Ralph Mervyn BAWDEN

BAWDEN, Ralph Mervyn

Service Number: 3113
Enlisted: 2 October 1916, Adelaide, South Australia
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 50th Infantry Battalion
Born: Adelaide, South Australia, 23 August 1895
Home Town: Adelaide, South Australia
Schooling: Heathfield School
Occupation: Horse Driver
Died: Died of wounds, Belgium, 25 September 1917, aged 22 years
Cemetery: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery
Memorials: Adelaide National War Memorial, Aldgate Honour Board, Aldgate War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour
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World War 1 Service

2 Oct 1916: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 3113, Adelaide, South Australia
16 Dec 1916: Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 3113, 50th Infantry Battalion, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1
16 Dec 1916: Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 3113, 50th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Berrima, Adelaide
25 Sep 1917: Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 3113, 50th Infantry Battalion, Menin Road

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Biography contributed by John Edwards

Son of John BAWDEN and Elizabeth nee MARCH

Mr. and Mrs. J. Bawden, of Aldgate, have been notified that their son, Pte. Ralph Bawden, died of wounds in France on September 17. Shortly after the beginning of the war, Pte. Bawden sought to serve his country. On five occasions he was refused, but on presenting himself the sixth time he was successful. His enlistment dated from September, 1916, and prior to enlistment he was in the employ of Messrs. Stephens & Briant, of Crafens. He was popular on the football field, and was a good pianist and vocalist, he was sought after at social gatherings in the district. He was a member of the Church of Christ at Stirling East. An older brother is with the Flying Corps in Egypt.

"...3113 Private Ralph Mervyn Bawden, 50th Battalion from Aldgate, South Australia. A 21 year old horse driver prior to enlisting on 2 October 1916, he embarked for overseas with the 8th Reinforcements of the 50th Battalion from Adelaide on 16 December 1916 aboard HMAT Berrima. Following further training in England, he went to Beglium where he joined the 50th Battalion on 25 August 1917. A month later, he was wounded in action at Westhoek Ridge, Belgium on 25 September 1917 and evacuated to the 17th Casualty Clearing Station for medical treatment. Pte Bawden died of his wounds that same day and was buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)

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