Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The Adelaide Advertiser reported during March 1914, “The gold medallist at Roseworthy Agricultural College for 1913-14 is Mr. Henry Arthur Follett, the eldest son of Mr. A. J. Follett, of Langhorne's Creek. He has a brilliant career in front of him, judging by his successes, for he has broken all records in the history of the college. His general average was 90.3 points, or 3 decimals better than the record established the, previous year by Mr. Cyril Forster Stephens. He took honors in every subject, and won all prizes but one that were open to him. Mr Follett is only 20 years of age. His education was begun in the local public school at Langhorne, Creek, under Messrs. W. A. Wiltshire and F. Cox respectively. He then won a scholarship which entitled him to a year's tuition at Howard's Commercial College. Subsequently he spent one year on his father's farm, before attending he preparatory agricultural classes at the School of Mines in 1910. He came out top in each terminal examination, and at the end of the year secured honours in 17 subjects. The headmaster (Mr. A Ferguson) then induced him to try for a Roseworthy College scholarship, which he gained. The measure of his success was indicated at the break up on Friday, when he secured the gold medal and the majority of the prizes for which he was eligible.”

Henry Follett enlisted during September 1916. Arriving in France during September 1917 he was posted to the 11th Field Artillery Brigade a month later. During the ‘Black Day’ of the German Army, on 8 August 1918, the Battle of Amiens, Follett was recommended and awarded a Military Medal.

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Cerisy, east of Corbie on 8/8/1918.

The Battery came under direct fire from two enemy 4.2. guns in Malard Wood and several men were wounded. Despite the continued shelling Gunner Follett went to the help of the wounded and assisted in their removal. In this specific instance as on previous occasions he, in his capacity of Medical Orderly showed complete disregard of personal risk. His gallant service was of greatest value to his Battery at a most critical period.”

He served till the end of the war and was given extended leave to attend Leeds University in England throughout much of 1919. He left England for return to Australia on 7 January 1920.

He passed away after an operation in Murray Bridge on 1 September 1940, age 46, and the Adelaide printed the following obituary, “Mr. Henry Arthur Follett, who died recently, was the eldest son of Mrs. and the late Mr. A. J. Follett, of Langhorne's Creek. During a brilliant scholastic career he secured 17 subjects, with credits at the School of Mines, leaving there to avail himself of scholarship privileges at Roseworthy Agricultural College. There he spent the years 1911 to 1913 in pursuing the full agricultural course, finishing each year as Dux. He enlisted with the AIF, serving with the artillery section in France and gained the Military Medal. When the Armistice was signed be remained in England continuing his studies at Leeds University. He was still in his early twenties when, receiving his discharge, he took up land on his own account at Langhorne's Creek. There he lived until 1936, turning virgin country into highly productive currant vine, soft and citrus fruit land, and instigating a complete irrigation system with the aid of flood waters. In 1936 when the position of Agricultural Adviser for the Department in the Lower Murray was created, his application for the post was successful and as a result there began a profitable association with the Murray swamps. In 1927, he was married to Miss Marjorie Bell Richardson, of Strathalbyn- She survives him, together with two young children.”