the Ypres sector in Belgium, where a large salient had formed in the line. On 7 June the 49th joined the Battle of Messines where it advanced on the 13th Brigade's right, past Despagne Farm, into the Blauwepoortbeck Valley where they encountered German pillboxes for the first time. The German machine-gun fire was so intense that heavy casualties were suffered in the initial attack, particularly amongst the officers with every company commander killed. By the end of the battle, the 49th had suffered 379 casualties, with many being inflicted by their own artillery which had fallen on them during a German counterattack on 8 June.

THE BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 1917

Further fighting was experienced in late September 1917 at Polygon Wood during the Third Battle of Ypres, as part of follow on actions after the success at Menin Road. Polygon Wood was the second of three battles between 20 September and 4 October 1917 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

HOSPITALISATION VENEREAL DISEASE OCTOBER 1917

On 3^rd October 1917 Gerald was admitted to the 39^th General Hospital with venereal disease. The sense of adventure, the loneliness, and the loss of family life that overwhelmed many of the overseas volunteers during the First World War often found them on leave in large cities or small towns where alcohol and women were plentiful, and a lack of available prophylaxis allowed the spread of diseases such as gonorrhoea and syphilis to reach epidemic levels. Historians claim that the average incidence rate for this disease in the AIF was around 12 per cent

Treatment for VD was a punishment in its own right. Special hospitals for VD patients were set up and often regarded as deterrent. Patients would be treated with Salvarsan and mercury which offered uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects such as jaundice and convulsions. Other treatments included irrigation, which was painful and undignified resulting in many men to opt for chemical treatment instead. These long and uncomfortable stays in VD hospitals often averaged between 50 and 60 days, with the majority of patients recovering and returning to the front. Gerald was released after 54 days on 25^th November 1917. He was readmitted on 27^th November for a further 23 days.

DECEMBER 1917- MARCH 1918

He rejoined his unit on 29^th December 1917. The Australians wintered in Belgium during which time they undertook mainly defensive actions as they held various positions along the line.

THE SOMME VALLEY MARCH 1918

In early 1918 they were moved south to the Somme Valley. Following the collapse of Tsarist Russia in late 1917, the Germans were able to transfer large amounts of equipment and manpower from the Eastern Front to the Western Front and subsequently launched their Spring Offensive in March. Falling on the southern flanks of the sector held by the British Third and Fifth Armies, the offensive initially succeeded in driving the Allies back and in late March, as the Germans closed in on the vital railhead around Amiens, the five Australian divisions, which had been grouped together as part of the Australian Corps, were transferred to the Somme to help blunt the attack.

WOUNDED IN ACTION- AMPUTATION OF RIGHT LEG MARCH 1918

Among the casualties was Gerald who was wounded in action on 27^th March 1918. He was transferred to England and was admitted to 2^nd General Eastern Hospital on 5^th April 1918, suffering from a gunshot wound, severe, which necessitated amputation of his right leg below his knee.

GOING HOME

Gerald spent many months in the hospital & convalescent camp and returned to Australia on 13^th December 1918 on the HT Karoola.  He was discharged on 21^st March 1919.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Gerald was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. Gerald died on 27^th January 1858, in Tweed Heads, aged 69 and is buried at Tweed Heads Old General Cemetery, plot L2

---

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

We do not have any additional documents or pictures related to this individual.