Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Cecil Dunn was born on the 7th of November, 1897. He grew up in Kent town, Adelaide, with parents, Frederick Williams and Annie Jane Victoria Dunn. He received a worthy education at Prince Alfred College which still operates today. However, the minute he finished school he followed in the steps of his two older brothers, (Lance Corporal John Frederick William Dunn, 7th Field Ambulance and Private Reginald Humble Salisbury Dunn, 7th Field Ambulance) and enlisted for the army. But unfortunately one thing that he did not have in common with his brothers was that he at the very young age of 18, did not return from the war.

On the 4th of June 1916, after having a little bit of trouble passing his medical examination, as he was only 5ft1”, weighing in at a light 110 Ilbs (50kg), he was announced fit for active service. He embarked as a Private in the 43rd Infantry Battalion on the 28th of August, 1916 on the HMAT Anchises, A68 which departed from Port Adelaide. This was after vigorous training in Australia which was also followed by training in Plymouth and Larkhill, both situated in England.

On the 12th of November 1916, Cecil Dunn was taken on strength and moved from the 43rd battalion to the 40th battalion. It is unknown why the switch was made but Cecil happily accepted. On the 23rd of November Cecil and the 40th battalion proceeded to France to commence the contribution to the war effort. They first landed in Le Harve on the northern coast of France but only spent a number of days before departing to Merris. On the 2nd of December they made it to their final destination, Armentieres. 

The 40th battalion spent most of early 1917 in nasty trench warfare located in Flanders, France. In June however the battalion took part in the battle of Messines. The battle was triggered by the detonation of 19 mines under the German front lines. The aim of the battle for the Australians was to regain the ground on the Wyschaete-Messines Ridge, the high ground south of Ypres. This was essential if they wanted to gain larger amounts of ground, east of Ypres. This battle was unique, as along with the English, the Australian troops also fought alongside the New Zealanders to try and recover ground. (http://www.army.gov.au/Our-history/History-in-Focus/The-Battle-of-Messines-1917)

This battle, however was where the story ended for Cecil Dunn. On only the second day of the Messines battle he was killed.(7-7-1917) His cause of death is unknown but it is believed that Cecil was hit by a large bomb that detonated nearby, causing him to suffer serious injuries that resulted in his death. This is thought to be true as when the time came for burial, the exact plot of Cecil’s grave is unknown. This is due to the fact that very little of his body was recovered after the battle. It is believed however that Cecil’s remains are in the Memorial grave, plot A, grave No. 4 in Messines Ridge War Cemetery. (http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead.aspx)

In conclusion Cecil Dunn died at the very early age of 19, he did however die for his country. He was a member of the 40th battalion and fought in numerous battles with an active service of 8 months. He was awarded a British War Medal and a Victory Medal for his service, which after a little confusion in the posting address, were received by his Mother and Father.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/search
• http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead.aspx
• http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/
• https://www.awm.gov.au/unit/U51483/
• http://www.army.gov.au/Our-history/History-in-Focus/The-Battle-of-Messines-1917