Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lieutenant David McNeil Heugh (“Dave” to his family) was among one of the first soldiers from the Clarence Town area to lose his life on the battlefield.

David, the eldest of seven children, was born at Pimlico House, Pimlico near Ballina on the New South Wales north coast on 21 May 1891. In the early part of the 20th century, the family relocated to Clarence Town and took up residence at the property Deptford. Although no official record remains he possibly attended Clarence Town Public School and then gained entry to complete his high school years at Maitland Boys High School. During the school term, he resided with Mr Ross's family in East Maitland.

David’s military career began after leaving school when he attended the 20th Infantry School at Victoria Barracks and undertook 18 months with the 4th Australian Infantry Regiment. Although no clear record remains it would appear that David remained a reserve member of the military forces

David then moved to Somerton, located on the Oxley Highway 30 km north west of Tamworth, and took up the position of General Store Keeper. By the age of 23, David had sealed his position within the community having become a Justice of the Peace and Mason with Tamworth Masonic Lodge.

With the official declaration of war being made in early August 1914 local newspapers carried instructions for reporting procedures for the various groups of Army reservists. David’s records show that he signed his attestation papers on 10 August 1914. He was given the rank of Second Lieutenant and attached to the 2nd Battalion.

The 2nd Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF. The Battalion was raised within a fortnight of the declaration of war. David embarked just two months later from Sydney onboard the A23 Suffolk on October 18 1914. The Battalion arrived in Egypt in December 1914 for further training. David was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 Feb 1915.

The 2nd Battalion formed part of the second wave of 2,500 soldiers to land on the beach at Gallipoli in the early hours of 25th April 1915. The confusion of this landing is well documented.

David survived the initial few days of heavy fighting and was wounded two days later on April 27th. His bravery under fire earned him a “Mentioned in Dispatches” The citation gives an insight into the battle and the type of man he was.

"On the 27th April Lieutenant Heugh displayed great gallantry in the way in which he handled his men and the promptness of his action in the teeth of heavy fire. His coolness did much to inspire the confidence of his men. Finally he led his men in a charge in which he received wounds from which he died." (Reported by Lieut. G.W. Brown, S/Lt H. A. Jones 2nd Bn.).

David was taken from the battleground by barge to the transport ship ‘Derflinger’. In a letter from Nurse Stobo to her brother, Major Scobie (both of whom were related to David) she describes David’s last day.

“Poor dear old Heugh, Dave was shot through the liver and had a bad time. Thank goodness though, he had mates aboard. Among them were Father (Captain) McAuliffe, who was very fond of him and used to ease him by supporting him in his arms at times, also Lieutenant Cadell of Newcastle, who was slightly injured. Dave was a great favourite with anyone he knew.”

David was buried the same day at sea somewhere between Gallipoli and Alexandria.

The Heugh family did not receive word of their tragic loss until a cable arrived dated 4 May 1915.


The letter written to Major Scobie from his sister was published in the "Maitland Mercury" on 19th June 1915 and was possibly the first real information that the parents received

Lieutenant Cadell, who had been with David when he died, wrote to his father, Alexander Heugh telling him of the circumstances of David’s death and offering condolences. However, that letter would not reach home for many months.

On 22 June 1915 Alexander Heugh instructed the family solicitor to obtain confirmation and information concerning David’s death. This letter was not answered until 9 March 1916.

"Dear Sir
With reference to the report of the regrettable loss of your son, the late lieutenant D McN Heugh, 2nd Battalion. I am now in receipt of advice which shows that he died on the 29th April 1915 onboard HMTS Derflinger of wounds received in action in Gallipoli and was buried at sea between Gallipoli and Alexandria

These additional details are furnished by direction, it being the policy of the Department to supply all possible information in connection with deaths of members of the AIF"

In a letter dated 30 November 1915 the family was informed of David’s gallantry and hopefully this provided them some pride and comfort in their time of grieving.

"Dear Sir
I am directed to forward herewith the following extract from the Army corps Routine Orders from 29 June 1915.

153 Complimentary. The Army corps Commander has very much pleasure in publishing the names of the Junior Regimental Officers, Warrant Officers, NCOs and men, in the attached supplement which have been brought to his notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from 25th April to 5 May 1915. He cordially thanks them for the good work they have performed which more than testifies to their devotion to duty towards King and Country. His only regret is that they all can not be rewarded
Lieut D McN Heugh(since died of wounds)
2nd Battalion
The above has been promulgated in Australian Military Orders No. 570 of 1915."

David was the first soldier from the Clarence Town area to be killed. Back in Maitland, where he was well known and liked, the community was coming to terms with the deaths of a number of young men in very quick succession. Both communities were now facing the reality that many of their sons may not come home from this war.