BYFIELD, Arthur Reginald
| Service Number: | 3777 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 18th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Cassilis, New South Wales, Australia, 1895 |
| Home Town: | Cassilis, Upper Hunter Shire, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Cassilis Public School, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Grocer |
| Died: | Killed in Action, Bullecourt, France, 3 May 1917 |
| Cemetery: |
No known grave - "Known Unto God" |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Barraba War Memorial, Cassilis Lance Corporal Reg A Byfield Memorial Plaque, Cassilis Memorial Gates, Villers-Bretonneux Memorial (Australian National Memorial - France) |
World War 1 Service
| 20 Jan 1916: | Involvement Private, 3777, 18th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '12' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Runic embarkation_ship_number: A54 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Jan 1916: | Embarked Private, 3777, 18th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Runic, Sydney | |
| 3 May 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 3777, 18th Infantry Battalion, Bullecourt (Second) |
Help us honour Arthur Reginald Byfield's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Cassilis Soldier Killed. — Quite a gloom was cast over the town on Friday night last when word was conveyed to Mr. L. W. Ford that Lance-Corporal Reg. Byfield, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Byfield, had paid the supreme sacrifice, having been killed in France on May 3. "Reg" as he is affectionately known to his mates was a sterling lad of fine physique and manly bearing, and held in high respect by all who had the privilege in knowing him. He was living in Barraba when war broke out. He soon answered to his country's call, and enlisted in August, 1915. Sailing from New Wales on January 26, 1916, he went to Egypt.
After about three weeks there he was sent straight to France, where he was severely wounded on July 27, 1916. After coming out of hospital he was for some time time in the band, but was again put into the firing line. Only a few days ago his parents received a letter stating that he was in hospital with mumps, but expected to be in the firing line again in a short time. He was only back at his post about three weeks when he was killed. He mentioned having seen Pte. Jos. Miller (since killed), and Pte. Dud. Bensley (since wounded), and that both were well. He spoke cheerfully of the fun they were having chasing Fritz instead of being cooped up in the trenches.
Reg was a model son, and regularly corresponded with his parents. Rarely an English mail arrived without a letter and some memento from the field of battle. His death is very sad but his parents have the consolation of knowing that he died a noble death, sacrificing himself for others. We extend our deepest sympathy to his bereaved family and relatives.
Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW ),
31 May 1917.