Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Richard Balcombe was the son of Richard and Mary Susannah Balcombe, of Benalla, Victoria. Although born in Melbourne, Richard spent most of his boyhood in Albury and came with his parents to the district of Lima South near Benalla, Victoria when his father acquired a property in Lima South. Richard’s father died in 1913, when Richard was 21 years of age. As Richard had six younger brothers and sisters, he became responsible for running the farm.

Richard enlisted in 1917 and joined the 46th Battalion on the Western Front on 2 November 1917. He died during the heroic Australian defence of Dernancourt during and overwhelming German attack on 5 April 1918. Details of his fate were sent to his mother by several mates, the letters published in the Benalla Standard on 25 June 1918.

“Private Richard Balcombe.

Mrs M. S. Balcombe, of Lima South, by the last mail received a number of letters in reference to her son, the late Pte. R. Balcombe, who was killed on April 5. Lieut. A. T. Bacon writes as follows: — "Dear Mrs. Balcombe, — It is with great regret that I write this line of sympathy to you for the loss of your son Richard. He was my batman and friend, and never for one moment did he leave me in action. He was a very brave boy and was killed instantaneously by a shell during a heavy bombardment by the enemy on April 5. He was buried in a cemetery at Millencourt, and he is deeply mourned by his comrades and myself. I was his platoon commander, and his company commander has often spoken to me of Richard's devotion to duty and his courage when facing the enemy. Accept the deepest sympathy from yours very sincerely, Lieutenant A. T. Bacon"

Pte. John Warnock writes, stating it was a hard blow to him as Dick and he were more like brothers, having stuck together from the day they enlisted. He adds: — "One thing I am glad to say, he had a good death and suffered no pain. We had just come out of the front line, after smashing two heavy German attacks, to stay in the reserve line for a few days' rest, and the Germans were shelling us fairly heavily. Dick was just near me, watching our artillery sending a heavy barrage back on the Germans when a shell fell near him, and a piece went in his chest and killed him instantly. He did not speak at all — just seemed to sit down in the trench, and was dead. We went to him immediately, but it was no use. He did not move at all. I felt his death very much, and I am very sorry indeed for you. Poor Dick was always a good fellow, and a good soldier, too. Everyone in our company liked him, because he was so cheerful and always had a smile on his face. The night before he was killed, we made a bit of a dug-out for ourselves and slept together. In fact, we always did when it was possible, and little did we think we should be parted next day. I really think he is better off than I; he is now in God's care, while I am still going along in this terrible world, and do not know when I will meet the same fate. He was buried at one end of a French civilian cemetery at Millencourt, about three miles from Albert. A lot more of our Australian boys are buried there also. He was killed about 10 o'clock on Friday morning, 5th April, and buried early on Saturday, 6th April. Dick was on my right and our captain on my left, and at the same time a shell fell near and wounded him dangerously. He was taken away un-conscious, and some other boys beside him were killed."

Pte E. S. Cheeseman also writes, stating that Dick died fighting for his homeland and people, and that he was one of the finest fellows he had ever met, and everyone in the company missed him, as he was so good-natured and obliging.”