Regular contributor to the 31st Battalion Association Website, Mick James, in association with member Peter Nelson have posted the story of WW1 31st Battalion member Pte James Wilkie:
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At the Fromelles Commemoration in Ipswich last year a Descendant of Pte James Wilkie gave us a copy of his Diary extract from July17th to 20th 1916.
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Also Peter Nelson’s file on James Wilkie is below. you will note he joined 31st Bn in August 1915 & then in March 1916 transferred to 5th Div Signals & in this position he laid telephone lines between Brigade HQ & Battalion HQs,
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Some older screens may have difficulty reading the Diary below. If this is the case a link to the .pdf file is included here. Diary extract of James Wilkie 31st Bn AIF
📷📷📷 📷 📷 📷
Service No 62
Rank Pte
Born Booval, Queensland
NoK Mrs J. Wilkie, 7 Slowman St, Booral, Ipswich, Queensland
Enlistment 26th Aug 1915 Ipswich, Queensland
Age 22
Status & Religion Single Pres
Occupation Clerk at Redbank Railway
Address 7 Slowman St, Booral, Ipswich, Queensland
Outcome RTA 8th May 1919
Notes Original, Reg Signallers-HQ, 31stBn/ 5th Dvi Sig Coy
Embarked at Melbourne, on HMAT A62 “WANDILLA”, on 9th Nov 1915
Disembarked HMAT Wandilla at Suez on 7th Dec 1915
Transferred to ‘B’ Coy at Tel el Kebir, on 1st Feb 1916
Taken on strength 5th Div Sig Coy as Sapper, on 16th Mar 1916
Embarked to join BEF at Alexandria per HMT “Manitou” on 17th Jun 1916,
Disembarking at Marseilles on 25thJun 1916
(Battle of Fromelles, 19th/20th Jul 1916)
Sick to hospital on 3rdNov 1916
Admitted 38th CCS and transferred to No 27 Amb Train on 3rd Nov 1916
Admitted 3rd Stat Hospital, Rouen, (myalgia) on 4th Nov 1916
Embarked at Havre for England per HS ‘Formosa’ (myalgia) on 4th Nov 1916
Admitted 3rd London General Hospital (myalgia) on 4th Nov 1916
Proceeding overseas to France, from Overseas Engr Trng Depot, Sig Section, ex Shefford, via Folkestone,
on 8th Sep 1917
Marched in to R.E. Depot, Abbeville, on 11th Sep 1917
Marched out to 5th Div Sig Coy on 12th Sep 1917
Rejoined 5th Div Sig Coy from RE Depot and hospital on 15th Sep 1917
RTA per ‘Devanha’ on 8th May 1919
Disembarked at Sydney on 26thJun 1919, thence for Brisbane
Discharged at Brisbane on 19thAug 1919
Died at Toowoomba on 6thMar 1972, aged 78 years
Buried Ipswich General Cemetery, Queensland
James, born 1893, was the son of John and Jane Wilkie. He was a Clerk at the Redbank Railway. During World War 1 he was stationed in England and served in France. He joined the 31st Battalion on 1 November 1915 and the 5th Division Signal Coy. on 16 March 1916. He was in Weymouth 1916 and Folkstone 1917 England at some stage. He was discharged in 1919.He married Harriette Palmer in 1919. His home was at 7 Sloman Street, Booval.
Service Number:
62
Enlisted:
26 August 1915, Brisbane, Queensland
Last Rank:
Driver
Last Unit:5th Divisional Signal Company
Association Member Mick James has contributed this interesting story after meeting up earlier this month up with Johan Vandewalle who is one of the main proponents of the Brothers In Arms Memorial Park project. Mick takes up the story: –
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A very interesting morning today. After advice from Lambis (Lambis Englezos AM Search this Website for his remarkable story), I met up with Johan Vandewalle and his Brisbane host, Len Kelly at Len’s residence. Johan was mainly responsible for the Brothers in Arms Memorial Park in Zonnebeke Belgium, including the Statue of the two brothers – see [Story | Brothers In Arms Memorial Park] (https://www.brothersinarmsmemorial.info/story)
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Johan is in Australia to thank one of the main contributors to the Brothers in Arms Project, Bill Gibbins AM, who is also the instigator of the Jericho Cup Race Day at Warrnambool Vic since 2018- Johan is also meeting with relatives of the “Brothers in Arms’” around Queensland.
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We had a lively discussion about the Brothers In Arms Project & the 31stBattalion AIF, particularly in the Battle of Fromelles & the Battle of Polygon Wood. Johan’s Café/Museum is adjacent to the Polygon Wood Battlefield. We discussed various men of the 31st in that Battle including Lt Col Fred Toll who received his Bar to the DSO for actions in this Battle, Pte Paddy Bugden whose VC was posthumously awarded for actions in this Battle, Lt James Danaher who was KIA in the Battle, and Pte WE “Billy” Sing DCM, who was awarded a Belgian Croix de Guerre for actions immediately after the Battle, leading a patrol out to locate & dispose of German snipers who were causing further casualties as the Battalion was digging in. Billy Sing’s Citation reads in part – “By his dash and success in dealing with these (enemy snipers), our front line was secured and consolidation continued. During his whole operation his skill in picking out and dealing with snipers was uncanny”.
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I mentioned that Billy died a pauper in Brisbane in 1943 and is buried in Lutwyche Cemetery. In 2015 our 31st Battalion Association, with a Federal Govt Grant, erected a granite Plinth adjacent to his grave in his Honour. At a subsequent Commemoration Billy’s Nephew was in attendance.
Johan was particularly interested in Billy and later today he visited Billy’s grave and the Memorial with Len. I should add that Johan has joined our 31st Battalionn Association & has been confirmed by Secretary, Tony Wadeson Some photos below–
LEST WE FORGET
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Mick James and Johan Vandawalle
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Johan Vandawalle and Len Kelly at Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium)
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Johan Vandawalle at Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium)
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Johan Vandaville at Grave Site Lutwyche Cemetery
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Billy Sing DCM Croix de Guerre (Belgium) Plaque
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Don Smith Nephew of Billy Sing
With President Ray Fogg
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This was our 1st Commemoration in 2012 at Billy Sing’s graveside
Our Brisbane Branch President, Ray Fogg at the lectern and
31st Battalion Association Honorary Member Peter Nelson has revised his list of 31st Battalion Personnel who fought in World War 1. This has been a monumental and ongoing project over some years. The revision features additional stories and photos uncovered by Peter’s continual research efforts. A big thankyou to Peter.
A new page has been established on this website to containing the Personnel lists.
See Menu Item: Unit Matters > 31st Battalion > 31st Battalion – WW1 Personnel Lists
In this Olympic games year we are grateful to Honorary Member Peter Nelson for discovering two members of 31st Battalion who participated in the 1906 games. Thanks also to our tireless Honorary Member in France Pierre Seillier for his efforts in creating the plaques for the members concerned.
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Peter, who has done so much research in producing alphabetical listing of members of the 31st Battalion of WW I, wrote up the story of these two members on the “31stBattalion AIF Memorial” Facebook Page. Peter, in commenting on Pierre’s memorial plaques for the men fills out the story. Over to Peter:
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Thanks Pierre you have correctly identified the symbol of the Athens “Intercalated Olympic Games” of 1906, which were to be held every four years between the Olympiads, and were at the time referred to as “Olympics”. Greg ‘Dad’ Wheatley competed in the 1906 Athens “Intercalated Olympic Games”. Both men were to represent Australia in the 1910 Athens “Intercalated Olympic Games” which did not eventuate as an international
event as envisaged. Both men at the time were referred to as Olympians.
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Both were well known sportsmen in the running events, along with many others who enlisted.
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Lieut Andrew Sime, is credited as the first Australian to win the ‘Marathon’ over the recognised distance of 42.195km (26 miles 385 yards). He achieved this in 1909. “Australians Victor Aitken, George Blake and Joseph Lynch started in the very first 42.195 km marathon in London, 1908, but none finished. Sydneysider Andrew Sime was the first Australian to finish a 42.195 km marathon in Athens, 1910.” He embarked as OC 2nd Rfts, 31st Bn.
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Lieut Greg ‘Dad’ Wheatley enlisted and embarked with the 29th Bn, serving at Fromelles, before transferring to 31st Bn. He was selected to compete in the 8th Bde Sports Unit for an AIF Sports event in Mar 1918.
A very moving 108th Anniversary Commemoration (19th July 2024) held at the Ipswich RSL Honour Stone by the Ipswich RSL in conjunction with the 31st Infantry Battalion Association (Brisbane Branch). Honoured Special Guest was Mr Keith Payne VC AM,, a former member of both the 31st Battalion (1951) & 42nd Battalion (1975).
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Other honoured Guests were Brig Arran Hassell CSC, Commander of 8th Brigade Aust Army, Duputy RSL Qld President, Ms Wendy Taylor, Group Capt Dennis Tan, Senior Officer RAAF Base Amberley . Her Worship the Mayor of Ipswich Cr Teresa Harding, Mr Alain Etchegaray Hon Consul representing the French Ambassador to Australia, Maj Ed Dalheimer, Company Commander 31st/42nd Battalion RQR, The Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Member for Blair, Senator Paul Scarr ,Jennifer Howard MP, State Member for Ipswich.
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We were honoured to have the following Descendants of Soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fromelles –
Col Mark Plath Retd – representing– Lt Col Fred Toll DSO & Bar MBE VD, CO of 31st Battalion
Mr Keith Beardsmore – representing– Lt Col Henry Breardsmore DSO , 30th Battalion –
Ms Ann Kirby – representing – Sgt Cyril Kirby MM 31st Battalion
Lt Col Russell Linwood ASM Retd – representing – Pte Issac Linwood 31stBattalion
Mr Leo Rawlings – representing– Pte Frederick Rawlings 31st Battalion
Mr Bernie Delaney, Ms Siobhan Bouma & James Danaher 3rd – representing – Lt James Danaher 31st Battalion
Robert Doncaster- representing – Charles Christopher Doncaster 53rdBattalion
Additional we had Ms Deborah Gower representing the Mayor of Fromelles & the Fromelles Community lay a Wreath
Some photos of the Descendants at the Honour Stone after the Service. More to follow
We also mention the Service was live streamed on Ipswich RSL Facebook & can be viewed here – https://www.facebook.com/ipswichrsl/videos/1455856535298547
Group of 31st Battalion Association at 108th Commemoration of Battle of Fromelles at RSL Honour Stone Ipswich, Qld, Australia.
Members of the 31st Battalion Assoc with Keith Payne VC AM (Centre Front)
Maj Ed Dahlheimer, Coy Commander 31st/42nd Battalion, (In Uniform).
After the 108th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Fromelles at Ipswich.
Lt Col Russell Linwood ASM Retd (on the left of Keith) renewed their acquaintance & stories
from when Russell was a Cadet at Duntroon & Keith was an Instructor there.
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Wreaths Laid at the Fromelles Commemoration in Ipswich
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Keith engaged in conversation with fellow Vet.
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Overhead photo of 31st Battalion Assoc Battle of Fromelles 108th Anniversary Commemoration held at the Honour Stone at Ipswich RSL Memorial Hall, in conjunction with the Ipswich RSL sub branch.
A great attendance of over 100.
Grave Stone for William Brumby – One of the Missing 200 – Identified 2024 – Reinterred Pheasant Wood Cemetery, France – RIP – Lest We Forget
BRUMBY , William Christopher S/N 585 Pte
Born -Cones Homley, England
NOK (m) Mrs Eliza Rowle, South Someroakes, Lincolnshire, England
Enlistment Date 12-Jul-15 Melbourne, Victoria
Age 28 yrs Single C.of E. Labourer Address Sorrento, Victoria
Outcome KIA 2 0th Jul 1916 at Fromelles.
Remembered at Villers Bretonneux – France
Original, ‘C’ Coy, 31st Bn
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Pte William Christopher Brumby
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Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery Fromelles France 19th uly 2024
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31st Battalion Association Wreath placed during the Ceremony
Fromelles France 19th July 2024
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108th Battlle of Fromelles Commemoration at Fromelles, France
Commemoration Ceremony Fromelles France 19th July 2024
Address of Commemoration – 2024
MAJ Edward Dahlheimer
Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, –
MR Keith Payne VC AM,
COMD 8th BDE BRIG Arran HASSEL CSC,
Deputy President RSL QLD Wendy Taylor,
President of the Ipswich RSL Mr Paul Rogers
The Federal Member for Blair the Honourable Shayne Neumann MP
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard MP –
Her Worship the Mayor of Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding,
Honorary Consul Representing the French Ambassador to Australia Mr Alain Etchegaray
Honoured Guests
Fellow Veterans, – Serving members, – Various Association Members – Descendants of those who served & Fell at the Battle of Fromelles,
and last but not least, The 31st Bn Assoc. & Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Members for the excellent work behind the scenes setting up this Commemoration to ensure we never forget the anniversary of this tragic day.
When I was asked to deliver this address, I was excited to further my historical knowledge of the deeds of those brave Australian Soldiers who embarked on adventure in a foreign land. For me to talk about the Battle of Fromelles I needed to go to the written words of LTCOL Fredrick TOLL and the War Diary of the 31st Bn AIF. I always find these documents have lots of information but it’s what is between the lines I enjoy. I found that the report, written by LTCOL TOLL to the COMD 8th BDE, to be very informative in laying out the plan he had and how the tragic operation on the 19th/20th July unfolded.
Late June found the Bn at Morbeque after traveling from Egypt via Marseilles, with C Coy the last to join the unit this brought the strength to 30 officers and 995 ORs. At Morbeque they would have completed final briefings, training and had practical displays of gassing. July 7th, they received Stand by orders to enter the line, July 8th 0115hrs movement orders issued and the 31st Bn marched to ESTARES then onto RUE DORMOIRE to relieve the 18th Bn. The Bn moved into the BOIS-GRENIER LINE relieving the 15th Bn as the reserve for the 29th Bn they moved back to the billets for rest on the 16th as initial orders had the operation starting on the 17th but due to heavy shelling on the billets and the support trenches it was delayed.
Some of the first causalities started on 16th July, the intelligence officer LT George Alfred STILL led a small team to conduct reconnaissance on enemy positions and disposition. CPL Alfred Carlyle DAY and PTE Robert Hurtle LUXMOORE were both WIA. DAY was an apprentice electrician who was born in Brisbane he was 19 years old. He received a GSW to his left buttock, he was RTA and MID for his actions prior to the operation. During those days leading up to the assault the Bn lost one officer and 34 ORs all WIA.
On 16th July, D Coy less one Platoon moved in to secure the right section of the BDE area the rest of the Bn was in reserve 300 yards behind the front. This area was shelled continuously so A & C Coys moved into billets to be protected from shelling. LTCOL Toll moved the Bn into BDE area with A Coy supported by B Coy and C Coy supported by D Coy broken into 4 waves with 2 platoons from each Coy in each wave. They were supported with Lewis Gunners and Signallers as runners, unfortunately 6 of the 8 signallers were killed or wounded during artillery fire.
On 19th July the Bn reported ready at 1600hrs, BHQ moved from support trenches to front line at 1730hr, the first wave crossed over the parapet at 1758hrs and began to cross no man’s land. The second waved stepped off at 1800hrs followed by the third and the fourth the CO decided that BHQ would join the third and fourth waves. When they reached the enemy trenches, it was noted what great destruction had taken place with dead and dying enemy. Sadly, due to the artillery from both sides and machine gun many of the 31st Bn were among the dead and wounded.
With most officers and NCOs killed or WIA, LTCOL Toll led the remnants of his Bn past the German frontline to about 200 yards but could not locate the other trenches, just open fields with water filled craters. This was very different to what aerial photos and reconnaissance had indicated. It was decided to consolidate and dig in about 250 yards from the German front line. The BHQ went through a box barrage for enemy guns, this is most likely when LT Still was partially buried and wounded, LTCOL TOLL and his staff conducted further reconnaissance out to about 400 yards and found a heavily fortified location. With MAJ Eckersley holding the forward position the CO went about to strengthen the German line and consolidate his scattered troops. At 1915hrs the first of many messages went to BDE asking then pleading for ammunition, tools, sandbags and reinforcements and they could not estimate the large number of casualties. They made contact with the 54th Bn and after some time they linked with the 32nd Bn who were well forward. At 2030hrs the forward position was untenable but asked to hold ground.
At 0230hrs 20 July the enemy counter attack started, pushing the advanced right flank back with grenades. At 0330hrs the left flank was pushed back. The main attack launched at 0530hrs and broke the fwd line which retired to their own lines, LTCOL Toll was the last to leave the German lines and cross no man’s land. PTE John Joseph GOULDING was one of the many lost on the night of the 19th July from one report stating he would not leave his post; he was reported wounded in a few accounts stating that he was most likely captured by the Germans. It was later reported that he died in Germany as a POW, but on 22 Oct 1919 a translated message dated 30 July 1916 stated, “Australian soldier J.J. Goulding of 31st Bn fell in the neighbourhood of Fromelles on 19 Jul 1916”. He was one of the many buried in the mass grave. There were letters sent to army requesting information of John’s fate, his mother’s request was very moving, and I will recite it now:
Dear sir,
I am writing to inquire of my son John Joseph GOULDING, No. 555. B. Company. 31st Battalion. A.I.F. who was reported missing since July 19th, 1916. I have not received anything belonging to him, but disc was sent from Germany sometime during 1917 with a promise that further inquiries would be made and I would be notified. Have heard no further of him. I have waited patiently with a aching heart for news of him if only I could know that he did not suffer too much from the huns if he fell in their hands which I have reasons to believe during that dreadful slaughter of Fleurbaix of which thousands of Australian Mothers has reasons to think seriously. My son left Australia to do his bit for the country he was born in England. He did not stand long but I do hope that something further will be made known to me although three years has passed it seems but as yesterday. I am still waiting.
First missing, then prisoner of war then killed in action. I know he was not the only one by thousands but he was my son just lent to me for 35 years and then missing. I know a good son, I believe a good man but do not know if a good soldier. He has paid the price as many others have done but in all the world there is no love like a mothers love for her children if she is ever so poor, if a true woman.
I have been trying to be patient for three years hoping but just today I thought perhaps you have forgotten but this I know that the war has just begun for mothers that dearly loved their boys all over the world. God help them to bear it. The suspense is what makes it so hard. Hoping this mail will bring some tidings or the next but one.
I cannot write more and I know you don’t want to read more. May I please ask will you try and find out if any record of him, my boy, and oblige.
(Sgd) Mrs. J. Alice Golding.
John was one of many lost during that attack, on 27th Jul the casualty report detailed 1 Off & 71 ORs KIA, 11 Off & 403 ORs WIA and 5 Off & 81 ORs MIA a total of 5 Off & 576 ORs. Reducing the Bn to 56% strength. One member of my family tree, SGT Edward Harris TULK, was one of the reinforcements posted to the 31st Bn in Sep 1969. When I read the war diary entry and the corresponding initial and detailed reports for the 19th/20th July I noted how much LTCOL TOLL recognised the efforts of the soldiers in his command under such arduous conditions. Some days after the operation he recommended officers and other ranks for outstanding contribution to the attack, most of whom received their commendations. But I suppose the following citation says it all about LTCOL Toll when he was awarded the DSO and Bar:
“This Officer has been with the Brigade since its formation and has always done his duty in a most conscientious and efficient manner.
During the operations in the Suez Canal Zone he was untiring in his efforts to obtain a high standard of efficiency and has always been an example to his Officers and men.
Lt. Colonel Toll displayed great gallantry all through the operations of 19/20th July 1916, at Petillon. He was slightly wounded at the commencement of the action and before the assault was made and he lost heavily in Officers and men. He led the 3rd and 4th waves over the parapet himself. Before reaching the enemy trenches 13 officers has (sic) been killed or wounded, including three Company Commanders. Lt Colonel Toll personally took charge and pushed on, making vigorous efforts to consolidate the position won, reconnoitring the enemy’s defences and taking prisoners. On the retirement he organised the troops on our original front line.”
At present the 31st/42nd Bn along with members of the 11th BDE are conducting EX Austral Shield in Cairns as part of the 2nd DIV mission to provide Home Land Security for our nation. As one of the Company Commanders in the 31st/42nd Bn I am extremely proud to serve in a unit with such a long history. The commitment my officers and soldiers display would make the men of the original 31st Bn proud. Two months ago our unit ran the first regular army recon course for the 2nd Division, this was an outstanding success qualifying both regular and reserve force reconnaissance soldiers and has enhanced the capability of the 2nd Div.
As per our motto – Semper paratus defendere / cede nullius..
Lest we forget
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The following is is a copy of the Address by the Bremer SHS Student at the 108th Anniversary Commemoration at Ipswich RSL Memorial Hall last Friday,19th July 2024. The Address was on the Commanding Officer of the 31st Battalion, 8th Brigade, Lt Col. Fred Toll. A remarkable effort by the Student –
Good morning and welcome, everyone,
Today, we gather to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles, a battle etched in the annals of history for its profound significance and the remarkable bravery of those who fought. As we stand here, our thoughts are with the countless soldiers who laid down their lives, their sacrifices forever shaping the course of history and the legacy of our nations.
The Battle of Fromelles, fought on July 19-20, 1916, was a defining moment for the Australian Imperial Force and the British Army on the Western Front. It was intended as a diversionary attack to draw German forces away from the Battle of the Somme, but it resulted in devastating losses. In less than 24 hours, over 5,500 Australian soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing, marking it as one of the darkest days in Australian military history.
Amidst this tragedy, stories of extraordinary valour and leadership emerged, illuminating the resilience and courage of our soldiers. One such story is that of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick William Toll, a name that resonates with honour and bravery.
Fred Toll’s military career began long before Fromelles. He served in the Boer War, earning commendations for his exemplary service. But it was at Fromelles where his heroism truly shone. As the commanding officer of the 31st Battalion, Fred Toll led his men with unwavering determination and strategic acumen in the face of overwhelming adversity.
During the chaos of battle, Toll’s leadership was instrumental in managing the intense and relentless enemy fire. His actions were marked by his steadfast commitment to his men and his mission. Under his command, the 31st Battalion exhibited remarkable tenacity, reflecting Toll’s own indomitable spirit. For his gallantry and distinguished service, Fred Toll was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), a testament to his extraordinary leadership during one of the most challenging battles of the Great War.
Fred Toll’s story is not just a tale of military prowess but also of the enduring spirit of camaraderie and sacrifice that defines our armed forces. His bravery at Fromelles serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by so many. It is through the stories of individuals like Fred Toll that we connect with the broader narrative of courage and dedication that characterized the Battle of Fromelles.
As we remember the fallen today, let us also honour the spirit of those who survived, who carried the weight of their experiences and the memory of their comrades for the rest of their lives. Their legacy is our heritage, a reminder of the costs of war and the value of peace.
In closing, let us bow our heads in a moment of silence to pay tribute to all those who fought and fell at Fromelles. Their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations. May we, the young and the old, rise to honour their memory and carry forward their spirits.
Members, – OUR MAJOR EVENT OF THE YEAR – Your support is required. “THE BATTLE of FROMELLES” – Commemoration Service WHEN:- FRIDAY – 19th July 2024 at 1100 Hrs WHERE:- The Honour Stone – Soldiers Memorial Hall – Ipswich RSL Sub Branch – 63 Nicholas St, Ipswich DRESS:- Jacket & Tie – Beret, – Medals, – Name Tag
Special Guest:- Mr. Keith Payne VC AM – (Ex Member of 31st Bn & 42nd Bn) Other Guests:- BRIG Arran Hassell CSC Commander – 8th Brigade – (31st Bn was part of the 8th Brigade at the Battle of Fromelles – WW1) Members, – THIS IS NOW OUR MAIN EVENT FOR THE YEAR – PLEASE MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO ATTEND.
Wives/Partners are most welcome.
It is our intention to have a Lunch at the CSI Club after the event. (Your expense)
If you have a Transport Issue, – please contact me.
RSVP – By WED – 10th July – Email:- wadesonriver@aapt.net.au
Please advise (1) Attending the Service (2) Attending the Lunch at CSI Club.
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Lt James Danaher – One of the many Heroes of the Battle of Fromelles
Plaque produced by our Honorary Member in France Pierre Seillier
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Map showing Parking in Central Ipswich, Qld and
available parking for Battle of Fromelles Commemoration
A list of Diggers from 31st Battalion from World War 1 is in the process of being compiled by Association Member Peter Nelson. This monumental work is an ongoing work in progress over a period of years.
The alphabetical lists have appeared on the “31st Battalion AIF Memorial Association” Facebook pages over a long period. The work thus far has been consolidated on this website page. A big thanks to Peter for this huge effort.
Anzac Day for members of the 31bn association in Brisbane started with the Dawn Service at “Dasher” Deed’s place followed by the 2/31st Bn commemoration service at the Cenotaph at SouthBank. Our Secretary Tony Wadeson represented the Association there before taking the Banner to the main march through the City. Some of the pictures of the SouthBank Service and Main March below.
Preparing for the SouthBank Service
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Student Playing the Last Post and Reveille on the Trombone
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Welcoming and Service at SouthBank
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Association Members Participating in the Main March Through Brisbane
The Secretary of the Charters Towers Branch of the 31st Inf. Bn. Assoc., Vic Nichol, had previously extended an invitation to all of our members to celebrate the Hundredth Birthday of fellow member Norm Snell (19th Jan 2024). The celebration was in the form of a Tree Planting Ceremony at the Walking Track area at the bottom of Charters Towers Hill in association with the Charters Towers Regional Council and the RSL Charters Towers Sub Branch. The ceremony to be followed by a cake and refreshments at the RSL.
Vic has sent us a brief description of the day and included the pictures below:
Re Norm's centenary, The Charters Towers Council organised a Tree Planting
Ceremony with a plaque. and a Guard of Honour was provided by 10FSB
Townsville.
The reception at the RSL was attended by approx. 75 people including
representatives from the 31st Assoc., State and District RSL. And the Cake
was provided by the Local council.
Norm received congratulatory telegrams and well wishes from the King and Queen,
the Governor General, the Prime minister and Government Representatives.
The 31st Bn Assoc. and the RSL presented Norm with Birthday Certificates.
The event was well done and was most enjoyable.
Regards,
Vic
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The following email was sent by Association Brisbane Branch Secretary Tony Wadeson:
Attention to all our old Charters Towers Members, – NORM SNELL’S 100th Birthday Invitation. Please refer to the attached Invitation.
The Brisbane Branch wishes Norm a very Happy Birthday in celebrating his 100th Year.
Regards Tony
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Norm with honour Guard at the Tree Planting
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Norm With Honour Guard
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Norm with Honour Guard
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Norm’s Message from King Charles and Queen Camilla
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Norm’s 100th Birthday Cake
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Norm with Certificates of Congratulations, Family and Friends
The following is a contribution located by Association member Mick James – “I don’t think I have posted this before. It is a report on the Battle of Fromelles (referred to as Fleurbaix which was the village on the Allied side.)
It was a letter to the Editor of the Brisbane Courier in 1919 by LtCol Fred Toll DSO &Bar. His initial DSO was awarded for his actions in this Battle. The reference to ”remembering Gallipoli” is remembering his only son who was KIA at Galipoli.”
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Thanks to our Honorary Member in France Pierre Seillier for
His great Tribute to Fred & his son Vivian.
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Brisbane Courier Fri 18 July 1919
THE BATTLE OF FLEURBAIX
LEST WE FORGET
TO THE EDITOR
Sir,- The 19th July is the anniversary of the era which marks one of the greatest tragedies of the past war affecting the Australian Army. Little has been given through the medium of the Press of the first battle in France in which Australian soldiers were engaged. I feel it is my duty, as the late commander of a battalion that was engaged and sorely depleted in this awful struggle, to write a brief account in memory of my comrades who died on that fateful day.
With the splendid traditions of Gallipoli to follow, do you wonder that every man of the newly-formed Fifth Division vied with each other in his training and preparation for big things. For six hard months on the desert sands of Egypt they toiled and trained, and studied the problems of the future. This six months of close association had another effect, and that was to effect a comradeship between all ranks, which created that feeling of confidence and loyalty necessary for the future success of great doings.
To this stage I can assure you the battalions of the Fifth Division, had attained, especially may I speak of the Eighth Brigade, comprising the 29th, 30th 31st and 32nd Battalions. To the 31st and 32nd Battalions was allotted the task of the assault on the enemies’ stronghold on the fateful day of July 19 1916, at Fleurbaix. The history of this terrible period may never be complete, but the memory of our beloved comrades who gave their lives and the presence of those who were maimed by that engagement should be as sacred to us as the memory of our own dead.
You who may read these cold lines will never realise what those men went though without the slightest thought of self. A great forlorn hope, in agony of despair in many cases, after being battered about all day, for the enemy had gained information about the intended attack, and tried to demoralise our men with intense artillery fire. During the whole of the day (July 19) our men had to stand through a veritable hell. It would be cruel to attempt to describe the horror of that day, for the feelings of those who mourn this day their beloved, I would refrain from details. Before the attack was launched (zero hour being at 6.00 pm) more than half the attacking battalions were casualties. From this shambles, at the given signal, the remaining heroes followed their officers who were left to them, over the now blasted and torn breastworks, only to meet a withering fire from the enemies guns and bombs, but this had no effect on those determined men. On and across the awful “No Man’s Land”, and into the enemies’ breastworks, with bayonet and bomb they destroyed those who resisted. Can you wonder that one saw red at such a time? Lucky are you who have been spared such sights, for strong men went mad, others wept at the sights.
The records of splendid deeds of this battle will compare with any of the history of the war. The writer was spared to come out of this alive, and to see many another battlefield, and many brave deeds, but nothing surpasses those that took place at Fleurbaix on July 19 and 20 1916. In penning these lines to the memory of my comrades who fell at Fleurbaix, it is with the hope that those who mourn for them might feel a little consolation in that, though the bells of peace and joy ring out, and merriment abound, there are still those who will remember their splendid comrades who made the world-famed reputation of the Australian Army what it is today. It is to those heroes, the cream of Australian manhood, who laid down their lives in the first great battles, that we owe our great traditions and examples.
So it appears to one who has reason to remember Gallipoli, that this time of rejoicing should be tempered with a little regard and thought for those whose hearts are sad. In conclusion, it may enlighten your readers to know the special reason of the attack at Fleurbaix on July 19, 1916, was to draw off the overwhelming reserves of the enemy, who at this time threatened to smash our lines in the southern area, in which some of our own countrymen were fighting for dear life, that the Fifth Division was thrown into the vortex, with the result that it stopped the enemy’s attacks, drew off his reserves, and caused considerable loss to his forces. With this knowledge in front of us at the beginning, also that little or no support would be available, and a very limited amount of reserve ammunition for our guns, can you appreciate why I place on record the Battle of Fleurbaix as being the finest exhibition of bravery of Australian troops in France or Belgium. All honour to our splendid dead. I salute your memory, my comrades. I am, sir, &c,
FRED W. TOLL Lt-Col
Late Commander 31st Battalion A.I.F.
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