Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The Bendigo Independent newspaper wrote at length on April 29, 1918 about the return of Sergeant Arthur Wesley Chittock a native son of White Hills.

"Having voluntarily responded to the call of your King and country and heroically and nobly done your part in the Great European War against the tyranny and military oppression of a ruthless foe, we, the residents of White Hills, desire to express our admiration of your zeal, valor and patriotism, our appreciation of your services and our gratitude to the Almighty for your safe return". For and on behalf of the residents of White Hills.

Arthur was single man who enlisted at age 21 years and one month in Bendigo on March 11, 1916. He lists his occupation as a painter and his nearest of kin being his mother Sarah Ann Chittock care of the White Hills Post Office. We know Arthur had attended the White Hills Methodist school as his name appears on it's honour roll. Arthur joined the 38th Battalion, the 'Bendigo Battalion' formed at this time and would have initial trained at the Epsom racecourse before transferring to Campbellfield barracks near Melbourne. Just three months later Arthur and the 38th embarked from Port Melbourne on June 20 on HMAT Runic arriving in Plymouth on August 10. On day 1 of the journey whilst on board he is promoted to Corporal.

Six weeks after arriving in England and in training Arthur was admitted to the Fargo military hospital at the Larkhill Garrison on Salisbury Plain, England on September 25. He was in hospital 20 days being discharged on October 13. Medical condition unknown. Despite the illness, he is appointed Lance Sergeant on November 9. On November 22 Arthur embarked from Southampton for France. Not long after arriving in France he is admitted to hospital on two occasions in November again sick and again in December with sprained ankle.

Over that winter the 38th Battalion saw some horrific fighting. The Bendigo Independent news article states, "Sgt Chittock saw considerable active service in the front line trenches, and was at the great Australian battle of Passchcndalce where he was wounded in the chest. He was sent to hospital in England, and eventually invalided home. It was to greet this hero of Passchendaele that the residents assembled and their welcome was as warm as it was demonstrative".

The 38th fought in its first major battle at Messines, in Belgium, between 7-9 June 1917. It fought in another two major attacks in this sector - the battle of Broodseinde on 4 October, and the battle of Passchendaele on 12 October.

Arthur was wounded in action on October 4 at the battle of Broodseinde Ridge and admitted to hospital behind the lines at Estaples the following day.

A week later the 38th fought at Passchendaele, a military disaster, executed in haste amidst horrendous conditions brought on by torrential rain. It was the 38th's most costly operation of the war, resulting in 62 per cent casualties. With the army stuck in muddy fields churned up by the artillery fire, the bloody offensive came to an untidy close. Many would afterwards call this offensive, actually a series of battles, after the name of the village that had become the last objective – 'Passchendaele'.

He returned to Australia on April 17, 1918 nearly 6 months after being wounded at the front and the Welcome Home reception was held at the White Hill Hall on April 29th. The same newspaper said "The residents generally, warmly welcomed Sgt. Chittock back to White Hills, and expressed the hope that he would soon be restored to normal health and long be spared to enjoy the liberty and freedom for which he had fought".

Arthur's name is inscribed on the Soldiers Memorial in Bendigo and on the White Hill Arch of Triumph at the entrance of the Botanic gardens.