Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Herbert Isaac Wright 55th Battalion, 5th Division, No. 3481

Was my grandfather, born 13th April 1892 and died 26th June 1969 in the RGH at Concord.

The information below was told to my mother:-

He left Australia in the 11th Reinforcements- 3rd Battalion and sailed on the 2nd of November 1915 aboard the "Euripides".
He arrived in Egypt and his group was formed into the 55th Battalion, 5th Division.

They were sent on route march from Tel-el-Kabir to Moascar, during which they became totally lost - almost died, their lips swollen, faces turned black.

Herbert said that three officers were shot whilst riding their horses - shot that is by someone in the infantry (Col. McConchie in charge). When they finally got back the Prince of Wales visited, and opened N.Z. canteens for them.

France/Belgium 19th July 1916

Among the first to go over with 700 casualties out of 1050. Their Officers were Col. McConachie, Stutchbury and Woods.

Herbert (my grandfather) fought in the following battles;

Fromelles, Armentieres, Bullicourt, Passchendaele ( the worst battles),
Ypres, 2nd time suffered trench fever and was gassed, Deville Wood and Messines.

They later spent 4 days in Paris and 10 days in England at Lady Paget's home (outside Leicester) which had been opened to Australian soldiers.

Herbert returned to Australia aboard the "Ruhini" in July/August 1918.

Mother asked him if he had killed any Germans and he replied, that he had had to fight hand to hand.

Herbert suffered from gas when his wounded friend struggled to get his gas mask on, and so he helped him before adjusting his own - true mateship.

I still have his Pay book, it has all the dates and many "paid in the field" notations in it.

Herbert returned from active service with very damaged lungs...

Every winter was spent renting accommodation in Coolangatta, Qld, in order to avoid the Sydney chill. This helped him with his damaged lungs, as he often suffered bouts of bronchitis.