Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Russell Street Police Station

Enlisting, on 3 October 1914, in the AIF, 20 years of age, 5’11½”, 152 lbs., Carisbrook miner, Conrad Clyde Herd, following four years voluntary service with the Victorian Rangers 73rd Infantry Battalion, Ararat, became a driver in the 8th Field Artillery Brigade.

Embarking from Melbourne, aboard HMAT Borda on 22 December 1914, Conrad Clyde Herd, transferred, at his own request, on 22 December 1915, to become a gunner with the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, mustered at Tel-El-Kabir, Egypt. During this period of time, Conrad Herd was involved in the defence of Egypt from the Turkish Army.

Embarking, on 23 March 1916, with British Expeditionary Forces to Marseilles, France, Conrad Herd fought at Pozieres, Retreat to the Hindenburg Line, together with Bullecourt [17 April – 3 October 1917], as well as Messines [7-14 June 1917].

Preliminary to the Battle of Menin Road [20 – 25 September 1917], on 12 September 1917, Conrad Herd was wounded in action [gassed]. Returning, following hospitalisation, to his unit on 16 October 1917. Involving himself in the Battle of Passchendaele [31 July – 6 November 1917], Ancre [11 January – 13 March 1917], as well as Villers Bretonneux [30 March – 5 April 1918] and again [24 April – 27 April 1918].

During March and April 1918, the battalion assisted in halting the German spring offensive; later participating in the Allies' own offensive, launched near Amiens on 8 August 1918.

Continuing operations until late September 1918, at 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns fell silent. The November armistice was followed by the peace treaty of Versailles signed on 28 June 1919.

In November 1918 members of the AIF began returning home for demobilisation and discharge. Returning to Australia, on 1 November 1918, Conrad Herd received his discharge on 7 April 1919.

Shortly after midday on Saturday 17 July 1920, a team of four horses, attached to a lorry belonging to John Sharp & Sons, bolted in Spring Street whilst their driver, George Little, was repairing a broken rein.

Galloping into Flinders Street, crossing the intersection of Swanston Street, the animals knocked down Constable Conrad Herd in his attempt to stop them. Continuing along Flinders Street, one of their number slipped, to be dragged for a short distance, until the team was stopped by the prompt action of two passers-by catching hold of the leaders’ reins.

For his bravery at Melbourne on 17 July 1920, Constable Conrad Clyde Herd 6286 was awarded a Royal Humane Society of Australasia Bronze Medal.

The policing activities of Constable Conrad Herd being yet to be discovered, although he is not listed as being involved in the 1923 Victoria Police Strike.

Forty-five years of age, Conrad Clyde Herd enlisted, on 5 October 1939, in the 2nd AIF at Melbourne. Appointed to 23 Garrison Battalion, providing security at the series of Internment and Prisoner of War camp, Murchison, Victoria. Rising to Staff Sergeant, Conrad Herd formed part of structure responsible for the manning of fixed defences as well as vulnerable points. Comprising Class B men, aged between 48 and 55 years of age, previously serving before September 1939.

Receiving his military discharge, following a four year service, V80665 Conrad Herd accepted a clerical position with the Department of Navy at the Naval Dockyards, Williamstown.

Declaring, in a 23 October 1944 Statutory Declaration, for replacement discharge papers, “Since disposing of my home and effects about 1933, I have had no fixed place of abode and all papers have been lost or mislaid”, Conrad Herd, at the time, was resident at 14 Miller Grove, Kew, Melbourne, Victoria, being in need of supporting documentation for the Department of Navy position.

Dearly beloved husband of Alice Ruth; dearly beloved father of Ossie, Elsie and James, 56 years of age Victoria Police Veteran Constable Conrad Clyde Herd 6286 [Retired], on 19 December 1950, died suddenly at his residence of 1 Oxford Street, Newport, being laid to rest in the Box Hill cemetery. No further particulars can be located for him at the Box Hill cemetery.