Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Bertie lived in Port Melbourne at the time of his enlistment.   He was about 23 years of age.   His enlistment date was 18 August 1914.  This was 13 days after Britain declared war on Germany (5 August 1914 Australian time) as a result of which, as a British dominion, Australia was also at war.   Bertie's service number was 30 and he was always proud that he had volunteered so early in the conflict represented by this very low service number.   He joined the 4th Light Horse which was raised at Melbourne on 11 August 1914 one week prior to Bertie's enlistment.

The Regiment was dispatched to Egypt for further training on 19 October 1914 (two months after Bertie's enlistment) arriving on 10 December 1914 (according to the regimental history).   The Gallipoli campaign commenced Anzac Day, 25 April 1915.   The Light Horse regiments were not sent to Gallipoli initially due to the terrain that was unsuitable for mounted operations however it became necessary for the Light Horse to be deployed to Gallipoli to reinforce the infantry forces that had suffered heavy casualties.   Bertie was deployed to Gallipoli as part of this movement at sometime prior to the end of July 1915.

On 30 July 1915, Bertie was serving at Gaba Tepe when he received a slight shrapnel wound to his abdomen which quickly turned septic.  He became seriously ill and was evacuated to Alexandria, Egypt on 6 August 1915.   He was placed on the dangerously ill list on 14 August 1915.   By 17 September 1915 his condition had improved and he was removed from the dangerously ill list.   He was repatriated to Australia on the HMAT Beltana on the following day.

On return to Australia, he recuperated and was discharged on 16 September 1916.   He returned to work as a house decorater.  He married Elsie Downes and they raised two daughters.