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
Members of the Charters Towers Branch of the 31st Battalion Association hosted a luncheon to commemorate the placement of Plaques on the graves of Wartime Tunnelers who are now buried in the Charters Towers Cemetery. The project was an initiative of the Charters Towers Branch of the Association. The luncheon was attended by members of the Association with wives and partners. Also present were Association President Col (Retd) Greg Stokie, Towvsville Branch President LtCol (Retd) Paul Ellems, Ingham Branch President Capt (Retd) Felix Reitano.
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The project which has been ongoing, has been steered by branch executive members President Raymond Barrett and facilitated by a grant arranged by Secretary/Treasurer and Honorary Association Life Member Vic Nichol.
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Felix Reitano, Vic Nichol, Greg Stokie, Paul Ellems, Raymond Barrett
If you are a financial ex-31st Battalion Association member or a Widow or widower of an ex-31st Battalion member, or a current financial supporter or a current serving member of the 31/42 Battalion and you have a child, grand child or great grandchild who has just completed year ten or eleven, please consider having them apply for our bursary. If you are a serving member of 31/42 Battalion who is undertaking trade training or tertiary studies, you could also consider seeking the support of this bursary.
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Two/three Bursaries valued at $300 each, will be awarded on the results obtained in Education and training in Queensland to support continuing education or training. The Bursaries, valued at $300 each, will be awarded to entrants, in order of Merit, as decided by the Executive Committee of the 31st Battalion Association, Townsville Branch.
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To be eligible you must be:
A descendant or a person under guardianship of a current Financial Member of the 31st Battalion Association or of a Widow of a former member of the 31st Battalion Associationor,
A current serving member of the 31/42 Battalion and is a financial member of our Association.
The selection criteria will include:
Results in grades 10, 11 or 12, or tertiary education results or, trade training.
Activities undertaken within the community such as sporting or charities or social club work.
A 200 word essay on your aspirations for life and within the community.
And finally, there may be a personal interview with the applicants and their sponsor.
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APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON THE 30th OCTOBER , 2024.
Gregory Stokie
President
31st Inf Bn RQR Assoc Inc.
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BURSARY APPLICATION
FULL NAME OF APPLICANT:………………………………………….………………………………….
The following information regarding changes to the the leadership position of Colonel Commandant of the Royal Queensland Regiment have recently been passed on from the Headquarters of 31/42 RQR.
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Brigadier Bruce Scott CSC, ADC (Ret’d) finishes his appointment as Colonel Commandant of the Royal Queensland Regiment this year. During his appointment, Brigadier Scott, showed steadfast leadership in advocating for the Regiment and its members, ensured that the long history of the Regiment is acknowledged, and championed its future.
31/42 RQR thanks Brigadier Scott and wishes him the best for his future endeavours.
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Major General Stephen Porter AO, AM takes on the role of Colonel Commandant this year. 31/42 RQR welcomes him and looks forward to the upcoming years under his leadership. There are challenges ahead but the Royal Queensland Regiment is in a strong position to take them on.
31/42 RQR thanks Brigadier Scott and welcomes Major General Porter.
The Battle For Australia Commemoration was held on Wednesday 4th Septemberis. This year the Commemorative address was given by Group Captain Denis Tan on behalf of the Chief of the Air Force.
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Our Association executive Member Mick James has submitted a copy of this excellent address which is reproduced -below.
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Also mentioned at the Commemoration is that Pat O’Keeffe OAM (pictured at the head of this page) is stepping down as President of the Battle for Australia Commemoration Committee after being the founding and only President since 2000. His successor is former CO of 9 RQR Col. Mark Plath (Retd). Mark is also a member of 31st Battalion Association & a Descendant of 31st Bn WW1 CO Col Fred Toll DSO & Bar MBE VD.
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31st Battalion Association Brisbane members Tim Lewis and Sec Tony Wadeson
laying a Wreath at the Battle for Australia Commemoration on Wed 4th Sept 2024 at Chermside.
Tim’s father, Lt Aub Lewis served in the 2/31st Battalion in the Battle of Balikpapan
Dear Members & Friends of the 31st Bn Assoc. It is my sad duty to advise you of the passing of our Oldest Member, – Soldier Hero, – Our Mentor in all things Army, – Our Great Mate, – Great Family Man, – True Blue Aussie. – WO1 Ray “Dasher” Deed BEM MID. Dasher died peacefully, surrounded by Family, in the aftrnoon of Thursday 19th Sept.
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If you wish to post a Card to the Family – Post it to – “The Family”of WO1 Ray Deed BEM MID (Retd), 11 Hassall St. Corinda Q’ld 4075.
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I have been advised that the Funeral service will be held at St Josephs Church Clewley St. Corinda on Friday 27th Sept at 11am.
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For those members who live Cabooture north to the Sunshine Coast, who wish to attend the Service, you can catch an Ipswich or Springfield Train to CORINDA Station. It is a short walk to the Church just past the RSL Sub Branch on the Other side of Oxley Rd. For those unable to walk I will arrange transport from the Station to the Church.
However as there are Rail line Upgrades taking place, on the north side of Brisbane you may wish to check prior to planing your trip.
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For those travelling by car please Note, – the Indooroopilly Bridge is Closed, so it would be necessary to travel via Ipswich Rd.
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DRESS:- Jacket & Tie, Beret, Medals, Name Tag.
Please RSP to me by Wed 25th if you will be attending
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Tony Wadeson
Secretary (Brisbane Branch) 31st Bn Assn
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Further information from Tony:
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Members, & friends – 97 year old Ray “Dasher” Deed, – 3RAR, & one of the few surviving “Battle of Kapyong” Veterans. – Vietnam Vet – AATTV. – Our oldest 31st Bn member, (Regular WO2 Cadre attachment) Townsville in the 60’s – WO1 -RSM, 51st Bn, Cairns.
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In the fortnight before his passing he had been seriously ill in the PA Hospital Brisbane (Intensive care).
Age has now caught up with our great mate, and a week before his passing he was transferred to Canossa Private Hospital (Pallative Care) Magdalene Wing- OXLEY.
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Dasher’s son Michael contacted me and advised that family members visited him, & Dasher was his normal self, – asking Questions & issuing instructions almost up to the end.
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Recent Photos of Dasher. First with Keith Payne VC & others, Taken at our 31st Bn (Brisbane Brch) – Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service on 19th July at Ipswich RSL
Photo of Members of the AATV & Korean War Veterans on receipt of their Second – US – Presidential Citation (Dasher second on left)
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Regards To all.
Tony.
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“Dasher”with Keith Payne VC & others, Taken at our 31st Bn (Brisbane Brch) –
Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service on 19th July at Ipswich RSL
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Members of the AATV & Korean War Veterans on receipt of their
Second – US – Presidential Citation (Dasher second on left)
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Tony has received the following email from Assn Member Warren Gunder who has fond memories of his service with Dasher:
Hi Tony, I am saddened by the passing of Dasher and hope that you will pass on my condolences to the family. Dasher was a significant person in my time as an officer. He was there when I was first commissioned and cadre WO of the coy. When posted to 51RQR on FTD he arrived as the RSM and of course later we both served in the Trg Team. Since then I have been involved with him to some degree on a social level. He was a very special soldier, always calm and collected and very wise with his advice. He is one person from my army career of whom I will have very fond memories. Vale Dasher.
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.
Sad News of the passing of one of our long term Members – Ron Springer who passed away 17th June, surrounded by his Family in Hospital.
Ron joined the Regular Army – RAR, with an intention to fight in Korea. That was not to be, but was sent out to “Maralinga” – Woomera Area as part of an Australian Army Contribution to run the Camp set up for the British Gov. – Atomic Bomb Tests between 1956 – 1962. There were many Military & Civilian casualties resulting from these Tests.
After Ron left the Regular Army he rejoined the CMF – 31st Bn, – ended up as CSM of Charlie Company Ingham. The family then moved to Mackay in 1977 where Ron continued his Service with 42 Bn. The family eventually retired to Brisbane, & Ron then became a very active & long term member of the Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch.
Ron was one of our original 31st Bn Assoc. Brisbane Branch Members accompanied by John Gardner his old OC Charlie Company..
RIP – Ron Springer – Great Family Man, – Great Soldier, – Great Aussie & Great Mate.
A Memorial Service for Ron was held Tuesday 25th June at 2.00PM – Centenary Memorial Gardens Federation Chapel – 353 Wacol Station Rd, Sumner. Refreshments later at Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch – Jindalee Bowls Club.
Dress:- Jacket, Beret, Medals, Name Tag.
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.
The 2024 Kennedy Regiment Commemorative Service was held at St James Cathedral, Townsville on Sunday 18th August 2024. Members of 31st Bn and 42nd Bn Assoc from Townsville, Charters Towers, Ingham and other centres around North Queensland joined with Serving and Past members of 31/42 RQR and 11Bde.
Members Attending the Service
Members and partners
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Above Pictures 31Bn Assn Members and Wives/Partners At Assn Commemorative
Church Service at St James Cathedral, Townsville
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Darryl Walker, Lindsay Elmore and Andrew Gill 31Bn Assn Members
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Neville Homes and Darryl Walker 31Bn Assoc. and National Service Assoc.
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Rob Donkin (LTCOL Retd) Delivering Reflections Address
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11Bde Officers (L to R) Maj Daniel Farrands, Lt Alexander de Camp, Cpl Kenton Harvie,
RSM 31/42RQR WO1 David Nicholas, COMD 11Bde BRIG Richard Pearce,
A/RSM WO1 Ryan Snell, Lt Joshua Borquin, Cpl Jackson Pearson, Pte Hugo Boyd (Bugler)
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Service Notification:
Presidents andMembers ofthe
31stInfantryBattalionAssociation
andthe
42ndInfantryBattalionAssociation
havegreatpleasureinjointlyinviting
All Association Members and interested public citizens