‘Dyers Crater’ – Gallipoli and the ‘Germans Officers Trench’

Richard John Dyer Lieut Colonel D.S.O, Legion of Honour, MID

Gallipoli has many landmarks and place names spread across its unforgiving terrain. Many were named after famous military officers, such as Plugge’s Plateau, named after Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Plugge, commanding officer of the Auckland Battalion, after the Anzacs captured its position.

Other place names include Monash Valley, named after Brigadier Monash, and strategic points like Quinn’s Post, the most advanced post of the Anzac line, named after Major Hugh Quinn of the 15th Battalion AIF, who was killed defending the post.

Some place names became famous for their battles, such as Lone Pine, where seven Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australians. One battle zone with one of the most notorious place names was the ‘German Officers Trench’ (GOT), so-called because a German Officer was reportedly sighted there early in the campaign. The GOT, as it was called, was a strategic point for the Turks and would become as deadly a location as Lone Pine.

In the 1st Field Co. Eng. unit diaries during the Gallipoli campaign, there are only a few references to particular men in the company; however, there is a rare moment when on June 14th, 1915, 228 William Davis Cohen and fellow sapper 58 Percy Hirst are both mentioned as being actively involved in testing the firing line of the enemy whilst new saps and tunnels were being navigated, both of them going out nightly against constant enemy fire and managing to secure plans for Turkish trenches for their commanding officer Lieut. Richard John Dyer. 

A few days earlier, Lieutenant Richard Dyer and other members from the No. 2 section of the 1^st Field Co. Engineers had started preparing mines for an underground attack near enemy lines at what was known as the ‘German Officers Trench’.

Tunnel warfare had begun, and Australian war historian Charles Bean’s chapter on the German Officers’ Trench gives a detailed account of the complexities of this new stage of warfare. Bean also gives a rare account of the involvement of the 1st Field Co. Engineers in this chapter and, in particular, the role of Lieut. Richard Dyer and his place in this fascinating part of Gallipoli history.

Bean’s account describes how Lieutenant Dyer, in an attempt to break a tunnelling stalemate, ‘attempted a novel method of ejecting the enemy’. The Anzacs and Turks occupied the same tunnel that branched off from the German Officers’ trench towards Steele’s Post. The Australian barrier in the tunnel was a short distance from the Turks’ position and guarded by a loan sentry. Naturally, neither side could advance, and neither would abandon their position.

GALLIPOLI. 1915. STEELE’S POST, SHOWING DUGOUTS, HELD BY MEMBERS OF THE 8TH INFANTRY BATTALION, WITH MEN WALKING ALONG THE NARROW PATH CUT INTO THE STEEP HILLSIDE ABOVE.

Charles Beans diagram of the GOT – German Officers’ trench in relation to Steeles Post

It was reported that Dyer managed to put out over the top of the barrier and lower to the ground a 25lb charge of cotton- gun with electric wires placed near the Turkish position of the tunnel. The Engineers added more dirt to the barrier, barricading themselves behind ten feet of dirt. On July 9th, Dyer detonated the charge, which made a massive explosion, killing three Turks, collapsing the Turk’s side of the tunnel and creating a vast crater to be known thereafter as ‘Dyers Crater’.

The Diagrams below from the Charles Beans chapter show the evolution of the tunnel emerging from GOT—The German Officers’ Trench and its tunnel approach towards Steele’s Post, and then the new crater formed by Dyer’s explosion, which destroyed the tunnel.

The young Lieutenant was later recognised for his extraordinary work at Gallipoli, mentioned in despatches, and also bestowed The Croix d’ officer -Legion of Honour -the citation read as follows.

“Coolness and pluck during the landing on April 25, also for general work in places of danger for several days afterwards. When stationed at German Officers’ Trench for untiring efforts in mining and conspicuous acts of gallantry when coming in contact with the enemy underground. In no case did the enemy ever cause any damage to our own galleries and no loss of life was incurred.”

A more personal account of the assault on the GOT was written in the diary of sapper 139 Philip Owen Ayton and later included in a book published by his family, titled “A Hell Of A Time’. Phillip was an original in Section No. 2 under the command of Richard Dyer. Phil Ayton had just returned to Gallipoli from Alexandria after recovering from being wounded in the leg by shrapnel.

Phil described how he ‘was glad to be back with the boys’ and rejoined section No. 2 on the firing line only 50 yards away from the GOT. He described how the men had made a network of galleries, tunnels and saps in what was called ‘No Mans Land’.  It was while Phil took up position in one of the saps with fellow original  122 Cpl John “Jack” Gough and they could clearly hear the Turks digging towards them. Phil explained that ‘it was a case of who should get in first with a shot’.

Lieut Dyer decided that it was the Anzacs who would strike first. Phil Ayton gave a detailed account of preparing the heavy explosive charge and how difficult the job was building the barricades in pitch dark with limited oxygen.  When the job was complete, Lieut Dyer didn’t hesitate to set off the terrific explosion. Phil Ayton described how, at about 10 o’clock at night, ‘the whole hill seemed to shake a foot.’The night air was filled with flying earth and flame, and the explosion wrecked about 25 yards of the Turks’ trench, ultimately forming a giant crater. 

When Richard John Dyer left his mark on the landscape of Gallipoli, he was just 21. In defiance of his age and rank, Richard Dyer would continue to demonstrate extraordinary leadership in the field of action for the entirety of the Great War. A natural-born leader, his capabilities and military maturity would set him apart from others. By December of the following year, he was the (O.C) Officer Commanding the entire 1st Field Company Engineers and facing down the Germans on the Western Front.

His full WW1 story is astonishing, and one cannot help but be awestruck by such a young man and his extraordinary achievements during the war.

To read more about Richard Dyer, please follow the link to his Biography page. link Richard John Dyer 

 

 

Sources:

AWM, Charles Bean Anzac Volumes, ‘A Hell of a Time’  – Philip Owen Ayton

NEW ARCHIVE – Added to the site

Notebook of 173 Thomas Cameron

Not a Known portrait but possibly a self portrait by Thomas from his notebook during the war.

As ANZAC 2024 approaches, it is fitting to announce the inclusion of more archive material that followers of the 1st Field Co. Engineers will find fascinating.

The notebook of 173 Thomas Cameron, courtesy of the AWM, was recently added.

Thomas Cameron’s notebook had it all: it was part diary, sketchbook, and address book. In it, he made notes of reference, such as survey distances, tunnel diagrams, construction supply lists, and interestingly, calculations for setting up explosives with a time fuse and how to cut off circulation to the arm when an artery had been cut.

His artwork today would be described as “naive in style” which is quite popular by contemporary standards. Thomas was clearly ahead of his time.

Please follow the links below to read about Thomas and some remarkable insights portrayed in his notebook while serving in the 1st FCE.

Link to his Biography –  173 Thomas Cameron Biography

Link to his Notebook – 173 Thomas Cameron Notebook

15 – GEORGE BIRD Archive Collection

The George Harrington Bird collection has been donated by his great nephew, Damon Bird. We are very grateful that this rich collection is available and adding to the extraordinary history of the original men of the 1st Field Co. Engineers.

The collection includes photos of George and unidentified sappers at Mena Camp, Egypt, some images of Gallipoli, and his letter penned on stationery from the pride of the British navy battleship ‘Queen’ on the eve of the Anzac landing.

The archive includes many letters from George and correspondence from others in the company. Although some dates and commentary in the letters are sometimes confusing, the accuracy of the sentiments from his fellow engineers is unquestionable.

His diary has been transcribed and is in the collection. It is full of details that provide more illuminating events that surrounded George and the men of the 1st FCE, from the day he enlisted until George’s tragic death on the 9th of August 1915. 

Please click the purple link below to access to direct collection.

https://aussiesappers.wordpress.com/diaries-letters/george-harrington-bird-collection/

 

 

NEW and Exciting Material

The recent publication of “Anzac Letters”, has revived a lot of interest in the Men of the 1st Field Company Engineers and a lot of new and exciting material has been shared from families and friends connected to the 1st FCE as well as supporters of the project.

Some amazing diaries, letters and postcards have surfaced, and many new photos of the sappers and mementos have also emerged.

Recently, the AWM has updated some of the archives relating to the 1st FCE and allowed the reproduction of a few diaries relating to the men of the 1st FCE which were previously restricted. These can now be uploaded to the website. There are now only a few that remain restricted.

The volume of new resources and photos has been inspiring and it is hoped that most of the material will be included on this site in the coming weeks.

A huge thank you to everyone who willingly shared their family stories, memories and treasures.

Images: Courtesy of Robert Sheldrick Johnson, and AWM archive 144 Harold White

ANZAC 2023

As Anzac Day approaches, it is time to share a great Sappers story and extract from my new book ‘ANZAC LETTERS’ which is dedicated to the Men of the 1st Field Company Australian Engineers.

27 Sidney Lalor – photo courtesy of Richard Simpson, (Grandson) family collection

27 Sidney Joseph LALOR

‘They could not get me with a bullet, so they used a shell.‘

Sidney Joseph Lalor was born on the 23^rd March 1896 to parents John Lalor and Susan (nee Rowson). Sidney lived in Gordon, New South Wales with his large family which also included his two brothers and four sisters.

Sidney was working as a stonemason when he enlisted with the 1^st FCE on the 18^th August 1914. At that time, the enlistment requirements were between the age of 19-38 years, height no less than 5ft 6 inches and a minimum chest measurement of 34 inches. Sidney put his age up from 18 years and 5 months to 19 years and 6 months and was only 5ft 4 inches. Despite his height being shy of the mark, Sidney was already serving in the militia with the 6^th Field Co. Engineers and already had basic military training. Young Sidney Lalor was readily accepted as an engineer and was given Regimental number 27.

Sidney would have the distinction of what they would later respectfully call a ‘low number’. His enlistment number a clear indication to everyone that he was one of the very first to enlist in the AIF. His bold enlistment was a sign that Sidney was clearly determined to serve his country and his dedicated service throughout the war was testimony to this.

Wounded at Gallipoli on the 16^th July 1915 Sidney was astonishingly casual about his brush with death and wrote a letter home to his parents describing what occurred.

Sapper S Lalor. 1st Field Company Engineer recently wounded at the Dardanelles, writing to his parents at Gordon, thus describes the incident.

‘I am writing this letter from Valetta Hospital, Malta. I was wounded on July 16. about 5.30 p m. They could not get me with a bullet, so they used a shell. Well, I was just going on duty in the trenches, when I stopped on my way up to read some news that was posted on a board.

As it happened, shells were coming over all that day. While reading this news I heard the rush of the shell coming through the air, and immediately after the noise I saw the shell coming, but I could not escape it, as it seemed to fix me to the spot. It was a six-inch shell, and it burst right at my feet, and hurled me about thirty feet down the hill, and dropped me through the roof of one of the quarter-master stores, and it happened to be Mr. Mowbray’s store, but he was not there at the time. Well now, I will tell you what damage it did. The force of the explosion burnt the left side of my face and my arm and blew a lot of small gravel into the flesh.

Sister used to pick it out with the tweezers, which was very painful, but they have healed up now. My hip was hit with a piece of shell, and it tore a fair-sized lump of about four inches long and fairly deep out of my hip, but, luckily, it did not touch the hip bone. I think it will take some time to heal up, but it is not serious. I am just beginning to think I am lucky to be alive to tell the tale.’

Many witnessed Sidney’s amazing escape, William Turnley in his dairy, echoing the story of Sid, with his own words, that a six-inch shell was lobbed between the legs of Sid, blowing him into the air and falling thirty feet away through the canvas roof of the neighbouring quartermaster. Incredible as it seems, he stated that Sid walked away shocked and with half a pound of flesh missing from his thigh.

Although Sidney didn’t return to Gallipoli, he returned to his company in September 1916 and continued serving with the 1^st FCE on the Western Front and then returned home on the 9^th December 1918.

This new book is the story of the 1^st Field Company Australian Engineers, a remarkable WW1 story, told by the men in their own words, through extracts from handwritten letters to friends, family, and loved ones during their time at war.

Including biographical details, each letter or extract is a brief encounter in the life of an engineer from the 1^st FCE, from their departure from Sydney on the 18^th October 1914, arriving at the training camps of Mena, Egypt, exploring the wonderous sights of Cairo, to the preparation for war at Lemnos Island. Then ultimately, the dawn landing at Gallipoli and daily life in the dug-outs and trenches at Anzac Cove.

Extracts from letters passed by the censor, these are the words from the men of the 1st Field Company Australian Engineers.

The book will be published in mid-May and will be available in paperback and ebook, and available directly from the author or Amazon.com.au when released.

If you wish to enquire about purchasing directly from me, please send your enquiry to aussiesappers@gmail.com

 

Gallipoli – 25th April 1915

During his time at Gallipoli and later at the western front, 96 Sapper Hugh Geddes remained in constant touch with his brother, Alderman William “Bill” Geddes, and like many of the families of the soldiers they would share some of the latest writing’s for publication in the local newspaper such as the ‘Forbes Advocate’.

The ANZAC stories were compulsory reading and the anxious families back home in Australia were always keen for news.  Sentiment would change over time as Hugh’s verses, sent to his brother, were a grim reminder of the real cost of war.

Above is a page from a new ebook and paperback soon to be published titled ‘ANZAC LETTERS – The Men of the 1st Field Company Australian Engineers.’ featuring a collection of extracts from letters from many of the original members of the 1st Field Company Engineers.

Source: NLA

©Vance Kelly2022

31st May 1918 – Remembering Norman Jack Niccol

102 Norman Jack Niccol – Photo source; CSR A record of war Service of Members of the staff 1914 – 1918

102 Norman “Jack” John Niccol

Norman was born in Sydney in 1893 to parents Thomas and Lilian Niccol.  Along with his younger brother Thomas Roy Niccol they originally lived at Leichhardt on the fringe of  the city of Sydney.

By the age of twenty Norman had completed his electrical apprenticeship while employed with the Colonial Sugar Refining Company for 4 years .

In 1914 he enlisted with the 1st Field Company Engineers as a Sapper.

On Sunday the 18th October 1914 the men of the First Field Company Engineers embarked for a seven week voyage at sea. A few false starts and weeks of delays, the loss of one of its original members and 8 weeks of training and finally the men were about to head off for the great adventure. The drum beat sounded – Reveille – at 5.00 a.m and the 1st FCE broke camp at Moore Park and marched to the trams to take them to the wharf at Woolloomooloo Bay. They were then taken by Ferry to board the troopship A19 – Afric.

The fading signature of Norman Niccol appears in the bottom left corner of the original postcard of the Afric belonging to fellow original 101 John Hoey Moore.

Coincidently John Moore and Norman Niccol had consecutive regiment numbers 101 and 102 respectively, so it very likely they were tent mates at Moore Park when they enlisted and in the same section of the 1st FCE.

Original photo – Courtesy Jack Moore Private collection

Norman served continuously at Gallipoli until the evacuation, when he returned with the rest of the company to Alexandria, Egypt on the troopship Caledonia on the 27th December 1915.

While camped at Alexandria,  Norman was appointed lance corporal 22.1.1916 but was quickly reduced to rank of sapper after he was found guilty for disobeying the command of a senior officer and was absent without leave for 22 hrs.

In March 1916 Norman proceeded to France and then onwards with the 1st FCE to the western front.

On the 20th August 1916 he was wounded, an injury to his left hand. After a quick recovery he was granted leave and had taken only 3 days and rejoined the unit in the field where shortly after in September he was transferred to the No.4 A.D.S Col (Australian Division Supply Column) as a Driver.

On the 31st May 1918,  a number of ammunition lorries from the supply company that Norman was attached were parked at Allonville on the Somme, near Amiens. Two high explosive shells landed among the lorries  where Norman and his mate 5451 Roland Rose were sleeping. A shell fragment punctured the floor of the lorry and ripped through Normans legs. Roland Rose was not wounded and managed to drive Norman to the casualty clearing station all the while Norman was conscious and holding onto what remained of his severely injured legs.

Norman ‘s legs were amputated in an attempt to save his life , unfortunately later that evening Norman died from his wounds.

Norman’s service record shows he has the rare distinction of serving continuously in France from the 28th March 1916 to 31st May 1918 except for 3 days leave. Over 2 years at the front in any capacity was extraordinary.

Norman Jack Niccol was buried in a small British War cemetery in the town of Longueau which is situated on the south-eastern outskirts of Amiens, the cemetery located on the eastern side of the town.

Longueau British Cemetery was begun in April 1918, when the Allied line was re-established. The cemetery contains 204 First World War burials, 14 of which are unidentified.

102 Norman Jack Niccol – Photo source; CSR A record of war Service of Members of the staff 1914 – 1918

Photo by Len @ findagrave.comuserprofile48488629

Photo by Len @ findagrave.comuserprofile48488629

Norman’s memory is honoured at the wall of remembrance in Canberra.

Norman Jack Niccol’s name will also be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on the following dates:

Thu 28 June 2018 at 7:23pm
Sat 11 August 2018 at 12:01am
Sat 29 September 2018 at 2:01am

Sources:

AWM, NLA

Original Postcard photo – Courtesy Jack Moore Private collection

Photo by Len @ findagrave.comuserprofile48488629

Photo source: CSR – A record of war service of members of the staff 1914 – 1918

22nd May 1918 -Remembering Alexander Finnie

20 Alexander Finnie

20 Alexander Finnie

Alexander Finnie was a 21 year old sheet metal worker and employed by the Randwick Tramway department. His proud parents living at Botany were Alexander James and Ida Jane (nee Bullock). Alexander also had an older sister who unfortunately died in 1911.
Alex served almost 3 years in the 1st Field Company Engineers and had a long stay at Gallipoli up to the 18th August. A near miss from a shell blast and gas poisoning meant that he was transferred to hospital in Alexandria, very sick and suffering from deafness. Like many others Alex was keen to recover and get back into the fray, and he did, but this time he would do it from the sky as a flying officer.
Alex had transferred to Flying school in England and graduated as a flying officer and was appointed 2nd Lieut. and posted to the Australian Flying Corp.

Now wearing his wings he proceeded overseas to France and reported for duty with the No 4 Squadron AFC, the last squadron to be formed during the first World War.
The 4th Squadron had arrived in France in December 1917 and established itself at Bruay France and operated in support of the British 1st Army, undertaking offensive patrols and escorting reconnaissance machines.

Sopwith Camels No 4 Squadron AFC -France 24 March 1918 – AWM

Towards the end of February 1918 the squadron was made up of 24 flying machines, considerably enhancing its capacity for offensive operations.
March 1918 saw an increase in the 4th squadron’s ground attacks and offensive patrols, including a notable engagement with elements of Manfred von Richthofen’s “Flying Circus” on 21 March, during which five enemy machines were downed in an attack led by Captain Arthur Henry Cobby , who would become the AFC’s number one flying ace .
No. 4 Squadron claimed more “kills” than any other AFC unit, 199 enemy aircraft destroyed and 33 enemy balloons were destroyed or driven down.

Cpt Arthur Henry Cobby – DSO, DFC

In May of 1918 the Squadron had moved from Bruay to Clairmarais North and the 4th squadron was heavily involved in strafing and bombing operations in support of the retreating Allied ground forces.
On the 22nd May 1918 Lieut. Finnie was on his usual offensive and balloon patrol in his Sopwith Camel No. D1924. Enemy observation balloons were stationed thousands of feet in the air and tethered to the ground and fiercely protected by machine guns and anti-aircraft artillery known as “Archie”.
Even with incendiary bullets the gas in the balloons was hard to ignite and downing a balloon took a lot of shooting while running a gauntlet of ground-fire and keeping a sharp eye out for enemy scouts trying to protect the balloons.
On this day while diving and firing on enemy balloons Lieut. Alex Finnie collided with fellow flyer Lieut.G Nowland. They both spun to the ground five miles over enemy lines, their planes falling to pieces as they crashed to the ground at Neuf Berquin and both men were killed.
The following eye witness accounts describe the action that saw Alexander Finnie meet his end.
“ We were firing on enemy balloons. I was flying with him and saw him go down. He collided with another chap and they both fell from about 10,000 ft over the German lines. I should certainly say there was little hope of his being alive. I wrote to his people.”
Informant – F/Lieut R.C Nelson 4th Squadron A.F.C
“I knew Lieutenant Finnie in the Squadron. I saw him killed on the 22nd May 1918. The Squadron was then engaged in an offensive patrol near Estaires. I saw Lieutenant Finnie and Lieutenant Nowland attack a German captive balloon. Their machines collided and Lieutenant Finnie’s machine fell. “
Informant – Captain Roy King 4th Squadron A.F.C

Alexander Finnie’s last flight record.

Alexander’s father was notified in 1921 that his son Alex Finnie was exhumed and later reburied in an Imperial War grave at Pont-du-Hem Military Cemetery (Plot II, Row F, Grave No. 19), La Gorque, France.

Pont-du-Hem Military Cemetery La Gorque France

On this day we also remember and pay tribute to Alexander’s flying mate Lieut. George Nowland who also died in the tragic accident.

Alexander’s page is now available and will continue to be updated ……………………….

Read More – clink on this link

Remembering 231- Frank Somers

231 Francis Patrick Somers

231 Francis Patrick Somers

Frank had just started out as an amateur Boxer, and then the war changed all of that.
Frances Patrick Somers was born in the small country town of Tenterfield, New South Wales in 1886 to parents Michael and Mary Somers. By adulthood Frank had moved to Sydney and was living at Redfern and worked as a labourer with the NSW Railway Department at the Everleigh Workshops.
In December of 1913 Frank made his debut as a featherweight boxer on the local Sydney scene. He planned a boxing career and went by the name of Patrick Summers and quickly became well known among followers of the sport of pugilism.

When war broke out, Frank enlisted as a Driver with the 1st Field Company Engineers 1st Reinforcements on the 4th September 1914. He later embarked from Victoria with just 22 other men that made up the 1st Reinforcements on the HMT Berrima on the 22 December 1914.

 

H.M.T Berrima – A02221 – AWM

Shortly after arrival in Egypt the reinforcements were all transferred to the 1st FCE and allotted new service numbers.
For many of the drivers not attached to the landing party at Gallipoli, many were attached to a mounted division awaiting to land with their horses, however this never eventuated and the drivers along with the horses later returned to Mena camp In Egypt.

Frank gave a brief account of his time in Egypt and his obvious love of boxing in a letter to  journalist W.F Corbett who contributed a regular article in the Sydney ‘Arrow’ often titled “GLEANINGS FROM THE WORLD OF PUGILSIM”.

On the 13th June his service record with the 1st FCE was cut short when he was admitted to hospital with venereal disease and transferred to the Abyssinia General hospital. He then embarked from the Suez for Australia on the Hospital Ship Ballarat on the 5th July 1915 landing back in Australia on the 6th August. Later in the month he was A.W.L and was struck off strength from the A.I.F.
In the very early stage of the war, the stigma attached to venereal disease was detrimental to both the soldier and the reputation of the Australian Imperial Forces and efforts were made to keep the truth of this illness quiet and many of the VD cases were described as “sick enteric”. This standard was maintained for the duration of the war and many severe VD cases returning to Australia were hospitalised at Langwarren Venereal Diseases Hospital in Victoria. Once the soldier fully recovered, he returned to active service.

AWM-Langwarren Camp -Venereal Hospital

Frank’s disappearance however remains a mystery until the 23rd September 1915, but still in Victoria, he re-enlisted, this time using his boxing identity Patrick Summers as an alias.
He enlisted with the 3/51st Battalion as Private No. 1953 and spending a few months at Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria, the battalion later embarked from Fremantle in July 1916.
While on board the troop ship, Frank now known as Patrick, was promoted to Lance Corporal shortly before disembarking in Plymouth England. A few short months in England and the battalion made its way to France .
In February 1917 he was congratulated for his excellent results achieved at the Anzac Corp school in France. Four weeks later he reverted back to Private and spent almost 12 months continuous service in the field.
Early in 1917, the 51st Battalion participated in the advance that followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. On 2 April it attacked at Noreuil, a village which had been fortified to delay the Australian advance.
With the collapse of Russia in October 1917, a major German offensive on the Western Front was expected in early 1918. This occurred in France in late March and the 4th Division moved to defend positions around Dernancourt on the River Ancre. The 51st Battalion assisted in the repulse of a large German attack on 5 April, launching a critical counter-attack late in the day.
The German threat remained until late April, and in the early hours of ANZAC Day 1918 the 51st Battalion participated in the now legendary attack to dislodge the enemy from Villers-Bretonneux.
Frank Somers was killed in action on this day, Anzac Day 1918, at the 2nd Battle for Villers-Brettoneux, France. The exact circumstances of his death are unknown.

His body was recovered and buried in a field of honour by the Reverend Chaplain Blackwood of the 13th Brigade. His remains were later exhumed and he was reburied at the Adelaide Military Cemetery Villers Bretonneux .

Francis Somers Plot 3, Row C, Grave 4

Francis Somers Plot 3, Row C, Grave 4

Francis Somers Plot 3, Row C, Grave 4

When news of Frank’s death filtered back home, journalist J.W Corbett made mention of Frank in “GLEANINGS FROM THE WORLD OF PUGILSIM”.

” Killed Sapper Frank Somers, whom boxing’s followers in Sydney knew as Pat Summers, was killed on Anzac Day in France, aged 33″. –  Arrow (Sydney, NSW Fri 21 Jun 1918 )

Francis Patrick Somers also has his name located at panel 154 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial (as indicated by the poppy on the plan).

His name will also be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on the following dates:
• Fri 20 April 2018 at 10:23pm
• Mon 04 June 2018 at 7:07pm
• Mon 16 July 2018 at 4:55am
• Thu 30 August 2018 at 9:38pm
• Tue 23 October 2018 at 8:42pm

Sources and Acknowledgments :
AWM, NAA, NLA

Family Notes:

Sister Elizabeth Alice Somers married John Newnham in 1905 – she died in 1938.
Twin brother Patrick Martin Somers or Patrick Thomas Somers b.1886 went by the name Joseph and enlisted AIF at Armidale. – died 1964 Queensland
Brother William Joseph Somers b. 1891 (served AIF Ambulance) ( spent a troubled youth and ended up on the Sobroan – his parents were noted on file as respectable). He also enlisted in WW1 served from 1916 on the Nursing staff throughout France was wounded and returned in 1919. He died Sept 1942.

 

REMEMBERING – 106 Frank Rochester

106 Frank Rochester

106 Lieut. Frank Rochester

Frank Rochester was born in 1888 in Durham England, to parents John William Rochester and Marion Pringle Rochester, nee Purvis.
At age 17 Frank started work as an apprentice blacksmith at the same local Colliery as his father. Franks younger brother John Rochester was an engine fitter and iron worker and they also had two sisters Mary and Marion.
After five years blacksmithing Frank decided to take a new path and on the 16th February 1912 Frank departed from London on the “Osterley” and immigrated to Australia originally disembarking in Adelaide and later making his way to New South Wales.
Frank enlisted with the 1st Field Engineers Co. on the 19th August 1914 and on October 18th he embarked with his fellow originals on the HMAT Afric, his autograph on the original postcard that belonged to original 101 John Hoey Moore.

Original photo – Courtesy Jack Moore Private collection

Shortly after his arrival at Egypt he was appointed Lance Corporal on the 8th March 1915.
At Gallipoli, Frank was an original dawn lander and after 3 months he was promoted to 2nd Corporal.
He was also one of the rare individuals who served continuously at Gallipoli and during preparations for the planned evacuation on the 11th December he ruptured his knee-joint cartilage.

Lemnos Hospital – courtesy of ThruTheseLines

He was later treated at Mudros hospital, recovered and was promoted to Corporal before rejoining the unit in time to embark back to Alexandria, Egypt.
On the 21st March 1916 he embarked with the unit for Marseilles, and served in Sailly France and was promoted to Sergeant on 9th August 1916.
In December of 1916 Frank was detached from his unit and along with his mate 230 Robert Osborne Wrightson Earle returned to Newark in England and attended Engineering Training School and on completion was appointed his commission as 2nd Lieutenant.
In July 1917, like many of the originals, Frank prepared his final “Will and Testament” and his good friend 230 Robert ‘Ossie’ Earle, a draughtsman from Leeton was a witness to his statement.

Frank returned to France and the 1st FCE in December of 1918. A few weeks later he was promoted to full Lieutenant on the 31st January 1918.
“ In April 1918 the 1st FCE had left Amiens and were disentrained at Hondeghem near Hazebrouck and marched to Borre. The Germans had broken through the Portuguese sector and the 1st Division had been ordered back to stop the enemy’s further advance and which the company duly accomplished.” – source :- A Short Account of the Formation of the 1st FCE- 1914 – 1918
On the 13th April the company was billeted at Pradelles and on the 17th April “they were shelled out of their billets.” Around this same time fellow original 180 Clyffe Bailey is wounded, a shell wound causing severe injuries to his right leg which is later amputated.
On the 23rd April 1918, Lieutenant Frank Rochester was in charge of certain road mines which were being laid across roads and at strategic points. The mines were then meant to be blown at the last minute in the event of the allied forces having to fall back. The road would then be blocked to enemy guns and transport.
About midday in company with 6989 Lance Cpl. Russell Robson of his section, were testing the electric fuses of some of these mines in Strazeele. He and Robson had just completed tests and then made their way back through the main streets of Strazeele when a small enemy artillery shell burst immediately in front of them killing both men instantly. The bodies were discovered by a working party of the 1st FCE that followed shortly after and they took the mutilated bodies back to the company billets in Pradelles.

Postcard of Strazeele ruins

Frank Rochester and Russell Robson were buried side by side at the Borre Military Cemetery the following day, a Padre officiated and most of the officers and men of the unit were present at the graveside, erecting the cross they had made and a white picket and chain fence surrounding the plots. For the 1st FCE this was a rare opportunity to prepare and attend an official burial.
By this stage of the war they were use to seeing death and devastation each day, but to have some time out to pay their respects to their mates was a special moment that they took very seriously.
The originals would have had memories of their first weeks back at Moore Park, Sydney and their first military burial at Waverley Cemetery in Sydney before they left in 1914.
Nearly four years had passed when they lost their first original 126 Ernest Cotterell and paid him the same honour and respect they had just paid to Lieut. Frank Rochester and L. Cpl Russell Robson.

Borre British Cemetery, France

The Borre Military Cemetery is the final resting place for 235 Australian soldiers… including 106 Lieut. Frank Rochester and Lance Cpl Russell Robson M.M . They are buried side by side.
In 1919 on the anniversary of Frank Rochester’s death, the Sydney Morning Herald coincidently published memorial notices for both Frank and Russell…once again side by side…. and it also appears that Frank may have had a sweetheart in Australia.
“ROBSON. – In loving remembrance of Russell Dunsmore Robson. M M. of First Field Company Engineers, A. I. F., killed April 23, 1918, at Strazeele, aged 20½ years.
ROCHESTER -In loving memory of Lieut Frank Rochester. Killed in action, April 23. 1918, after 3 years and 8 months faithful service. An Anzac.
Greater love hath no man than this. Dearly loved friend of Gladys Dawson”. – SMH 23rd April 1919
Frank Rochester’s name is located at panel 24 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial (as indicated by the poppy on the plan below).

Frank Rochester’s name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:
• Wed 18 April 2018 at 7:35pm
• Sat 02 June 2018 at 5:55am
• Sat 14 July 2018 at 4:37am
• Tue 28 August 2018 at 7:08pm
• Sat 20 October 2018 at 10:21pm

Story ©VanceKelly2017
Sources:
AWM, NAA, NLA, CWGC
Acknowledgments:
Original Afric postcard and Sphinx photos – Courtesy Jack Moore Private collection