HOME LIFE

James Gilsenan was born in Condong on 27^th October 1888, son of James Snr & Mary (Kavanagh) Gilsenan. His parents married in 1888 and records indicate there were 10 children from the marriage. His father died in 1940 in Murwillumbah and his mother in 1938 also in Murwillumbah. Both, plus his sister Rose, are buried in Murwillumbah cemetery

ATTESTATION

James appeared to have been living in 135 Victoria St, Darlinghurst when he enlisted in Sydney on 19^th August 1914 to complete his application, just 13 days after Australia officially joined in WWI.

Recruiting began five days after war was declared. Many people enlisted out of a sense of duty to the British Empire, which they saw as standing against German militarism. Australia was experiencing a period of high unemployment, and the soldiers’ pay of a minimum of six shillings a day was an incentive to enlist. Others enlisted early from a sense of adventure. In a letter to his mother, John Simpson Kirkpatrick remarked on the enthusiasm with which Australians had “embraced the declaration of war”. The idea that the war would be over by Christmas, and that this was a good opportunity to see the world, was not lost on many.

Thousands of Australian men joined the AIF in the first few months. They were willing to support the British Empire. Only the biggest and fittest of the early volunteers were accepted in the forces. In the first year of the war, almost one-third of volunteers were rejected. The standards were very strict. For example, men could be rejected for having bad teeth.

James answered several questions on the document, and we find out he was born in Condong, was, 25 years and 10 months old and a single man. He gave his occupation as labourer. His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Nobby’s Creek, Boat Harbour, Murwillumbah, and he had been aa member of a rifle club for 1 year

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

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, James Gilsenan, 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 was taken on 27^th August and showed he was 5ft 10 ¾ inches tall (1.8m), with a fair complexion, blue eyes & dark brown hair. His eyesight was good. James was Roman Catholic and had 2 large scars on his left knee

CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION

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

CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER

He certifies that this attestation of the abovenamed person is correct, and that the required forms have been complied with. He accordingly approved, and appointed James as a Transport Driver to 3^rd Australian Infantry Battalion with service No 28

TRAINING LIVERPOOL

When James Gilsenan enlisted in August 1914 and was allotted to the newly raised 3rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, he entered an army that was being created almost from nothing. Training took place at Liverpool Camp, on the outskirts of Sydney, which rapidly became a vast and crowded military encampment as thousands of volunteers poured in during the first weeks of the war.

Conditions at Liverpool were basic and improvised. Most of the men lived under canvas, sleeping on straw-filled palliasse, with little protection from the weather. Uniforms, boots, and equipment were often in short supply in the early weeks, and many recruits drilled initially in civilian clothing while awaiting full issue. Despite these shortcomings, the sense of urgency was strong, and training began almost immediately.

Daily routine centred on intensive infantry drill. James would have spent long hours learning parade ground movements, formation marching, and weapon handling, all designed to instil discipline and unit cohesion. Musketry instruction formed a key part of training, with recruits learning the operation and care of the Short Magazine Lee–Enfield rifle, practising aiming, loading, and firing, even before live ammunition was available in quantity.

Physical conditioning was relentless. Route marches, bayonet practice, and extended drill sessions were intended to harden the men for the demands of active service. Bayonet training was vigorous and symbolic, reinforcing the offensive spirit expected of infantrymen. Lectures on field duties, guard work, and basic military law complemented the physical training, giving the men a grounding in army life.

Officers and non-commissioned officers, many drawn from the pre-war militia, worked to transform civilian volunteers into a fighting battalion in a matter of weeks. The training was compressed and intense, reflecting the expectation that the battalion would soon be sent overseas. By the time the 3rd Battalion completed its training at Liverpool Camp, it had developed strong internal discipline and a growing sense of identity, even though few could yet comprehend the conditions they would soon face. 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 FROM SYDNEY TO EGYPT

James & the recruits embarked at Sydney, New South Wales aboard HMAT Euripides on 20 October 1914. Alongside his comrades, he marched aboard, his boots ringing on the gangway. As the ship’s lines were cast off and the quay began to slip away, the reality of war lay ahead, but for now, the sea breeze carried only the sound of voices and the excitement of men bound for adventure, duty, and the unknown.

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 the voyage, due to overcrowding, training was limited to mainly to lectures and a little physical training.

Sleeping & Living Arrangements

Recruits likely slept in a crowded troop deck below, where rows of hammocks or three-tier wooden bunks were crammed close together.

Air below decks could be stuffy, especially in warmer climates, and seasickness was common during the first few days.

Daily Routine

Reveille early each morning, followed by physical exercises on the open decks (weather permitting). There were parades and inspections—officers ensured uniforms, rifles, and kit were clean and in order. Training was a little problematic—drill without much space, rifle maintenance, lectures on military discipline, signalling, and trench warfare theory. The ship’s decks were used for marching in tight circles or practising bayonet thrusts into stuffed sacks. Rifle shooting was impossible at sea, so soldiers learned to strip and clean their weapons until it was second nature.

Meals

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. The meals were served in shifts from the ship’s galley. Queues were long, and eating on a rolling ship meant many tried to eat quickly before nausea set in.

Health & Sanitation

Shipboard hygiene was critical—every man was ordered to scrub his section daily to prevent disease. Saltwater baths were the norm, with freshwater rationed for drinking.

The Voyage Experience

Entertainment included church drill, concerts, singalongs, card games, and makeshift cricket matches on deck when the weather allowed. To keep up morale, an area of the ship was roped off where regular boxing and wrestling tournaments were held. This became commonly known as the Stoush Stadium. No letters could be sent until they reached port, but men often wrote diaries or unsent letters to be posted later.

The 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

CROSSING THE EQUATOR CEREMONY

The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

SIGHTS AT SEA

On the way to Egypt the ship would pass through the Great Australian Bight, cross the Indian Ocean, and stop at Colombo (Ceylon now Sri Lanka) for coal and supplies.

SECURITY

By late 1914, German raiders were active, so lifeboat drills were frequent, and lookouts kept watch for suspicious ships. Troopships generally sailed in convoys or at least took zig-zag courses to make torpedo attacks harder. Ships often travelled under blackout conditions at night, with lookouts specifically watching for periscopes or torpedo wakes.

APPROACHING EGYPT

After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. The reality of leaving home truly sank in. The recruits would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the sandy training grounds of Egypt, preparing for what lay ahead.

MENA TRAINING CAMP

On arrival in Egypt, James moved into the vast Australian training area around Mena Camp, situated in the desert below the pyramids. What had begun in Australia as hurried preparation now became a period of consolidation and reorganisation, as the Australian Imperial Force adapted to overseas service and the realities of modern warfare.

At Mena, the AIF was structured not only into infantry battalions but also into a range of support and administrative units, including Transport Divisions. These units were essential to the functioning of the force, responsible for the movement of supplies, ammunition, equipment, rations, and baggage. Men assigned to transport duties ensured that front-line troops could be fed, equipped, and sustained, often operating under the same harsh conditions as the infantry.

Life at Mena involved continued military training, but also specialist instruction. James would have been engaged in route marching, camp duties, and desert conditioning, while learning the practicalities of transport work — loading and unloading stores, managing supply columns, and maintaining order within large encampments. Much of this work was carried out in intense heat, with blowing sand and limited water, conditions that tested endurance and discipline.

Although not always in the fighting line, service in a transport division was critical to the effectiveness of the AIF. Without reliable transport and supply, combat operations could not be sustained. James’s presence in such a unit at Mena places him firmly within the logistical backbone of the Australian force during its formative months in Egypt, at a time when the army was still shaping itself for the campaigns that lay ahead.

EGYPT 1914- 1915

Following enlistment and embarkation, James would have spent his early period of service in Egypt, where the AIF was concentrated after the Gallipoli landings. Like thousands of other reinforcements, his time was devoted not to combat but to intensive military preparation and camp duties, most likely at Mena or Maadi Camp, both of which functioned as major training and staging areas for the Australian infantry.

During this period James would have undergone infantry training and refresher drills, including route marching, musketry, bayonet practice, physical conditioning, and unit manoeuvres. Training in Egypt was rigorous and conducted in extreme heat, with long hours on parade and frequent field exercises in the desert. Men were also instructed in discipline, camp routine, and the practical skills required for overseas service.

In addition to formal training, James would have been employed in general camp duties—fatigue work, guarding stores, maintaining lines of communication within the camp, and assisting with the constant movement of men and equipment. With the Gallipoli campaign still ongoing through much of 1915, Egypt functioned as both a reinforcement pool and a logistical hub, and men were frequently reassigned temporarily wherever manpower was needed.

MAADI TRANSPORT SECTION NOVEMBER 1915

It was during this phase that James likely demonstrated the reliability, physical capacity, or organisational ability that led to his selection for the Maadi Transport Section. Transfers to transport units were not random; they were made to support the enormous task of moving supplies, ammunition, rations, and equipment for units in training or preparing for deployment. His posting on 3 November 1915 suggests that he was considered suitable for sustained logistical work, often involving long hours, heavy labour, and responsibility beyond ordinary camp routine

PROMOTION LANCE CORPORAL NOVEMBER 1915

Just four days later, on 7 November 1915, James was promoted to Lance Corporal, confirming that his abilities had already been recognised by his superiors. Such a promotion, coming so soon after his transfer, suggests that he had been performing leadership or supervisory duties even prior to his formal appointment, likely overseeing working parties or small detachments within the transport organisation.

This early advancement set the pattern for James’s later service, where responsibility and temporary rank would follow as the demands of war increased.

REJOINED UNIT DECEMBER 1915

James remained with the Transport Section until 30 December 1915, when he rejoined his unit. His return indicates that the transport posting was temporary, likely driven by operational need rather than a permanent change of role. By this stage, he brought back with him practical experience and a degree of leadership gained outside normal infantry routines.

REPRIMANDED FOR DRUNKENESS JANUARY 1916

James was reprimanded for drunkenness on 20th January 1916 at Tel el Kebir

ATTACHED TO TRANSPORT SECTION EARLY 1916

Early in 1916, James was again temporarily attached to the Transport Section, reflecting the continued reliance placed upon him for logistical duties. Such repeated attachments were common for capable non-commissioned officers, particularly those who had already demonstrated organisational ability and dependability.

PROMOTION TO CORORAL AND APPOINTED TEMPORARY SERGEANT MARCH 1916

His steady advancement culminated on 12 March 1916, when he was promoted to Corporal and appointed Temporary Sergeant. This dual promotion marked a significant step in responsibility, indicating that James was entrusted not only with permanent non-commissioned rank but also with acting leadership at a higher level. In this capacity, he would have overseen larger groups of men, coordinated transport or working parties, and ensured discipline and efficiency within his area of responsibility.

FRANCE AND THE WESTERN FRONT

After embarking aboard the HMTS Knights Templar on 21 March 1916, James Gilsenan disembarked at Marseilles on 29 March, stepping onto French soil for the first time. Like all AIF units arriving in France, the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion did not proceed directly to the front. Instead, the men were entrained almost immediately and carried north through the length of France, a journey that took several days and exposed them to a landscape far removed from the scrub and ridges of Gallipoli. By early April, the battalion had concentrated in the British sector of northern France, where the 1st Division was re-forming and preparing for service on the Western Front.

RETRAINING AND REORGANISATION

The weeks that followed were spent in intensive retraining and reorganisation. The 3rd Battalion, already a veteran unit, absorbed reinforcements and reshaped its platoons to meet the demands of trench warfare. Training was thorough and unrelenting. Men practised movement through elaborate trench systems, bombing and Lewis gun drills, wiring and consolidation of positions, and the use of gas masks in anticipation of chemical warfare. Route marches and field exercises hardened the men physically, while constant instruction aimed to prepare them mentally for a new and far more industrialised form of fighting. Experienced soldiers such as James—an early enlistment and a man already trusted with responsibility—were relied upon heavily to steady less seasoned reinforcements and pass on hard-earned lessons from earlier service.

TRENCH WARFARE

By May 1916, the battalion had begun rotational service in the trenches, entering the line in comparatively quiet sectors to acclimatise to front-line conditions. These periods were nonetheless demanding and dangerous.

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.

James would have spent long hours in the front trenches, standing-to at dawn and dusk, repairing parapets damaged by shellfire, and keeping watch for enemy movement. Night work was constant, with wiring parties and patrols venturing into No Man’s Land under cover of darkness. When out of the line, the battalion moved into support and reserve areas, where fatigue duties dominated daily life—carrying rations and ammunition forward, digging and repairing communication trenches, and maintaining the vast infrastructure that kept the front functioning.

Throughout this period, leadership was tested daily. Western Front conditions demanded discipline, calmness under fire, and the ability to manage men in exhausting and often terrifying circumstances. Promotions were earned not through formality but through performance, and those who demonstrated reliability and initiative were quickly recognised. By June, as preparations intensified for the expanding operations associated with the Somme, the need for experienced non-commissioned officers became pressing. James’s steady conduct during training and trench service, and his ability to command men during night work and under shellfire, marked him out as a natural leader.

PROMOTION TO SERGEANT JULY 1916

On 8 July 1916, James Gilsenan was promoted to Sergeant. The appointment reflected the confidence of his officers in his ability to lead soldiers in the increasingly demanding conditions of the Western Front. It was a significant step, placing him among the battalion’s senior non-commissioned ranks at a time when experience and sound judgement were vital, and it confirmed his transition from seasoned soldier to trusted leader as the 3rd Battalion prepared for the heavy fighting that lay ahead

AUGUST TO NOVEMBER

By August 1917, James Gilsenan and the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion were operating in some of the most demanding conditions of the war. The battalion had moved into Belgium, taking its place in the grinding campaign around Ypres, where the ground had been reduced to a shell-torn morass by constant artillery fire. Trenches were often little more than mud-filled ditches, duckboard tracks sank underfoot, and even routine movement exposed men to shelling, sniping, and gas. As a Sergeant, James carried heavy responsibility—maintaining discipline, supervising working parties, and keeping his men effective despite exhaustion and the ever-present danger.

Throughout August and September 1917, the battalion rotated between the front line, support positions, and reserve areas. Front-line service involved long periods standing in waterlogged trenches, often waist-deep after rain, with little opportunity to sit or rest properly. Sleep was irregular and frequently interrupted by bombardment. Even when out of the line, the battalion was heavily employed on fatigue duties: repairing shattered trenches, carrying ammunition and rations forward across exposed ground, and moving casualties rearward along slippery duckboard tracks. The physical strain on the men was relentless, and the unsanitary conditions of trench life took an increasing toll.

In late September and October, the 3rd Battalion was drawn into the series of costly actions associated with the Third Battle of Ypres, including the advance through battered positions near Menin Road, Polygon Wood, and Broodseinde Ridge. Although not every man was engaged in an assault at the same time, the battalion was repeatedly subjected to heavy shellfire and sustained periods in forward areas. For senior non-commissioned officers like James, the burden was constant—organising reliefs under fire, keeping sections together when units became intermingled, and enforcing routine amid chaos.

HOSPITALIATION HAEMORRHOIDS NOVEMBER 1917

Prolonged standing, marching under load, and weeks spent in damp conditions aggravated many chronic ailments, and by November James’s health had deteriorated noticeably. On 18 November 1917, James was reported hospital sick and admitted to the 18th Australian Field Ambulance, suffering from haemorrhoids. Though not a battle wound, the condition was a recognised and serious affliction among front-line soldiers, often brought on or worsened by prolonged standing, heavy lifting, irregular diet, dehydration, and the inability to maintain personal hygiene. At the field ambulance he would have been examined and placed on rest, with treatment focused on relieving pain and inflammation. This typically included bed rest, warm sitz baths where facilities allowed, topical ointments or suppositories, and dietary regulation. Given the severity of his condition and the limited capacity of forward medical units to manage prolonged cases, evacuation was deemed necessary.

EVACUATION TO ENGLAND

On 27 November 1917, James was evacuated from Calais to England, crossing the Channel under medical supervision. Upon arrival he was admitted to Chatham Hospital, a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) hospital, where conditions were markedly better than those near the front. Here he would have received sustained care: enforced rest, improved nutrition, regular bathing, and continued local treatment aimed at reducing swelling and preventing infection. In more persistent cases, minor surgical intervention was sometimes considered, though conservative management was preferred wherever possible to allow men to return to duty. The environment of the VAD hospital, staffed largely by trained nurses and volunteers, offered relative comfort and a period of recovery far removed from the noise and strain of the front.

James’s evacuation marked a temporary end to a punishing stretch of service. His illness was a direct consequence of months spent under the physical and environmental stresses of trench warfare in Belgium, and his admission to hospital reflects the toll that sustained front-line leadership took even on experienced and resilient soldiers.

FURLOUGH DECEMBER 1917

On 29 December 1917, following his period of hospitalisation in England, James Gilsenan was granted furlough, a brief but vital respite from active service. For the first time in many months, he was removed from military routine and the pressures of command, allowed time to rest, recover his strength, and regain a measure of normality before returning to the war. Furlough for men evacuated from France was strictly regulated, but it provided a crucial opportunity for physical recovery after illness and the cumulative strain of prolonged front-line service.

PERHAM DOWNS JANUARY 1918

James’s furlough concluded on 13 January 1918, at which point he was required to report to Perham Downs, the large Australian training and reinforcement camp on Salisbury Plain. Perham Downs functioned both as a staging area for men returning to their units and as a centre for refresher training. There, James would have undergone medical inspection to confirm his fitness for duty, re-equipped with serviceable clothing and kit, and brought up to date with current orders and conditions at the front. For a senior non-commissioned officer, this period also served to re-establish discipline and readiness after time away from the line.

REJOINED UNIT FEBRUARY 1918

On 3 February 1918, James was transferred to the Folkestone Infantry Draft Depot, the final point of assembly for drafts returning to France. At Folkestone he joined other officers and men bound for the Western Front, awaiting transport across the Channel. The atmosphere was tense and subdued; drafts often spent several days preparing to embark, drawing rations, receiving final briefings, and completing paperwork before departure.

Later that same day, 3 February 1918, James embarked from England with his draft and crossed the Channel under wartime conditions, travelling by transport to the French coast. After disembarkation, the draft was moved forward through the reinforcement system, passing through base depots before being sent up to their respective units. On 16 February 1918, James formally rejoined the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion, resuming his duties as Sergeant after more than two months away from the front.

AUSTRALIAN DIVISION SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION MARCH 1918

On 8 March 1917, James Gilsenan was detached from the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion and sent to the 1st Australian Division School of Instruction. Attendance at a divisional school was a mark of trust and capability, particularly for a senior non-commissioned officer. These schools were established to ensure that lessons learned at the front were standardised and passed down through the ranks. James would have received advanced instruction in infantry tactics, trench organisation, bombing, and platoon-level leadership, along with updates on evolving battlefield methods. The aim was not only to improve his own efficiency, but to equip him to return to his unit as a more effective trainer and leader of men.

HOSPITALISATION SCABIES MARCH 1917

His course, however, was cut short. On 26 March 1917, James was admitted to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital (NZSH), Ward 7074, suffering from scabies. Though often regarded as a minor ailment, scabies was taken seriously within the AIF due to its highly contagious nature and its tendency to spread rapidly among troops living in close quarters. The condition was common among soldiers, exacerbated by prolonged wear of unwashed clothing, shared bedding, and the general lack of hygiene inherent in front-line and training-camp life.

At the hospital, James was isolated to prevent transmission and placed under treatment. Standard care involved thorough bathing, the application of sulphur- or mercury-based ointments to eliminate the mites, and the complete disinfection or replacement of clothing and bedding. While uncomfortable and frustrating for the patient, treatment was usually effective if properly enforced, and rest away from military duties allowed the skin to heal fully before discharge.

REJOINED UNIT APRIL 1917

On 31 March 1917, James was discharged from hospital to duty, having responded well to treatment. After a short period passing through the reinforcement and administrative system, he returned to his battalion, formally rejoining the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion on 5 April 1917. His return restored an experienced sergeant to the ranks at a time when seasoned leadership was always in demand, and he resumed his role carrying the added value of both formal instructional training and the hard realities of active service.

SECOND BATTLE OF BULLECOURT

In early May 1917, the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion was heavily engaged in operations against the Hindenburg Line near the village of Bullecourt, during what became known as the Second Battle of Bullecourt. Following earlier costly fighting in April, Australian divisions were again committed to sustained assaults and trench fighting against well-prepared German positions. The conditions were brutal, with intense artillery fire, stubborn resistance, and confused, close-quarter fighting among shattered trenches and wire.

WOUNDED IN ACTION MAY 1917

On 9 May 1917, James Gilsenan was wounded in action, sustaining a severe gunshot wound to the right leg. The injury occurred during this period of heavy fighting as the 3rd Battalion took part in renewed attacks and consolidation operations around Bullecourt, where casualties among officers and non-commissioned officers were particularly high. As a Sergeant, James would have been exposed while moving among his men, directing fire, organising consolidation, and maintaining control under fire—duties that frequently placed NCOs in danger.

EVACUATED TO ENGLAND

Following his evacuation from the battlefield, James Gilsenan was transported through the medical evacuation chain and ultimately transferred to England for specialist treatment. On 15 May 1917, he was admitted to the Brook War Hospital, his condition recorded as a severe gunshot wound to the right leg. Admission to a base hospital in England indicates that the injury was serious enough to require prolonged treatment and careful management beyond what could be provided in France.

At Brook War Hospital, James would have undergone a thorough assessment of his wound. Gunshot injuries to the leg frequently involved extensive tissue damage and carried a significant risk of infection, particularly when sustained in the muddy conditions around Bullecourt. Initial treatment focused on cleaning and debriding the wound to remove damaged tissue and foreign material, a critical step in preventing sepsis or gangrene. Dressings were changed regularly, and strict bed rest was enforced to limit movement and promote healing. Pain relief, though limited by modern standards, would have been administered as required.

In cases such as James’s, careful monitoring for complications was essential. The risk of infection remained high, and wounds were often slow to heal. If swelling or infection threatened recovery, additional surgical intervention might be required, but wherever possible surgeons aimed to preserve limb function and avoid amputation. The length of James’s hospitalisation suggests that his injury, while severe, responded to conservative treatment, allowing gradual improvement over time.

As healing progressed, James would have begun a slow period of convalescence. This included gentle movement and gradual mobilisation to prevent stiffness and muscle wasting in the injured leg. Physiotherapy as we know it today was rudimentary, but massage and assisted exercises were commonly used to restore strength and mobility. Nutrition and rest were considered vital components of recovery, and hospital conditions in England were markedly better than those available closer to the front.

James’s prolonged stay removed him from active service at a time when experienced non-commissioned officers were desperately needed at the front. His recovery period underscores both the seriousness of his wound and the physical toll exacted by the fighting at Bullecourt. Though eventually fit enough to resume duty, the injury would have left a lasting mark, a reminder of the intense and costly fighting endured by the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion during the Arras offensive.

James’s wounding at Bullecourt places him among the many experienced Gallipoli veterans who were lost to the battalion during the costly fighting of May 1917. The Second Battle of Bullecourt was one of the most hard-fought and casualty-heavy actions involving the 3rd Battalion that year, and his injury reflects both the intensity of the battle and the risks borne by senior non-commissioned officers leading men under fire.

CONVALESCENT PERHAM DOWNS JULY 1917

On 10 July 1917, having progressed sufficiently in his recovery, James Gilsenan was transferred from hospital care to Perham Downs, the principal Australian convalescent and training camp on Salisbury Plain. His posting there indicates that while he was no longer confined to bed, his gunshot wound to the right leg continued to require monitoring and limited duties. At Perham Downs, James would have been assessed regularly by medical staff, his fitness carefully reviewed as he undertook light duties and continued rehabilitation. The camp served as a transitional stage for wounded men, determining whether they were fit to return to active service or required further treatment.

DRUNK ON PARADE JULY 1917

On 15^th July James was drunk on parade. Due to his service record his only punishment was a severe reprimand by Lt Col Koury

TRANSFER TO HOSPITAL AUUST 1917

Despite ongoing care, James’s injury proved slow to resolve. On 20 August 1917, he was transferred to the 31st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, returning him to a hospital environment for more intensive treatment. His readmission suggests persistent complications arising from the shell wound to his leg—likely pain, reduced mobility, or delayed healing, all common outcomes of severe battlefield injuries. At Dartford, treatment focused once again on rest, wound management, and continued efforts to restore function, though it was increasingly clear that his condition limited his capacity for further front-line service.

GOING HOME SEPTEMBER 1917

By late September, medical authorities concluded that James was no longer fit for active service overseas. On 23 September 1917, he embarked for Australia aboard the transport Borda, his return authorised on medical grounds as a consequence of his shell wound to the leg. The decision to repatriate an experienced Sergeant reflected the seriousness and lasting nature of his injury, and it marked the end of his operational service abroad.

James’s return home closed a military career defined by endurance, leadership, and sacrifice. From early enlistment and front-line service through promotion, instruction, and repeated hospitalisation, his record illustrates both the demands placed upon senior non-commissioned officers and the long-term physical cost of sustained combat. His wounding at Bullecourt ultimately ended his overseas service, but it stands as clear evidence of his direct participation in one of the most costly and bitter engagements fought by the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion.

FOR HIS SERVICE

James was discharged on 27^th December 1917. For his service James was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal

HOME LIFE

James married Johanna Ryan in Sydney in 1917. James died at 10.45am on 25^th March 1945 in the Prince of Wales Repatriation Hospital, Randwick of pulmonary tuberculosis. He is buried at Woronora Memorial Park, Sutherland, Plot RC4 0099. His wife received a 100% war widow pension. 

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