Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Janine Wilson,
World War One - Not just a Name on a Heads

Pte AUSTIN STRACHAN PLUMMER
Service Number: 5753
Rank: Private
Unit: 51st Australian Infantry Battalion
Service: Australian Army
Enlisted: 4th April 1916
Date of death: 14th October 1917
Place of death: Belgium
Cause of death: Killed in action
Age at death: 20 years
Cemetery or memorial details: Aeroplane Cemetery, Ypres, West-Vlaanderen, Flanders, Belgium

Austin Strachan Plummer was born 1st September 1897 in Launceston, second son of George Ferdinand Plummer and Christina Jane Newell. George, a farmer, married Christina on 4th August 1880 in Launceston. In 1916 the family were living in Rosevears.

Austin enlisted in the AIF at Claremont Tasmania on 4th April 1916, he was 18 years and 7 months of age and he listed his occupation as an orchardist. He was 6’ 2” tall with a medium complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. His religion was listed as Church of England. He listed his next of kin as his father, George Plummer.

He departed Hobart Tasmania on 8th May 1916 per HMAT A49 “Seang Choon” and arrived in Egypt on 26th July 1916. From there he transferred to France via England in 15th October 1916. He also served in Belgium and was killed in action at Passchendaele on 14th October 1917. He was buried in the Aeroplane Cemetery, Ypres, West-Vlaanderen, Flanders, Belgium. His family memorialized him at Carr Villa Cemetery. His father George Ferdinand Plummer received his medals, Memorial Scroll and Memorial Plaque. The family grave is located in Section B9, grave 255.

PLUMMER – Killed in action at Flanders at the battle of Passchendaele on the 14th October, (after 18 months’ service) Austin S. (Badger), youngest son of G.F. and Mrs. Plummer, Rosevears, aged 20 years. A willing volunteer. “Pro patria”
The Examiner 13th November 1917

On Sunday the news was conveyed by Rev Woolley that Pte. Austin Plummer, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. G.F. Plummer of Rosevears, had made the supreme sacrifice. He was only 18 years old when he enlisted and had been on active service for two years, another brother has also been fighting for over two years.

The Examiner 13th November 1917
Deepest sympathy was felt for Mr and Mrs G F Plummer and family of Rosevears when the sad news became known that their youngest son Private Austin Plummer had made the supreme sacrifice. He was killed in action in Flanders on October 14th. The sad news was conveyed to his parents by the Rev Woolley. Private Austin Plummer was only 18 years of age when he enlisted. The willing little volunteer entered Claremont on April 3rd 1915 with his cousin Jack Plummer and a few weeks later left for Egypt where he spent the summer. He next went to Salisbury Plain where he finished his training. After spending a whole year at the front in Belgium and France he obtained leave and went to England. Strange to say he accidentally met his brother Driver Cyril Plummer who was also on leave. The latter had been recently wounded and spent seven weeks in the 14th General Hospital at Boulogne. Just as he was convalescent he contracted trench fever and was sent to the 3rd Southern General Hospital at Oxford. He next went to Dartford the 3rd Australian “A” Hospital from there to Weymouth thence to London. Pte Austin Plummer was well known in this district and owing to his bright ways was a favourite with all. His smiling face will be missed by his many friends who knew him best by the name of “Badger”. The residents convey their heartfelt sympathy to the sorrowing family.
The Weekly Courier 22nd November 1917