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His brother 4474 William Warren Daly also of the 58th Battalion AIF died 3 days later of wounds received during the same battle.

Private James Fitzgibbon Daly (4643, 58th Battalion) was born in Ballarat, Victoria, and was working as an apprentice salesman with Beath Schiess and Company when he enlisted in July 1915. James was a killed in action on 19 July 1916 during the Battle of Fromelles and is buried in the Rue-Du-Bois Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France. 

James Fitzgibbon Daly’s age is given on the AWM Roll of Honour site as 17, and his portrait shot highlights his youthfulness. His mother gives his age at time of death as 17.1 years, on the ROH circular. He gave his age as 18 years and 4 months when he enlisted in July of 1915, when he was actually 16 years and 1 month. His mother did give her signed consent for him to enlist, so she must have known.  He buried by the Rev. F.P. Williams, 20 July 1916,  in the Rue-Du-Bois Military Cemetery Fleurbaix France II. A. 1. His mother had the words “My beloved son” inscribed on his headstone.

Their mother, Christina, was informed first of the death of William and was so distressed that Ballarat's Chaplain Snell requested that the army withhold news of the death of James because it is feared that in her present condition of health the news would prove fatal to her'. In a subsequent letter of apology the Army regretted that 'due to a chain of unhappy circumstances the request was inadvertently overlooked.' Christina proved strong enough to survive the devastating news, and to disclose that James had been just 17 years of age.

James Fitzgibbon Daly was born in 1898 at Ballarat VIC, the 5th of 7 children born to his parents William and Christina Daly.  His older siblings were William…known as Bill, Bessie, Constance, unnamed male who died at 8 days old and younger siblings Henry and Christina.  James attended the Pleasant Street State School and the Dana Street State School in Ballarat.  He worked as salesman apprentice for Beath Schiess and Company for 3 years and served 4 years with the Senior Cadets. 

On 7th July 1915 James enlisted for WW1 in the AIF at Ballarat VIC aged just 16 but he gave his age as 18 years and 4 months.  His brother Bill followed him 6 weeks later enlisting on 18th August 15 aged 23.  Their father had died in February 1912 so Bill, being the eldest of the children, was of the greatest support to his mother.

James is described as being 5ft 5ins tall with a fair complexion, blue eyes and dark hair.  His service number was 4643 and his rank Private.  He initially proceeded to A Company Depot at Flemington then in mid-August 1915 he was assigned to the 31st Infantry Battalion C Company at Broadmeadows Camp.  He transferred to the 8th Infantry Battalion 14th Reinforcements on 19th October 1915 where he joined his brother James in the same unit.  The brothers embarked from Melbourne on HMAT Themistocles on 28th January 1916 and disembarked at Suez, Egypt, on 28th February 1916.  They proceeded to the 2nd Training Battalion at Zeitoun Camp then on 1st April they both transferred to the 58th Infantry Battalion at Ferry Post Camp.  The Battalion moved to Moascar Camp on 2nd June then on the 17th June they embarked from Alexandria for France on HMT Transylvania.  They disembarked at Marseilles 6 days later then made their way north by train. 

On 2nd July 1916 James was admitted to the 15th Field Ambulance with tonsilitis and rejoined his unit 4 days later.  On the 19th July the Battalion moved into the frontline trenches and took part in the Battle of Fleurbaix.  This was to be James’ first and last battle…he was killed in action that day aged 17.  His brother Bill was wounded the same day sustaining gunshot wounds to his back and arms.  He was admitted to the 14th Field Ambulance then transferred to the No. 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Bailleul the next day.  He succumbed to his wounds there dying on the 22nd July 1916…just 2 days before his 24th birthday.  Bill was buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension and James was buried in the Rue -Du-Bois Military Cemetery at Fleurbaix. 

Their mother, Christina, was informed first of the death of Bill and was so distressed that Ballarat's Chaplain Snell requested that the army withhold news of the death of James because 'it is feared that in her present condition of health the news would prove fatal to her'.  In a subsequent letter of apology the Army regretted that due to 'a chain of unhappy circumstances the request was inadvertently overlooked.'  Christina proved strong enough to survive the devastating news, and to disclose that James had been just 17 years of age.

After the war their mother Christina received a Memorial Scroll, Plaque and Royal Letter from the King, for each of them.  These were presented to the next of kin of those who died while serving in the Australian Imperial Force in WW1, acknowledging the soldier’s service and their loss as a family. 

James and Bill are commemorated on panel 165 of the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra ACT.  They are also commemorated with trees planted in their honour in the Avenue of Honour on Remembrance Drive, Ballarat VIC.            

James Fitzgibbon Daly was awarded for service in WW1 the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.  

Respectfully submitted by Sue Smith 27th October 2023.

Sources

The Lost Boys written by Paul Byrnes (Book)

https://honouringouranzacs.com.au/people/details/1076