The Things the Wounded Talk About

This excellent article comes from the New York Times magazine ‘The European War’.

Originally published in the London Times by an anonymous British Surgeon on December 22nd 1914.


The Things the Wounded Talk About

If you would realize fully what the war, as an event in the procession of events, means you must come to France and visit a military hospital. You must make this visit not as a sightseer, nor yet in the spirit of a philanthropist, but only as a friend. You must come prepared to listen to stories that have no relation to war and the affairs of war—most soldiers, I think, are reluctant to speak of the things they have seen—to stories that concern home ties and the doings, real and conjectured, of children—queer, sentimental stories woven around old ideas like the Christmas idea and the idea of home.

They will fill you with wonder at first, those unwarlike tales, because they belong to the truly unexpected, against which it is impossible to be prepared. It would not be an exaggeration to describe the first effect of them as startling. They kill so many illusions and they discredit so many beliefs. War, rendered thus the background of life, assumes a new proportion and a new meaning. Or, rather, it becomes vague and meaningless, like a darkness.

A few days ago I sat by the bedside of a wounded sapper—a reservist—and heard the story of life in a signal-box on a branch line in the North of England. The man was dying.

I think he knew it. But the zest of his everyday life was still strong in him. He described the manner in which, on leaving the army originally, he had obtained his post on the railway. He told me that there were three trains each way in the day, and mentioned that on Winter nights the last train was frequently very late. This meant a late supper, but his wife saw to it that everything was kept hot. Sometimes his wife came to the box to meet him if it was a dry night.

In the next bed there was a young Scotsman from a Highland district which I know very well. We were friends so soon as he learned that I knew his home. He was a roadman, and we talked of his roads and the changes which had been wrought in them of late years by motor traffic. He recalled a great storm, during which the sea wall around a certain harbor was washed away and the highway rendered impassable. Then, rather diffidently, he confessed that he had lost a foot and would be handicapped in his work—"at Ypres."

At the far end of the ward there was a German who spoke a little English. He was a married man and came from Saxony. His wife and children, he said, would miss him at Christmas. We spoke a long time on the subject of Christmas. I suppose by all the orthodox canons that this German should have told me that he was glad to be a prisoner or else should have declared his conviction that the German Army would speedily carry everything before it to victory. But somehow he forgot to say these things and I forgot to ask him about them. These things seemed far away in the quiet ward, even—and for this I beg forgiveness—grotesque and uninteresting.

I had the curiosity to return to the young Scot and to ask him if he regretted the decision which had led to his being maimed for life. He shook his head. "No, because I've had a good home. A man with a good home should fight for it." He added that his father had advised him very strongly to enlist.

By the touchstone of the men it has broken this war is judged, and the makers of this war. And more than ruined villages and desecrated churches these soldiers pronounce condemnation. They, who have given so much, are, in a sense, without joy and without enthusiasm; rather they shun recollection. There is no zest in the killing of men. Their thoughts, especially at this season, are directed away from the dull, mechanic force which labors against its bonds across Europe, and dwell in the homes it has threatened. The war is revealed as a thing gross and dull-witted, a crime even against the ancient, chivalrous spirit of war.

Letter from a father to a son

Whilst looking for information on Private Sidney Long, I discovered this letter held at the Australian National Archives which was written to Private Roy Long (Sidney’s brother) by their father.

The letter is dated 14th January 1915, Roy Long joined up on 24th March 1915. He was killed in action on 29th July 1916 whilst serving with the 28th Battalion aged 20.

It is a remarkable piece of history:

Dear Roy

Just a line to you to let you know how I and mother are getting on, have you enlisted if not you had better do so at once you are doing your duty and fighting for your country. So Roy do what I tell you join the Forces at once it will make a man of you and me and mum will be much pleased of you. Things are looking very great over here, Fred is going to enlist very shortly and so would I if I was a bit younger, if you can’t pass let me know. Make up your mind and be a man and we will think a lot of you. We aint going to stop you from going to the front.

Best love from your loving father and mother.

National Archives of Australia - Digital Image 8204649

Source: National Archives of Australia

Nelson Carter's House gets a Blue Plaque.

A blue plaque has been unveiled to commemorate Eastbourne war hero

Nelson Victor Carter VC.

The Blue Plaque

33 Greys Road

The blue and white sign fixed above the door of the house where the VC recipient lived, at 33 Greys Road, Old Town, Eastbourne. Nelson Victor Carter was born in Eastbourne on the April 9, 1887.
He then went on to work, following a serious operation in 1912, as a commissionaire at the Old Town Cinema in the High Street, Eastbourne

Greys Road looking towards the Park and Old Town (33 is on the near left hand side).

He was survived by a wife and child who still lived at the Greys Road address when Mrs Catherine Carter received the Victoria Cross from the King on her husband's behalf, in May 1917.

Nelson Carter’s VC is now on display at the Redoubt Fortress on Eastbourne’s seafront.

For Nelson Carter's story click here.

Lady Recruiting Sergeants.

I Loved this article in the 'British Nursing Journal' dated 19th September 1914. Two young ladies on horse back recruiting in Hyde Park.

TWO LADY RECRUITING "SERGEANTS."

Recruiting Sergeant is already in our midst.

"Who could resist these sweet-looking girls

Miss Winifred and Miss Ivy Mulroney,

who are working hard on behalf of the King's appeal for recruits.
According to ‘The Gentlewoman’ to which we are
indebted for the use of the block, they ride in
Hyde Park and personally request young men
to join the British Army, We surmise they have
some success."

Mrs. St. Clair Stobart - Antwerp 1914.

Mrs. St. Clair Stobart and her nurses set sail in September 1914 for Antwerp, when she returned after Antwerp fell into German Hands the British Nursing Journal on 17th October 1914 gave this report.

The nurses arriving in Belgium.

WOMEN'S NATIONAL SERVICE LEAGUE HOSPITAL.
Mrs. St. Clair Stobart, of the Women's National Service League, and her fine band of medical women and nurses, had a most exciting time. Their hospital corps which went to Antwerp on
September 22nd, was working in a concert hall at Burchem, in the direct line of shell fire from he south, and close to a large ammunition depot. Dr. Florence Stoney, who acted as medical superintendent, and who with the 'staff has arrived in England, has given to the press a most graphic account of the terrible twenty-four hours under fire, and she speaks with much ratitude of the help given by an English colour-sergeant, T. Cunningham, of Chatham, who behaved splendidly in spite of a bad wound in the head. “Not one of the staff of women doctors, nurses, and orderlies lost her head."

Mrs. St. Clair Stobart described the escape in the Daily Mail -

"We arranged, if a bombardment began, to remove our wounded into the cellars - three dirty little caves under our kitchen. At midnight on Wednesday the bombardment began. We were roused by a rushing, fluttering sound through the air that seemed to go burr-bump. '' One shot came into the house next to us and ripped the roof clean off. The house on the other side received another shot which went through the middle of it. It caught fire. Another shot made a hole 6ft. deep near the main door of our hospital. Another fell in the road just outside ; another thirty yards away, and another ten yards beyond. They might have been firing at the hospital.

‘ The staff that, night walked to their sleeping place in the convent across the road with shells flying about. But first they had got their wounded patients safely to the cellars. Slight, frail nurses carried heavy men on their shoulders-the men’s arms around their necks. Shells were bursting all round, but never once did I see anyone taking the slightest notice of them. The nurses’ coolness was marvellous. In half an hour all our 130 patients were packed in the cellars.
‘(Next day), Thursday, we found nearly all ’ Antwerp had fled. All the shops were shut; no food, not even bread, was to be got. Not a soul was to be seen. At last I found a motor lorry to take away our six most serious cases. We were left with sixteen, who could not move.
At two o’clock on Thursday we found a second motor-lorry, and on this we packed sixteen wounded, a woman doctor, three nurses, and an interpreter. The loading was done with the shells still dropping around us. “we waited for help-three hours, four, five -and nothing came. Then, in desperation, I went out on the main road, the Chausske de Malines, to see if I could see anyone. Imagine my delight at seeing whirring along the road towards me, at a breakneck pace, three London motor-omnibuses. I stood in the middle of the road, stretched out my arms and shouted. They were carrying ammunition. I urged them to take our staff along. “ If you’ll be as quick as lightning,” said the driver of one, “we’ll take you along. But we must get beyond the bridge of boats before it is blown up.” I rushed into our hospital, hurried up the staff, and in a few minutes we were sitting in the omnibus, right on the cases of ammunition they were carrying. There were sixteen of us. We rushed down into Antwerp and over the bridge just before it was blown up. On the other side we were put down, and after going a short way we found ourselves among lines of soldiers. A Belgian general and three of his staff were there. I went to him and asked could he lend us motor-cars to get to somewhere whence we could get to Ostend. He let us have motor-cars to take us as far as St. Gilles. Thence we got to Ostend and over by boat.”

Photos from - The Great War in Different Light

Private Peter Callinan, MM, 8th Battalion, AIF.

Private Peter Callinan, Number 5978, 8th Battalion A.I.F.

He was born in Carlton Victoria, Son of Edward and Ellen Callinan, of 24, Stanley St., Richmond, Victoria, Australia. His father is noted as deceased at his enlistment.

By all accounts he was a good mate and soldier. He spoke French, had a good education, was missed by all his comrades and won the Military Medal for his splendid work at Polygon Wood, in September 1917, 4 days before his death.

He was educated at Christian Brother’s College, East Melbourne. He did a 4 year Apprenticeship with the Australian Land Department and found employment as an Assistant Surveyor.

He Enlisted at Richmond Victoria on 11th March 1916. His age at enlistment is recorded as 38 years 6 months. He was 5’ 71/2” tall, weighed 143 lbs had grey eyes and Brown hair.

At first he was at sent to Bendigo from 13.03.16 until 6.6.16 when he moved to Broadmeadows.
He Embarked in Melbourne on the ‘Themistocles’ 28.7.16.
On 11-9-16 he disembarked at Plymouth
On 9.10.16 he was admitted to the 1st A.D.H with Venereal Disease.
He was discharged on 7.11.16 to the 2nd Training Battalion.
On the 16.11.16 he left England for France and the next day, he joined the 1st A.D.B.D at Estaples.
On 2.12.16 he was allocated to the 8th Battalion.
In early 1917 he was attached to the 1st Anzac Topographical section, but was admitted to Hospital in March and April suffering from V.D.
After his last stay in hospital on 17.4.17 he was transferred back to the back to the 8th Battalion and went back to Estaples.
Unfortunately on the 30th April he was found guilty of two crimes. Out of Bounds and Being in Possession of Spirits. For which he was sentenced to 7 days field punishment.
Finally on 21st May 1917 he made it to the 8th.

Recommendation for Military Medal for work on 30th September 1917.

“During the attack on POLYGON WOOD east of Ypres on September 30th 1917, when his Company Commander and Section Sergeant had been wounded on the way to the assembling position, Pte Callinan guided his section and company on to the taped lines on which they were to form up, thereby being instrumental in having the Company formed up before zero hour.”

He was killed in action in 4 October 1917, aged 40.

The Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau files - 1DRL/0428, contain the following reports.

“I did not actually see him killed, he was buried by A.J Wood, of 8th Btn, near Ypres, by a wood, about 2 miles in front of Anzac Ridge.” (Informant L/cpl Cruickeshank, Ward 30 Harefield).

“The Corporal and myself were walking round trying to identify the dead on October 5th and we came across Callinan. He had been hit on the head and his pay-book and identity disc were gone, but we recognized him by his face and two letters in his pocket. He was buried 6 hours later. We sent out a party to bury him. Shell-shot. Not shattered much.. He was awarded the Military Medal, but did not know it before he died. Eyewitness accounts describe him as: Peter, stout and elderly.” (Informant Lieut Hall, 8th Aus. Imp Force, 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, London.)

“Re 5978 Peter Callinan he was my mate and I, along with another buried him in the field on 5-10-17. He was killed in the heavy fighting of the morning of the 4-10-17. He was a man of about 38 years of age, of good education, spoke French and English, was a surveyor by occupation before the war. Was a good soldier and comrade and earnt the M.M. on the 20-9-17 by his splendid work and his loss was a great knock to our boys. A rough wooden cross marked his resting place, but it would very likely be knocked down after, as it was a lively sector.” (Wood A.J. 6220, 8th Battn).

“I knew (the) casualty, he was a well built man, about 5’10” tall, medium complexion, about 32 years of age, known as Peter. Casualty was in the advance at Passchendaele. He was a scout and went to No Man’s Land seeking information, when a high explosive shell landed alongside of him, killing him instantly. I did not see him killed but saw his body later and saw him again being buried at Passchendale Ridge. A cross was erected over the grave, with his name, number and unit on it.” (A.R Main 6153, 11/7/19).

He is buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery Passchendaele.

Source : National Archives of Australia

Thomas Turrall, VC.

Tom Turrall was 30 years old, and a private in the 10th Battalion,Worcestershire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC

On the 2nd July 1916 the 58th Brigade attacked the strongly fortified village of La Boisselle and secured a position on the southern face. As the German machine guns were very active it was decided to continue the attack in the night. The troops formed up opposite the village and the order to advance was given at 3am with the 10th Bn, Worcestershire Regiment, crossing open ground and into the German defensive positions.

When it grew lighter a small group, including Turrall under the command of Lieutenant Jennings, was suddenly fired upon from a hidden German position where Jennings was severely wounded and had one of his legs shattered by bullets. Turrall took charge of the situation and dragged his officer into the safety of a nearby shell hole and began to dress Jennings' wounds, using part of an entrenching tool as a splint and one of his own puttees for a bandage. While he worked several bombs were thrown at him as the enemy had seen movement in the shell hole. The bombers were concealed behind a hedge and Turrall managed to kill at least one of them with rifle fire before the enemy withdrew.

However, Turrall could see that there was a mass of Germans attempting to re-take the village in a strong counter-attack. His officer had fainted and there was no point in shooting and so he feigned death, being prodded with bayonets but survived. The enemy counter-attack against the British defences failed. Turrall had to remain until dark in his shell hole and then hoisting up his wounded officer he dragged him back towards the British lines. Jennings was a very tall man and his arms were around Turrall's neck and his feet dragged along behind him. The two men were challenged by British sentries but Turrall's English voice was recognised and the two men were allowed back into their lines.

Jennings was able to give a full report on Turrall's bravery but unfortunately his wounds were to prove mortal and he died a few hours later at Denancourt field dressing station.

London Gazette, 9 September 1916, La Boisselle, France, 3 July 1916, Private Thomas George Turrall, 10th Bn, Worcestershire Regiment.

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty ( La Boisselle, France ). During a bombing attack by a small party against the enemy the officer in charge was badly wounded, and the party having penetrated the position to a great depth was compelled eventually to retire. Private Turrall remained with the wounded officer for three hours, under continuous and vary heavy fire from machine guns and bombs, and, notwithstanding that both himself and the officer were at one time completely cut off from our troops, he held to his ground with determination, and finally carried the officer into our lines after our counter-attacks had made this possible.

Thomas Turrall was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 31st December 1916.

Following his discharge from the Army, Thomas Turrall attended many regimental functions and was often the guest of honour. He also attended many of the VC and GC Reunions and became a well known and respected figure in Worcestershire and the Midlands. On the 19th February 1964 two days before Turrall died he received a visit from two Lieutenant Colonels from the Regiment who found him in 'very good cheer'. Turrall died in Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham at the age of 78 and was given a full military funeral at the Robin Hood Cemetery, Solihull, Warwickshire.

Sarah Macnaughtan

Sarah Broom Macnaughtan, was born in Lanarkshire in 1864, she was the daughter of a JP and she inherited an income. Before the war she worked as a novelist and for the women’s sufferage. When the war started she worked as a volunteer nurse in Belgium. Her diaries of her war work were published posthumously as My War Experiences in Two Continents (1919), available online, full-text, open-access at Project Gutenberg.

Camera Portrait by E. O. Hoppé.

I first read some of her diary in Lyn Macdonald's book "The Roses of No Man's Land."

I was amazed at the courage and Strength of this lady and the book is a brillant read.

Here is a passage:

On Wednesday night, the 7th October, we heard that one more ship wasgoing to England, and a last chance was given to us all to leave. Only two did so; the rest stayed on. Mrs. Stobart went out to see what was tobe done. The ---- Consul said that we were under his protection, and that if the Germans entered the town he would see that we were treated properly. We had a deliberately cheerful supper, and afterwards a man called Smits came in and told us that the Germans had been driven back fifteen kilometres. I myself did not believe this, but we went to bed,and even took off our clothes.
At midnight the first shell came over us with a shriek, and I went downand woke the orderlies and nurses and doctors. We dressed and went overto help move the wounded at the hospital. The shells began to screamoverhead; it was a bright moonlight night, and we walked withouthaste--a small body of women--across the road to the hospital. Here we found the wounded all yelling like mad things, thinking they were goingto be left behind. The lung man has died. Nearly all the moving to the cellars had already been done--only threestretchers remained to be moved.
One wounded English sergeant helped us. Otherwise everything was done by women. We laid the men on mattresses which we fetched from the hospital overhead, and then Mrs. Stobart's mild, quiet voice said, "Everything is to go on as usual.
The nightnurses and orderlies will take their places. Breakfast will be at theusual hour." She and the other ladies whose night it was to sleep at the convent then returned to sleep in the basement with a Sister. We came in for some most severe shelling at first, either because we flew the Red Cross flag or because we were in the line of fire with a powder magazine which the Germans wished to destroy.
We sat in the cellars with one night-light burning in each, and with seventy wounded men to take care of. Two of them were dying. There was only one line of bricks between us and the shells. One shell fell into the garden, making a hole six feet deep; the next crashed through a house on the oppositeside of the road and set it on fire.
The danger was two-fold, for we knew our hospital, which was a cardboard sort of thing, would ignite like matchwood, and if it fell we should not be able to get out of the cellars. Some people on our staff were much against our making use of a cellar at all for this reason. I myself felt it was the safest place,and as long as we stayed with the wounded they minded nothing.
We sat there all night. The English sergeant said that at daybreak the firing would probably cease, as the German guns stopped when daylight came in order to conceal the guns. We just waited for daybreak. When it came the firing grew worse. The sergeant said, "It is always worse just before they stop," but the firing did not stop. Two hundred guns were turned on Antwerp, and the shells came over at the rate of four a minute. They have a horrid screaming sound as they come. We heard each one coming and wondered if it would hit us, and then we heard the crashing somewhereelse and knew another shell was coming.

Her story is truly amazing and i will post some more in the coming days.

Captain Percy Lay, 8th Battalion, AIF.

LAY, PERCY (1892-1955), soldier and farmer, was born on 8 February 1892 at Ballan, Victoria, son of Edward Lay, farmer, and his wife Annie, née Slack, both Victorian born.
Before enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force on 19 August 1914 he worked as a sheep and cattle dealer for W. J. Andrews of Ballarat.

He was posted to the 8th Battalion and embarked for Egypt on 19 October. The 8th landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and from then until the evacuation Lay continually volunteered for dangerous patrols. He was promoted lance corporal in June, corporal in February 1916 and sergeant next August. On the Western Front particularly, in 1916-17, he showed the remarkable coolness, courage and determination which made him a legend in his own battalion and in the A.I.F.

Lay won his first decoration during fighting near Pozières on 18 August 1916. When the 7th and 8th Battalions attacked, he and three others managed to get into the enemy trenches but were assaulted with bombs. When Lay's bombs were exhausted and he realized that the second attacking wave would not reach the trench he left it, carrying one of his men who was wounded; despite heavy fire he successfully brought him in. When his company was relieved in the front trench he remained behind and assisted the relieving company commander. His own company commander recommended him for the Victoria Cross but on 20 January 1917 he was awarded a Croix de Guerre avec Palme.

For his courageous actions during the 2nd battle of Bullecourt on 8-9 May 1917 Lay was awarded the Military Medal. When his unit was exposed to constant artillery barrage and repeated counter-attacks Lay, wounded during the first few hours, declined to go to the rear until the battalion was relieved. During the attack he was of 'invaluable assistance' and at one stage left a newly captured post to bring in six prisoners, 'belting the hide off them with his tin hat'.

At Polygon Wood near Ypres on 20 September 1917 Lay won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. When his platoon commander was wounded he took charge and led the platoon through a barrage to the assembly position, into the attack, and on to the final objective. The success of the attack was very much due to his inspiration. Nine days later, in the field, he was commissioned second lieutenant. At Broodseinde, east of Ypres, on 4 October he was awarded the Military Cross. After all the other company officers had become casualties he took command during a critical period of the attack. During the final fight for the ridge his unit was opposed by a field-gun firing at point-blank range. Ordering his company to take cover he and two other men worked to the right flank of the gun position. They then attacked with bomb and bayonet, killing the entire crew and capturing the gun. General Sir William Birdwood sent him a personal letter of congratulations.

Before the 3rd battle of Ypres concluded Lay was to again show his courage. During the Canadian attack at Passchendaele he reconnoitred the German forward positions on the Keiberg. C. E. W. Bean described Lay's reconnaissance as 'magnificent scouting'. He was detached in 1918 for special duty with Dunsterforce in Persia and in February was promoted lieutenant, A.I.F. On 9 March 1919 he embarked for Australia and was demobilized in June, soon afterwards establishing a small farm at Alphington, Melbourne.

During World War II Lay served in garrison, works and training units in Victoria, reaching the rank of major. He then remained at Alphington until illness forced him to enter Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. He died there, unmarried, on 28 August 1955 of a cerebral tumour and was cremated. His estate was sworn for probate at £19,459.

An archetypal digger, 'Perce' Lay was greatly admired by his mates. Many felt that he was the bravest man in the A.I.F. and he was often compared to Albert Jacka and others.

Lieutenant Leonard George Prentice Errey, DSO,MC, 8th Battalion, AIF.

Leonard George Prentice Errey, enlisted on 16th August 1914, as a private aged 22. In civilian life he had been a carpenter living in Campertown, Victoria. He is listed as being a member of the Campertown Rifle Club.

He received the Military Cross in April 1917, the citation reads:

“During the operations in front of Queant and Phonville, 19th April 1917, 2nd Lieut ERREY’S work was of an extremely courageous and useful nature. His duties included patrolling no man’s land in front of his Company sector. In this he showed great courage and initiative. He went through the enemy’s wire and gained valuable information at great personal risk. On the night of 10th April 1917 he encountered an enemy patrol of 56 strong. His party was only 8 strong and the enemy endeavoured to surround him. Not withstanding this he gave them fight and succeeded in driving them off with bombs and rifle fire. He handled his men with great skill and got back without a casualty, the enemy leaving 4 dead on the field. Lieut. ERREY is a young officer who has been with the Battalion since shortly after its inception and is a splendid leader and absolutely fearless.”

Ron Austin in ‘Cobbers in Khaki’ writes about the incident:

“On the night of 19th April 1917 a patrol led by 2nd Lt George Errey came upon a German patrol of about 30 men. The 2 patrols engaged each other with rifle fire and within a few minutes the Germans withdrew from the encounter leaving behind 4 dead comrades."

Later that year in September, He was recommended for the Victoria Cross, although it was turned down, he received the Distinguished Service Order in its place for his audacious work: The citation for the Victoria Cross reads:

“For conspicuous gallantry during the attack on Polygon Wood on the 20th September 1917, after the third objective had been gained, the consolidation was greatly interfered with by heavy Machine Gun fire from an enemy strong point which caused many casualties and was beginning to disorganise our line. Lieut. ERREY with four men, in the face of very heavy Machine Gun fire rushed through our own barrage and attacked and captured the strong point together with 5 officers, 60 other ranks and 2 Machine Guns. This officer’s most conspicuous bravery, determination and prompt action undoubtedly saved many lives and altered the situation at a critical moment enabling the line to be firmly established.”

But on the 3rd Oct, the eve of the attack, Lieutenant Errey who was now the Battalion intelligence officer and his men laid out the white marker tape on the ground. At 5.30 the enemy shelled the rear trenches, the shelling took its toll with 3 officers being killed, Captains Rudolph Kirsch, and John Davidson and Lieutenant Errey.

He died of wounds received, aged 25 and is buried Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Sergeant William Dobson SCORER, DCM, 8th Battalion, AIF.

William Dobson Scorer was a 21 year old Clerk from Essendon, Victoria when he enlisted on 30th July 1915.

During the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge on the 4th October 1917, he was awarded The Distinguished Conduct Medal. The citation reads:

“During the attack on Broodseinde Ridge eat of Ypres an 4th Oct., 1917, Sgt. SCORER did splendid work both before and after the advance. He assisted the intelligence office in guiding the Battalion on to the tapes. When the Battalion advanced, Sgt. SCORER maintained direction on the flank in a most efficient manner and when held up by machine gun fire he crept forward and alone rushed the gunners, bayoneted 8 and put the gun out of action. He was wounded in this fight but continued his task of maintaining direction on his flank until the objective was reached when he was again very badly wounded while assisting to supervise consolidation. “

In Ron Austin’s book ‘Cobbers in Khaki’ the following passage mentions him:

“When Chaplain Booth arrived at the RAP to assist the RMO the first man he saw was the Orderly Room Sergeant, “poor old Bill Scorer.” Lying next to Scorer was Lieutenant Goodwin, who was described by Booth as “One of the most courageous officers of the 8th Battalion. Bill Scorer seemed cheerful but we hold very little hope for him, while poor old Goodwin has no chance. We looked him over, he was quite unconscious.” (Goodwin died that day, Scorer died two weeks later).”

Bill Scorer died of wounds on the 24th October 1917 and is buried in Estaples Military Cemetery aged 24.

Captain Albert Jacka, VC, MC & bar

Albert Jacka was born on 10 January 1893 at Layard in Victoria. He completed elementary schooling before working as a labourer, first with his father and then with the Victorian State Forests Department.

He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 18 September 1914 as a private in the 14th Battalion. After training in Egypt Jacka's battalion landed at Gallipoli on 26 April 1915. Just over three weeks later on 19 May, with the ANZACs now entrenched above the beaches, the Turks launched large-scale frontal assaults against their positions. Some Turks captured a small section of trench at Courtney's Post. Early attempts to drive them out failed, until Jacka, taking advantage of a diversion created by bomb throwers at one end of the Turkish position, leapt in, killing most of the occupants. For this he was awarded Australia's first Victoria Cross of the First World War.

The citation read:
'For most conspicuous bravery on the night of the 19th-20th May, 1915, at "Courtney's Post" Gallipoli Peninsula. Lance Corporal Jacka, while holding a portion of our trench with four other men, was heavily attacked. When all except himself were killed or wounded, the trench was rushed and occupied by seven Turks. Lance Corporal Jacka at once most gallantly attacked them single handed, and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two with the bayonet.'Source: 'London Gazette' No. 7279

Jacka quickly became famous - his likeness was used on recruiting posters and his exploits featured regularly in newspapers, particularly in his native Victoria. He began a rapid rise through the ranks, finally becoming a captain in March 1917. Jacka having risen no higher has been attributed to his frequent disputes with superior officers.

After Gallipoli the 14th Battalion was shipped to France, where, at Pozières in August 1916 he won the Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry. He led his platoon against a large number of the enemy, who had counter attacked the battalion on his right. The enemy were driven back some prisoners they had taken were recovered, and 50 of the enemy captured. He was himself wounded in this attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62

and at Bullecourt in 1917 he won a bar to the Military Cross .

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried out a daring reconnaissance of the enemy's position, and obtained most valuable information. Later, he rendered invaluable assistance in guiding troops to their assembly positions.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169


The Australian official historian, Charles Bean, described his actions at Pozières, during which he recaptured a section of trench, freed a group of recently captured Australians and forced the surrender of some fifty Germans, as "the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity in the history of the AIF." He was severely wounded during this action and was hit by a sniper's bullet in July 1917. On each occasion he returned to the front, always furthering his reputation as one of the AIF's most respected warriors. In May 1918 he received the wound that ended his combat career, this time during a German gas bombardment near Villers-Bretonneux.
Jacka returned to Australia in September 1919. Greeted by a large crowd upon his return, Jacka was described in one newspaper as "the symbol of the spirit of the ANZACs." After being demobilised in January 1920 he went into business with two former members of his battalion. He married the following year and he and his wife later adopted a daughter. In 1929 Jacka was elected to the St Kilda Council becoming mayor the following year. His political career was characterised by his strong interest in assisting the unemployed. Meanwhile his business, which had performed well until the late 1920s, was forced into voluntary liquidation in 1930.
At the same time Jacka's health began to deteriorate. He entered Caulfield Military Hospital in December 1931 and died from kidney disease the following month. More than 6,000 people filed past his coffin as it lay in state and his funeral procession, flanked by thousands of onlookers, was led by over 1,000 returned soldiers - the coffin was carried by eight Victoria Cross winners. Jacka was buried with full military honours in St Kilda cemetery.

Se also (http://www.awm.gov.au/forging/australians/jacka.htm).