Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Ernest Francis Eberhardt #7293 14th Field Artillery

Ernest Eberhardt was a 30 year old bachelor who lived at Coorparoo when he enlisted on 23rd August 1915. He would appear to have had no family nearby, even though the Admission Register for Coorparoo State School shows that he attended there from 1891, and given that he stated his occupation as mining surveyor and draftsman, it is probable that he was living at Coorparoo intermittently, although no address is given. His name appears on the Roll of Honour of the Coorparoo Methodist Church where he was probably a member of the congregation. His next of kin was listed as his sister, Miss E. Eberhardt c/- Bank of New Zealand Chambers in Wynyard Street, Sydney.

Ernest disclosed at enlistment that he had previous military experience with the Reserve Field Artillery but had been discharged as medically unfit. He was originally drafted into camp at Enoggera into a field artillery battery but soon transferred to Sydney for further training before embarking on 18th November 1915. Ernest disembarked at Suez on 21st December 1915 and went into camp for further training and reorganization of the newly expanded AIF.

On 16th February 1916, after less than two months in camp, Ernest was admitted to the #1 Field Hospital displaying swelling of the lower limbs, shortness of breath and streaks on the abdomen; all classic symptoms of nephritis. Nephritis was often referred to by the ranks as trench fever and accounted for a significant number of casualties. His condition did not improve and Ernest was transported by hospital train to the larger hospitals in Cairo. One month after being hospitalised, he was listed as being dangerously ill and his sister was advised by telegram. Ernest’s file in the National Archives contains numerous medical records regarding his illness including the recommendation of a medical board that he be discharged as medically unfit. The causes of his illness were attributed to active service, noting exposure and camp life as contributing factors. It was also noted that whilst in training he was injured while breaking horses, having fallen several times.

Although Ernest was marked for evacuation to Australia, he died of illness at the #3 General Hospital in Cairo on 10th April 1916 before evacuation could take place. Chaplain McKenzie Gibson presided at his burial in the Cairo Military Cemetery. His sister received his personal effects, which included a pair of spurs and an emu plume (Light Horse issue) as well as photographs of his grave. His medals were issued to his brother, A.F. Eberhardt of Cleveland.

In hindsight, it is reasonable to suggest that given Ernest’s earlier discharge from the Reserve due to medical grounds, he should never have been accepted for active service in the AIF. We can only speculate on the reasons for Ernest’s enlistment and wonder at the tragic circumstances which led to a young man dying in a foreign land without having sighted the enemy.