Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Edward William Harris, 21 years and a month of age as of enlistment, was born in Mitcham, the  son of Hannah Harris, who lived on Maitland Street in Mitcham. Mrs. Hannah Harris was listed as his next of kin. Prior to the war he worked as a shopkeeper.

His service record describes him as 5’9ft, and weighing about 212lbs. Edward’s complexion was noted as fresh, with hazel eyes and dark hair.

Prior to enlistment, Edward had served 2 years in a cadet unit before transferring to what was most likely State Forces, serving another 2 years. During this time, cadet training was compulsory according to the Defence Act of 1909. By 1911, men aged 12-18 were required to undergo military training. B

On April 28, 1916, Edward’s unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A41 Bakara with the 16th reinforcement of the 3rd/9th Australian Light Horse Brigade as a Private.

He was located in Egypt throughout the war, where he experienced extremed arid climate, with no guarantee of consistent supply of water. The 9th Light Horse was part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and served as a mounted rifles regiment, where they rode horses instead of using vehicles or machinery. 

On June 1, 1916, Edward had taken on strength with the 3rd Light Horse in Romani, where he was involved in the aftermath of a surprise attack from the Turkish. Turkish aeroplanes attacked their camp at 6:30am, dropping 10 bombs. This impacted their unit tremendously, as this sudden attack killed 5 men, wounded 1 officer and 2 other ranks, but also killed 3 horses, wounded 9, and stampeded the rest. As a result, 47 horses were killed and died from wounds, as well as 20 horses going missing, and 10 men passing away from either their wounds or being killed on impact. 1 officer and 16 other ranks ended up wounded, but luckily, Edward was fortunate enough to be safe from this attack.

On July 1, 1917, Edward was admitted into hospital, however, the reason remained unlisted. He continued to be transferred from various hospitals until he transferred back to the 9th Light Horse on August 11, presumably having taken the time prior to rest in hospital. However, on August 13, 1917, Edward had taken on strength with the 9th Light Horse, where their unit participated in “range practise”.

On July 31, 1918, Edward was admitted into hospital for severe malaria, which was most likely due to the conditions faced in Egypt where the trenches were infested with flies that could carry various diseases. He transferred between numerous hospitals until he returned to the 9th Light Horse on August 30, approximately, presumably having taken the time prior to rest in hospital.

On September 27, 1918, Edward’s unit was patrolling the river Jordan as it was reported that the enemy was “holding an entrenched position on Eastern Banks”, which quite literally meant that their position was fortified with trenches. At 12:30pm, the regiment received orders not to become involved with the enemy as the division had intended to alter their plans. A battery of the artillery had opened fire on enemy positions. It was decided that a combined effort would be made at 2:30pm, where the 9th Light Horse’s role was to make a demonstrative attack. As a result of this event, Edward was wounded in action, getting shot in the face. He was admitted into hospital and transferred to countless other facilities throughout October, until he returned to duty presumably in December.

On April 12, 1919, Edward was taken to hospital as he had caught an infection. Following that, he was discharged to duty on the 27th, returning to the 9th Light Horse.

On May 11, 1919, Edward was temporarily promoted to Corporal, most likely to fill a leadership gap or take on additional responsibilities during a campaign. 

He returned to Australia, disembarking 10 August 1919. He was discharged 25 September 1919. 

Little detail about his life after the war was discovered.