Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Joseph Sibly was born on the 1st of September 1877 in Laura, South Australia. Joseph was born to his father Joseph Sibly and Mother Mary Malcolm Sibly (nee Pomeroy). Joseph grew up in a large family with five siblings, four sisters – Olive, Florence, Daisy, and Alice and one brother, Ernest. Joseph received his education at Laura Public School. Following his schooling, Joseph followed in his father’s footsteps taking up the trade of blacksmithing, an important occupation in the early 20th century. Joseph was also a member of the Laura Citizens Rifle Club for 3 Years.

Joseph enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on 23rd September 1915 in Adelaide, South Australia. At the time of his enlistment, Joseph was 38 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall with a medium complexion, grey eyes, brown hair and weighed at 157 lbs as described on his enlistment papers. He was a member of the Church of England and his mother Mary Malcolm Sibly was named as his next of kin. At the age of 38, Joseph was older then his fellow recruits, bringing maturity and responsibility to his role in the AIF. Joseph then underwent military training to prepare for deployment.

On the 7th February 1916, Joseph was deployed and embarked on the HMAT A28 Miltiades from Adelaide, South Australia with the 9th Reinforcement. Initially assigned to the 27th Infantry Battalion, 9th Reinforcement where Joseph was officially taken on strength. The 27th Battalion was the second of the South Australian Battalions to be raised in World War I.

In February 1916, the 50th Battalion was formed in Egypt by splitting the 10th Battalion. Around half of the 50th were new recruits, while the rest of them were veterans from the 10th. The 50th Battalion became known as “Hurcombe’s Hungry Half Hundred” after its first commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Fredrick Hurcombe. Joseph joined the 50th Battalion in Alexandria, Egypt on the 5th June 1916 and then travelled to Marseilles, France, on the 12th June 1916.

The 50th Battalion saw a considerable amount of action in France, including Mouquet Farm and Noreuil in 1916 and early 1917. Later in 1917, they were moved to Belgium, participating in battles at Polygon Wood and Messines. They returned to France in 1918.

Joseph’s service with the 50th Battalion included crucial battles on the Western Front. He was also given a role as the Bath and Laundry Officer ensuring hygiene among the troops. His role was crucial in preventing disease and maintaining morale.

Joseph faced several health challenges during his service with the AIF. On the 6th August 1916, he was admitted to hospital due to sickness and then again on the 8th August due to an injury to his right ankle. On the 12th August 1916, he was re-admitted for a swollen ankle. Joseph was admitted to hospital again on the 25th August 1916 for illness and once more on August 17th 1918 due to sickness from within the field.

Joseph commenced his return to Australia onboard HT “Commonwealth” on the 13th April 1919, and was discharged from the AIF on the 21st July 1919 in Adelaide, South Australia.

Joseph’s contributions to the AIF and World War I were recognized with the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. These were issued to him on the 4th October 1919. His name is also inscribed on many Honour Rolls in Laura, South Australia, these include the Laura District Honour Roll, Laura Methodist Church Roll of Honour, and the Laura Public School Roll of Honour.

After the war, Joseph returned to his trade as a blacksmith. In 1922, he married Mildred Amy Hilbrand, starting a new chapter in his life. They lived in Prospect, Adelaide, South Australia. Unfortunately, Joseph passed away on the 20th October 1951 at the age of 74 and was buried in North Road Cemetery in Nailsworth, South Australia.

Joseph Sibly’s life was marked by his dedication and service to his country and community. His military service during World War I, along with his post-war contributions as a blacksmith, highlight his commitment to hard work and resilience. His memory is preserved in the medals he earned and in the hearts and minds of the Laura community.