FAMILY LIFE

Herbert Bridger was born c1890 in Harwood.

APPLICATION

He was single farmer from Burringbar, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 31^st August 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his sister, Ivy Beamish, of Crystal Creek. This was changed later to his father, R. Bridger, of Old Ferry Rd, Murwillumbah. Herbert had been rejected as unfit for service previously as “below standard” but was now acceptable

(When the war began an Australian law prevented men from serving in the war without first voluntarily joining a special military force. At first, many Australians wanted to join the war effort. But the number of enlistments dropped off during the war. The population of willing men had all joined by the end of 1915. Long lists of deaths reported in daily newspapers probably added to the low recruitment.)

His medical showed he was 25 years 3 months old, 5ft 2 ½ inches tall (1.58m), weighed 7stone 2 lbs (45 kgs), with a dark complexion, blue eyes & dark brown hair.  His eyesight was good

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Herbert “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, Herbert Bridger, 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 Presbyterian and had a birthmark on the right side of his nose.  He was enlisted as a private into the 9^th Infantry Battalion – 13^th Reinforcements with service No 4141

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 3^RD January 1916, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Kyarra. 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.

EGYTIAN TRAINING CAMP

The recruits disembarked at Alexandria on 19^th February and were marched into the Egyptian training camp. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Egyptian 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. 

Training would be for eight hours a day six days a week. All day long, in every valley of the Sahara for miles around the Pyramids of Giza were groups or lines of men advancing, retiring, drilling or squatted near their piled arms listening to their officer. For many of the battalions many miles of desert had to be covered in the morning and evening to and from their allotted training areas. At first, to harden the troops, they wore full kit with heavy packs. Their backs became drenched with perspiration, and the bitter desert wind blew on them as they camped for their midday meal and many deaths from pneumonia were attributed to this cause.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH 1^ST PIONEER BATTALION MAY 1916-FRANCE

SERVICE NUMBER RE-ALLOCATED

He was transferred to the 1^st Pioneer Battalion and his service number changed to 4141a and the unit sailed to Marseilles on 25^th May 1916

PIONEER BATTALIONS

Pioneer battalions were unique in that they combined infantry combat skills with light engineering capabilities, such as constructing trenches, defensive positions, and maintaining roads and railways

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

The soldiers 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.

MAY TO EARLY JUNE 1916

The battalion moved to the Armentières sector, known as the "nursery sector" due to its relative quietness. This allowed new troops to acclimatize to trench warfare. Their tasks included

·      Constructing and maintaining trenches, duckboards, and defensive positions

·       Laying barbed wire entanglements and communication trenches.

·      Working under frequent shellfire and difficult conditions, especially at night

JULY – AUGUST 1916

BATTLE OF THE SOMME INVOLVEMENT:

In mid-July, the 1st Division was committed to the Somme offensive, particularly the Battle of Pozières (23 July – early September 1916).

The 1st Pioneer Battalion played a vital role in:

·      Repairing and extending trenches under fire.

·      Building strongpoints and dugouts.

·      Assisting with the movement of supplies and ammunition to the front.

·      Evacuating wounded via pioneer-dug routes.

These tasks were dangerous and often done under heavy artillery bombardment. The battalion’s work was crucial to keeping front-line operations functional. Though not always directly engaged in combat, pioneers often operated in front-line conditions, earning them significant respect. Their contributions during Pozières were vital in supporting one of the bloodiest and most strategically important Australian battles on the Western Front.

SEPTEMBER–NOVEMBER 1916: AFTERMATH OF POZIÈRES & MOUQUET FARM

Following the Battle of Pozières (July–August 1916), the battalion supported consolidation and repairs in the Somme sector, including:

·      Rebuilding and maintaining trenches, dugouts, and supply routes.

·      Constructing defensive fortifications and strongpoints.

·      Working under harsh conditions in mud and persistent shellfire

DECEMBER 1916 – FEBRUARY 1917: WINTER IN THE SOMME

Continued construction and repair work during the brutal winter months. Tasks included:

·      Drainage work, road building, and clearing debris.

·      Reinforcing communication trenches and improving supply access.

·      Work was extremely difficult due to flooded trenches, freezing temperatures, and heavy mud.

MARCH–APRIL 1917: GERMAN RETREAT TO THE HINDENBURG LINE

The Germans executed a strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. The 1st Pioneer Battalion:

·      Helped build and maintain roads and tramways to support the pursuing infantry.

·      Cleared mines and booby traps left by retreating Germans.

·      Constructed forward supply dumps, trench systems, and bridges.

MAY–JUNE 1917: PREPARATION FOR THE BATTLE OF MESSINES (BELGIUM)

Moved to the Ypres sector in Belgium.

Supported the 1st Division in the buildup to the Battle of Messines (7–14 June 1917), where Australian and British forces detonated massive underground mines. They built assembly trenches, ammunition dumps, and roadways. After the attack, they helped consolidate captured positions and evacuate wounded.

JULY–AUGUST 1917: YPRES SALIENT – PRELUDE TO THIRD YPRES (PASSCHENDAELE)

Worked behind the lines in preparation for Third Ypres (Passchendaele), which began in late July 1917.

·      Constructing plank roads, duckboard tracks, and light railways across the muddy terrain.

·      Maintaining communication lines and salvaging equipment.

DETACHED FOR DUTY WITH 2ND MACHINE GUN COMPANY AUGUST 1917

On 16th August he was detached to the 2nd machine gun company. They were located at Pozieres and was deeply involved in the Second Phase of the Battle of Pozières (late July to August 1916).

Their roles included:

·      Establishing machine gun positions in and around Pozières village and ridge.

·      Supporting infantry attacks with covering and suppressive fire.

·      Defending against German counterattacks, which were frequent and intense.

·      Operating under heavy German artillery bombardment—Pozières was one of the most heavily shelled locations Australians faced during the war.

CEASED TO BE ATTACHED TO 2^ND MGC

HOSPITALISATION TRENCH FEVER AUGUST 1917

On 24^th August he was admitted to hospital with trench fever. Trench fever is a condition that was first reported from troops in Flanders in 1915, when individuals suffered from a febrile illness that relapsed in five-day cycles.

Human louse was rife in the trenches of the Western Front. It was the cause of much discomfort to the troops who found it almost impossible to get rid of them. But the body louse did cause another disease that became to be known as 'Trench Fever'. 

The body louse was infected by biting a soldier suffering from Trench Fever. The infected soldier did not show any signs, or symptoms, for anything from a week to a month, when a severe head-ache developed with debilitating muscle pains; characteristically of the shins - hence the commonly used alternative name 'Shin-bone Fever'. With a duration of around five days, the fever went into remission and often reoccurred (relapsed) one or more times. There was no effective treatment for Trench Fever other than bed-rest.

EVACUATED TO ENGLAND TRENCH FEVER SEPTEMBER

On 5^th September he was evacuated to the 1^st London General Hospital where he spent a further 24 days before being transferred to Weymouth depot for convalescence.

COMMAND DEPOTS SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER 1917

Here 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.

REJOINED UNIT DECEMBER 1917

Herbert rejoined his unit in France on 4^th December 1917

JANUARY – FEBRUARY 1918: WINTER MAINTENANCE AND DEFENSIVE WORKS

Location: Mostly in the Flanders region and Somme Valley.

Continued working on:

·      Trench repair and fortification.

·      Road and rail maintenance under freezing, muddy conditions.

·      Constructing dugouts, pillboxes, and communication lines.

MARCH – APRIL 1918: GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE (OPERATION MICHAEL)

In March 1918, Germany launched a major offensive aimed at breaking through Allied lines before American forces could fully arrive. The 1st Pioneer Battalion:

·      Retreated in order with the rest of the 1st Division to avoid encirclement.

Worked under pressure to:

·      Construct rear defensive lines and barbed wire entanglements.

·      Reinforce bridges and roads to facilitate troop movements.

·      Hold defensive positions if required.

MAY – JUNE 1918: COUNTER-STABILISATION AND PREPARATION

After halting the German advance, the AIF began stabilizing the front and preparing for future counter-offensives. The 1st Pioneer Battalion:

·      Helped construct forward operating bases, support lines, and supply routes.

·      Maintained narrow-gauge railways and plank roads to support artillery and logistics.

·      Repaired and upgraded positions around Villers-Bretonneux, recaptured in April

·      Operated in areas around Amiens, Villers-Bretonneux, and Dernancourt.

·      Supported infantry during the defence of Amiens in late March–April, when German advances threatened the vital rail junction.

JULY – AUGUST 1918: PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION IN ALLIED OFFENSIVE

The battalion played a key role in preparations for the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, which began with the Battle of Amiens on 8 August 1918. Their contributions included:

·      Building and marking assembly areas for infantry and tanks.

·      Establishing ammunition dumps, camouflaged roads, and communication trenches.

·      During the advance, they helped repair roads and bridges, enabling the rapid movement of artillery and supplies.

·      Often moved close behind the front lines to restore infrastructure as the Australians advanced.

KILLED IN ACTION 23^RD AUGUST 1918

On 23^rd August 1918 Herbert was killed in action

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service Herbert was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Murwillumbah War Memorial & the Mullumbimby Brunswick Circuit Methodist Church Honour Roll

His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour  in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Number 171 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War. He is buried Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, Picardie, France, plot 4, row 5, grave 19

His father, who was now living in Burringbar, received his Memorial Scroll on 12^th December 1921, his Memorial Plaque on 30^th November 1922, and his Victory medal on 19^th February 1923. His sister, who had been living in Burringbar since 1917, received his personal effects which consisted of photos, cards, 1 religious book, 1 YMCA wallet, 2 discs and a silk handkerchief. 

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