Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

James McGregor Shepley was born in St Peters, Adelaide, and his residential address was Baliol Street, College Park. His birthdate is unknown. He was the second son of Amy Louisa Shepley and Enoch Brown Shepley, and had a brother also serving in the war. Shepley was employed as a clerk at D.&J. Fowler Ltd, and was educated at Norwood Public School. He was at the age of 20 during enlistment. He had previous service in the 34th Battery from June 1912 – August 1914 as a militia. Shepley was 5'6 in height, and weighed 128 lbs. He had a fair complexion, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He was not married, and was a member of the Church of England.

After enlisting at Morphettville on 19th August 1914, he was signed off by the attesting officer, due to him being adequately healthy and fit. Shepley embarked on the HMAT A7 Medic on 20th October 1914, which voyaged from Adelaide to Alexandria, Egypt. He joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF). Shepley’s rank was a driver and member of the 1st Division Ammunition Column, meaning he was responsible for supplying artillery to the front-line using horse transport. He survived in Gallipoli until their defeat to the Ottoman Empire, and thus returned to Egypt. After returning to Egypt, Shepley and the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) concentrated at the Tel el Kebir Military Camp, where the AIF were doubling their troops after the defeat.

On 26th March 1916, Shepley was still determined healthy enough for service, and therefore joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), who were deployed to the Western Front. His unit was shipped to Marseille, France, and travelled by rail north to the battlefields.

Shepley’s next conflict was the Battle for Pozières on 23rd July 1916. His division managed to capture the village, however, got counter attacked by the Germans and received heavy artillery bombardment. Suffering many casualties, Shepley’s division withdrew, and was replaced by the 2nd Division.

Shortly following the Battle for Pozières, Shepley and his division relieved the 4th Division after their unsuccessful attempts at capturing Mouquet Farm, sometime in August 1916. The 1st Division continued making slow progress towards Mouquet Farm, but after suffering more casualties, they were relieved by the 2nd Division.

Unfortunately, on 5th October 1916, Shepley contracted scabies and was admitted to the hospital in France. On 13th October 1916, he was discharged to duty and allowed to rejoin his unit from the hospital. However, the day after, Shepley contracted scabies again in the fields and received help from the Field Ambulances. Finally, on 24th October 1916, Shepley was discharged from the hospital for the last time and rejoined his unit.

Following Mouquet Farm, Shepley’s division was meant to be moved to Flanders in the winter of 1916/1917, however, they were called to Somme for the final stages of the ‘Winter Offensive’. They joined the British Fourth Army, which held a sector south of Pozières. Shepley’s division was required to conduct a series of attacks around Geuedecourt, as there was a salient projecting into the Allied line. However, this operation resulted in failure due to the conditions. During this time, the freezing temperature and torrential rain turned the fields into quagmire, making the conditions very difficult for the soldiers.

In February 1917, the Germans withdrew from their front line to the Hindenburg Line, which took the Allies by surprise. By April, the Allies closed up to the Hindenburg Line, which commenced the Battles of Bullecourt. Shepley was involved in the second battle (due to the first battle failing). The 1st Division was initially put on reserve; however, they were called upon to fight on the second day. By mid-May, the Australians had already gained lots of ground, however, the Germans withdrew.

Following the Second Battle of Bullecourt, all AIF divisions that fought needed rest. Shepley left for England on leave from 14th September 1917 to 26th September 1917.

After Shepley rejoined from leave, he was put into the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge, where his division mounted a large attack on October 4th in attempts to capture the ridge. Shortly after that battle, his division was involved in the Raid on Celtic Wood. Sadly, Shepley was killed in action in this battle on 11th October 1917, aged 23 years old.

Shepley was buried at The Huts Cemetery, in Ypres, Belgium. His will was granted to his mother, who also received his belongings after the war. Shepley received one Victory Medal, Memorial Scroll, Memorial Plaque and King’s Message for his service. James McGregor Shepley is also honored at Norwood Primary School Honor Board, St Peters Heroes War Memorial, and his workplace D.&J. Fowler, as he was a valued member of the communities. His name is located at panel 21 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial.