Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Surname: GASMIER; Given Names: Melville Hurtle; Date of Birth: 29 December 1889; Date of Enlistment: 25 January 1915; Trade or Calling: Farmer; Birth Location: Prospect SA; Address prior to enlistment: Lower Nth Rd Ovingham; Photograph sent by: Mrs A A Gasmier
Source: State Records SA

Son of Mr Frederick William and Mrs Matilda Gasmier of Lower North Road Prospect.  Brother of 2032 Cyril Fred Gasmier MSM of the 32nd Battalion, formerly of South Australian Railways

He enlisted at Keswick Barracks and undertook his basic training at Oaklands (near the present day Warradale Barracks).  He embarked with the main body of the 27th Battalion on 31 May 1915 and landed with the 27th Battalion at ANZAC in September.  He served throughout the campaign.

In February 1916 following the withdrawal from Gallipoli, he was posted to the 7th Machine Gun Company attached to the 7th Brigade where he was to serve through the remainder of the war, including the period following its absorption into the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion in early 1918.

Melville Gasmier was promoted on the 23rd March 1916 to Lance Corporal.  He was wounded on the 7th August, the date suggesting it was as part of the Pozieres Mouquet Farm battles.  His records also indicate "shell shock", a not uncommon malady among men at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm where the German shelling was heavy and relentless.  Subsequent correspondence from his father confirms that deduction, describining him as having been blown up by a shell, after which it appears hearing in one ear suffered to the extent that he was 'assigned to the store' whence he appeared to find his Army calling.

In November he was reduced to the ranks for refusing to obey a lawful command.  However, by July 1917 he was appointed Company Quarter Master Sergeant (normally Staff Sergeant rank) a role that he retained for the rest of the war.  The Quarter Master Sergeant was responsible for the provision of stores ammunition equipment and rations, mail, the replacement of damaged equipment and the provision of creature comforts that made the otherwise miserable existence of an infantryman tolerable.  They would also procure billets for the troops when they were out of the line.

He had his first period of leave for ten days in July 1917. 

In Septemberr 1917 he was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal, which was downgraded to a Mention in Despatches.

Records suggest he served in pretty much every action in which the 7 Machinbe Gun Company and later the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion took part, apart from the two periods of leave the first in July 1917 and the second in March 1918.

In September 1918 he was again recommended for an award, this time the Meritorious Service Medal for his untiring efforts in keeping the troops supplied with as much as he could manage.  He was subsequently gazetted for the award in early 1919.

His records indicate that he was gassed at some point but the date and circumstances cannot be ascertained.  This incident may have been a pointer to subsequent events.

After the cessation of hostilities he spent a period in hospital with bronchitis and asthma in late 1918.  As a 1915 man he was entitled to early return to Australia, but again appeared to spend time in hospital (the so-called Spanish Flu' epidemic was raging at this time).

He returned to Australia on the Eurypides embarking on the 3rd March 1919.

He was commended for "continuous steady service and devotion to duty"

His bother Cyril Frederick Gasmier, who served in the 32nd Battalion, claimed his Gallipoli Medallion in 1967.

Awards

Meritorious Service Medal Govt Gazette

MID Certificate 1885

1914/15 Star 8121

British War Medal  3532

Victory Medal 3491

Daily Herald (Adelaide, SA: 1910 - 1924) Saturday 9 September 1916

Mr. Fred W. Gasmier, a retired engineman of the South Australian Railway Service, of Prospect, has been informed of the fact that his second son,   Private Melville Gasmier, has been   wounded in an action in France. The soldier named left South Australia with the 27th Battalion on May 31 of last year, and for several months was in the trenches at Gallipoli. A younger son, Private Cyril Gasmier, left the Outer Harbor with the 32nd Battalion, Infantry Brigade, in November last, and is now

"somewhere in France" after a six.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105365451

News (Adelaide, SA: 1923 - 1954) Wednesday 8 April 1925

DEATHS

GASMIER.—On April 8, at Myrtle Bank Home, Melville H. Gasmier, M.S.M., dearly beloved son of Mrs. M. Gasmier and the late F. W. Gasmier, of 135 Audley avenue, Prospect. Sergeant-Major of the 7th Machine Gun Company and 27th Battalion. Age 25 years. Rest, sweet rest.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129713845

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1889 - 1931) Thursday 9 April 1925

FUNERAL NOTICES.

GASMIER.—The FRIENDS of the Late Mr. MELVILLE HURTLE GASMIER are respectfully informed that his Remains will be removed from his mother's residence, Mrs. Gasmier, Audley-avenue, Prospect, on THURSDAY, at 15   a.m., for the Payneham Cemetery. P. LeCORNU, Undertaker. 68 O'Connell-street, North Adelaide. Central.       

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article46197222