Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Nathan was born at Shepparton Vic. to Joseph & Anne Wright and enlisted at Pine Lodge Vic. on the 4th December 1916 at the age of 29 years stating his occupation as a Carpenter. He was killed exactly 10 months later on the first day of the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge in Belgium.

“The battle of Broodseinde Ridge was the third operation launched by British general Herbert Plummer as part of the Ypres offensive of 1917. It was a large operation, involving twelve divisions, including those of both I and II ANZAC. The attack was planned on the same basis as its predecessors - the attacking troops' objectives were approximately 1,500 metres deep, the advance would be preceded by a massive artillery bombardment; and a creeping barrage would lead the troops on to their objectives and then protect them while they consolidated their positions.

The attack began before dawn on 4 October 1917. The Australian troops involved were shelled heavily on their start line and a seventh of their number became casualties even before the attack began. When it did, the attacking troops were confronted by a line of troops advancing towards them; the Germans had chosen the same morning to launch an attack of their own. The Australians forged on through the German assault waves and gained all their objectives along the ridge. It was not without cost, however. German pillboxes were characteristically difficult to subdue, and the Australian divisions suffered 6,500 casualties.”

It appears that Nathan died from artillery shell wounds on the morning of the attack and was buried in the field. His memorial is at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial Panel 7 - 17 - 23 - 25 - 27 - 29 - 31.

Son of Joseph and Ann Carter WRIGHT of Pine Lodge, Vic.

SOLDIER'S LETTER
Mrs W. H. Hillier, of Pine Lodge, has received a letter from her brother, Private Nathan Wright from France in which he says he is in a good place now  and in tip-top order. "My word they treat us well here," he writes, 'and the food is real good and plenty of it, so a man has nothing to growl at." The writer  also mentions having met Mark Stirling and Harry Martin; who were both well. Private Wright was in the employ of Mr T Bland, builder, at the time of his enlistment.

WRIGHT. — Reported killed in action in France on the 4th October (previously reported missing), Private Nathan Wright, beloved fourth son of the late  Joseph and Mrs. Wright of Pine Lodge, aged 28 years. On board the Ballarat when torpedoed. One of the bravest.