Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Biography:

Daniel Henry Hanley was born in Adelaide, South Australia and his date of birth is unknown. Until he enlisted, he lived with his Mother, Mrs. Alice May Hanley, in 3 Helena Place, Adelaide. Daniel was 5’5 and weighed 136lbs (61 kg). He also had two markings on his left arm, which was used to identify the body if it was deceased. He had a dark complexion with grey eyes and dark hair. Before enlisting for the ‘Great War’ his occupation was working as a labourer. Daniel’s religious faith was a Roman Catholic which was very common in the early 1900s.

On the 26th of January 1915, Daniel enlisted for World War One. On this same day, he went through various compulsory enlistment procedures. This included a medical examination which was held at the Keswick Medical Centre, South Australia. Once he was examined the officer stated in his notes that ‘I consider him fit for active service.’ The other procedure that he was put under was the oath by officer C.H. Woodley.  On the 26th of November 1915, Daniel embarked with his unit from Geelong, Victoria on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth. Daniel was a private soldier, part of the 27th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement. Aboard the ship, he travelled to Egypt. Daniel was a part of the Western Front which was the main theatre of War during the First World War, which was located in France.

On the 24th of February 1916, he was allotted to join the 8th Battalion, which was stationed in Zeitoun, Egypt. On the 31st of March 1916, his unit disembarked to Marseilles, France. He was taken on strength on the 10th of April 1916 by the 10th Battalion. He remained with his unit until the 29th of April 1917, when he was transferred to the 2nd Field Ambulance due to trench foot in Strazelle, France. On the 7th of May 1917 with trench foot to the 9th Casualty Clearing Station. From there he was reported back to duty on the 26th of May 1917.

Daniel proceeded on leave to the United Kingdom on the 21st of July 1917. From there on the 29th of August 1917, he was awarded 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal. His time over in the United Kingdom when on the 1st of September 1917 he left to go back to France.

Daniel was ill through much of the second half of 1917. He finally rejoined his unit on the 17th of November 1917. He continued fighting during the ‘Great War’ until the 30th of June 1918, when he was wounded. Later that same day he was found and taken by the 3rd Field Ambulance and was treated for a gun-shot wound to the abdomen. The 10th Bn Unit Diary indicates the Germans raided the Battalion's trenches on this date, inflicting some casualties. Daniel was probably one of these.

Sadly, on the 2nd of July 1918, he passed away from a gunshot wound to the abdomen during action.

Daniel was buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery (Plot V, Row C, Grave No. 35), France Cemetery and Commemorated in West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, South Australia. The headstone inscription reads: 'You have laid down your life my brave hero son/ Upon your noble brow shines the bright crown of glory you have won/ Sleep on beloved one and take thy rest They miss you most who love you best.'

This is the fully written biography of Daniel Henry Hanley.

Anzac Spirit:

You may ask what the word ANZAC Spirit means. The ANZAC Spirit or ANZAC legend is a concept which suggests that Australian and New Zealand soldiers possess shared characteristics, specifically the qualities of those soldiers allegedly exemplified on the battlefields of World War 1. Some qualities and characteristics that highlight the ANZAC Spirit in a soldier include endurance, ingenuity, good humour, determination, courage, and mateship. One of the main ways that Daniel Henry Hanley shows the Anzac Spirit is that he was willing to leave his family and friends behind to fight for his country. This would have required great courage and perseverance. This is also known as patriotism, the quality of being devoted to our country, so devoted that you would leave your loved ones behind. The other main quality that he shares is endurance, the ability to continue to serve his country even though he was hospitalised many times. He not only fought for his country, but his family and friends and for himself.