Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

My Grandfather Ben was born in Brewarrina NSW. A larrikin country lad. He enlisted in Dubbo NSW. The following in an excerpt of his service record.

'During the period 24-9-17 to 28-9-27, whilst the Headquarters 54th Battalion was situated in old German strong point (J.14.b.2.8) in GLENCOURSE WOOD, Privates [2472 R.J.] PLACE and SHAW were employed as Battalion Headquarters Runners. On thirteen different occasions when mechanical means of communication were impossible or the nature of the despatch prohibited it from being sent other than by runner, these men carried messages through a most intense enemy barrage. on four occasions they volunteered for this work. Their cheerfulness, devotion to duty and splendid example proved of inestimable value.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918

Other details War service: Western Front

Ben met Harriet Windus in London while waiting to be transported home to Australia. They married in England. My grandmother Harriet said " On the trip home to Australia Ben was angry with the way Australian troops had been treated by the English as just cheap cannon fodder. When Ben returned to Australia in 1919 as many of this generation then had to confront the struggles of the Great Depression. Ben was one of the instigators of the Newtown riots, to prevent families being thrown out of their homes. He used to be a speaker for Jack Lang(Premier NSW) and used to open many meetings by speaking to the crowds. Ben was a great orator. When the opposing political factions used to show up at these meetings Ben used to put his army helmet on and get into the fray. Ben was loved by his family especially his grandson Ron. Ron told of a time that as an older man Ben used to sell soap to earn a living for his family, Ben not even considering applying for a TPI Pension. Eventually he did apply for some assistance but died shortly afterwards, Ben died at 63 from complications of ongoing bouts of pneumonia and gasing during service.