Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Henry and Annie ETTINGSHAUSEN
Of Bong Bong Street, Kiama, NSW

SAPPER H. V. ETTINGSHAUSEN;
The many who knew and liked Sapper Herbert Ettingshausen from his boy-hood, have been sharing the hope of his parents, that news would eventually arrive giving hope of his well-being, or since the official military information he was reported missing, July 19, 1916, no further communication has been received. By his home people half-a dozen cables have been sent to France, on the different directions from which news might be obtained. The Red Cross was also applied to, for assistance on gaining information and through them at last definite news has been sent to Mrs. Ettingshausen, though it has brought anguish to her loving mother's heart, and shattered hopes valiently cherished through nearly a year of silence. It seems strange that this news available to the Red Cross, was not duly communicated through the offiicial channel, the military authorities, and leaves a hope, despite the fact, Red Cross reports are only given on reliable authority. To their splendid organisation to gain information for parents and relatives of soldiers, many owe a deep and abiding gratitude. In the sad tidings received, the family have the deepest sympathy of the Kiama people, who share in their sorow, for the loss of a district lad who has offered his life, given his greatest gift it seems--for Australia, the land of his birth and affection and his memory shall remain an honored one, in recognition of what he gave, as long as memory lasts for those that knew him and in the history of his home town.

Report based on the following:  5376, Sapper H. V. Ettingshausen, 4th. Company, F.E. 'I have to say with much regret that on the night of 19/7/'16, I had occasion to re-cross no man's land and while doing so I passed the body of H. V. Ettingshausen. I stopped to ask if I could do anything for him, but regret to say lie was then beyond human aid. He was certainly dead when I saw him. I may say he wad in the same section of our company as myself and I was in daily touch with him and I am not likely to have made any mistake, in fact I -am positive of the facts as sta ted by me in this letter.--Sapper F. E. J. HIDDLESTONE, France, 9/2/17."
"I may state that I was officer-in charge of the Engineer Party on the night mentioned. Although I never saw Sapper Ettingshausen after one hour after the show started, the above Sapper mentioned the fact he has been killed and I think there is little doubt of the poor fellow being dead --L. G. MERKEL, 14 Field Engineers, France."