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From Ballarat & District in the Great War

Capt Joseph William Pearce MC, PART II
21st Battalion, KIA 4/10/1917, Broodsiende Ridge.

Within days of the disastrous Battle of Fromelles, where Australian battalions suffered the highest single day of battle casualties in Australian history, the 1st Division was deployed at Pozières. Billy reached the shattered village on 28 July – he was not to know that his cousin, John Pearce, a sergeant with the 1st Pioneers, had been killed in action on 25 July.

If his actions onboard the Southland and in the trenches at Gallipoli had not dispelled the ugly rumours surrounding his commission, Billy was about to cement his reputation for outstanding bravery. On 21 August, he was promoted to captain; the 21st Battalion then returned to Pozières. During the night of 22/23 August, the 21st was in front of Mouquet Farm and Billy was employed in reconnaissance work, showing a natural ability and calmness in carrying out his tasks. When guides for the relieving troops failed to locate the positions to be occupied, Billy led them through under very heavy fire. Even after being wounded twice, Billy remained on duty until he was ordered to report to the aid post on 24 August. He was admitted to the 4th Australian Field Ambulance on 25 August suffering from shrapnel wounds to his right shoulder (over the scapula), back and right side. It took five days before Billy reached the 7th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne, where pieces of shrapnel were removed from the wound in his back. However, the wound to his scapula had become infected and he once again developed sepsis.

On 5 September, Billy sailed for England onboard the Hospital Ship St David. He was admitted to the 4th London General Hospital at Denmark Hill later the same day; his temperature remained elevated for several weeks. In the years before the advent of antibiotics, sepsis (or blood-poisoning) could often prove fatal and open wounds exposed to dangerously high levels of bacteria was a lethal combination of trench warfare. The development in 1915 of the Carrel-Dakin method of wound care (and first used extensively following the Battle of the Somme in 1916) helped save the lives of countless wounded men. Brilliant French surgeon Alexis Carrel discovered that using a regime of an antiseptic developed by his colleague, English chemist, Henry Dakin, to cleanse and regularly irrigate the wounds had a dramatic effect on wound treatment. This technique would have undoubtedly been used to help heal Billy Pearce’s infected wounds.

Isaiah Pearce had been informed that his son had been wounded, but there was natural concern as ‘the nature of the wounds was not stated.’ After reaching London, Billy was able to send a private cable to his father, “Slightly wounded; promoted captain.”
In a time when gallantry was a quantifiable and admirable quality, Billy’s actions at Mouquet Farm singled him out for recognition and he was recommended for the Military Cross on 4 September. In the official paperwork Billy’s record for brave actions were underscored.

‘…This officer has previously distinguished himself by his gallant conduct on all occasions that his Battalion has been engaged, and was also brought to notice for his plucky work in the engine room of HMT Southland on 2nd September 1915, remaining in charge until port was reached…’

News of the award quickly circulated around Ballarat after Billy cabled his father in late September, and whilst the previous comments made by Charlie McGrath were not mentioned, it was clear that all involved were happily “thumbing their noses” at the politician.

‘…“I heartily congratulate Cr Pearce upon the double honour that has been conferred upon his son at the Front,” writes Mayor [Abraham] Levy in his report to the Town Council. “As you are aware, Cr Pearce’s son has been promoted to the rank of captain, and he has also earned the great distinction and merit of the Military Cross for brave deeds. Coming after the heroic part he played in connection with the Southland, this new honour of the Military Cross marks Capt Pearce as a particularly valuable and successful officer. There is no doubt he has done remarkably well, and it must very gratifying to Cr Pearce and all his friends. We all sincerely hope that Capt Pearce will soon recover from the wound which he received on the battlefield…’
The subtle rejoinders continued with an article on 14 November under the headline, “CAPTAIN W. PEARCE – PRAISED BY GENERAL BIRDWOOD – MILITARY CROSS AWARDED.”

‘…The honours of war have been worthily won by Capt William Pearce, son of Cr Isaiah Pearce, of Barkly Street, Ballarat East. he volunteered as a private, and his previous military experience was confined only to school cadets. He soon showed that he had qualifications for leadership, and he gained admittance to a school of instruction for officers. He acquitted himself splendidly, and left Australia with the rank of lieutenant.

In Egypt he did so well at the officers’ school that the appointment was confirmed.

On the way to Gallipoli the transport – the Southland – was torpedoed. Lt Pearce then achieved Empire-wide fame by taking charge of the engines – a work for which he was eminently well qualified owing to his engineering experience – and thanks to him, the boat was got safely into port.

He acquitted himself well in the trenches at Gallipoli, and when his battalion went into action in France he gained promotion, and for his bravery in battle at Pozieres, he was awarded the Military Cross.

He has not come through the campaign unscathed. He was laid aside by a severe illness in Egypt. He had another in France, and he is now recovering from a number of wounds he received at Pozieres. He can derive some consolation, however, in the midst of all his afflictions by the knowledge that he has earned the highest commendation of his superiors, and doubtless one of the relics he will prize most highly is a letter he has received from the General Commanding the Australians (General Birdwood). A copy of it was received by his father yesterday. It reads:

“1st ANZAC Corps, 17th September 1916 – Dear Pearce, This is just a line to congratulate you very heartily upon the award of the Military Cross, which has been made to you in recognition of the good work you did for us during the fighting around Pozieres. I well know how gallantly and ably you carried out reconnaissance work near Mouquet Farm on 22nd and 23rd of last month, and how you helped in guiding the relieving troops under heavy fire when others had been hit and become casualties. I know, too, how you remained on duty the whole of the following day, even though you had been twice wounded, and how gallantly you behaved on every possible occasion, perhaps the least conspicuous being on the Southland, when I am fully cognisant of how you remained so pluckily at work in the engine room until the ship was brought into port. Thank you so much for all your good work, which I am so glad has now received this recognition. With good wishes to you. Yours sincerely, (Signed) W. Birdwood.”

The Mayor of the Town (Cr Abraham Levy) brought the letter under the notice of the Town Council, and said it would give pleasure to every member of the Council and also to the citizens. He was particularly pleased and delighted to know that their old councillor’s son was doing so well…’

Billy was moved to Longstowe Hall, in Cambridgeshire, to convalesce. In the rarefied atmosphere of a medieval mansion, Billy Pearce was able to recover from the effects of his wounds. In a letter to his father, he was, he said, ‘having quite a fuss made of him, and he had been living like a king.’

‘…I have received many invitations to different places, and I had not thought such kindness was possible. One place I visited was like a castle, and here I indulged in pheasant shooting. In conversation with the owner, he told me that his taxes came to 16/ in the £1, and he seemed quite cheerful over it, as it was all for his country. All his men servants have been called up, so women do the gardening. Everything in the house is in the most beautiful taste.

I asked the lady of the house why they were so kind to me, and she replied, “If it were not for the likes of you, we would not have this roof over us.”

I was ordered away to get some sea air, and the place to which I was sent is the north of England to the Grand Fleet. I was put on one of the super-Dreadnoughts and lived there for four days. I met Admiral Jellicoe. The boat I was on took part in the Jutland battle, and the Admiral visited it to christen a bell sent from the Malay States, who gave the boat in the first place. A large ship came alongside and one bluejacket sang “Australia Will Be There.” I was called on for a speech, and I had to say something.

The trip through the Highlands was great, everything being beautiful and green and the country the finest I have ever seen. The trip has done me good…’ [The original letter had been rewritten in the third person, so I have taken poetic license to return it somewhat to its intended form.]

While he was convalescing, Billy was also able to visit Cornwall and absorb the atmosphere that is so unique to anyone of Cornish heritage. He was also summoned to Buckingham Palace to be invested with the Military Cross by the King on 18 November. A friend of Billy’s wrote to Isaiah Pearce about the ceremony. He said that ‘the receiver of the Cross was greatly delighted at having the emblem pinned to his coat by King George. The ceremony, was made additionally interesting and pleasurable by His Majesty's remark that he remembered Captain Pearce’s father, who was Mayor of Ballarat East when he visited the Town in 1901.’

According to one source, because Billy’s wound did not thoroughly heal, ‘more than one Medical Board’ was in favour of invaliding him back to Australia. However, ‘he was so keen to return to the Front that he went before other boards and eventually was passed.’ There can be little doubt that, although Billy certainly had nothing left to prove, the sting of being accused of having his commission bought for him would have been enough to drive him back to the trenches. And, like all good officers, he would have felt that his place was with his men.

A Medical Board at the end of the November found that, apart from a severe cold, Billy was well and had no ongoing trouble from his wounds. It was decided that he would be fit for service ‘in a week,’ but was not fit to return to the Front. He was officially discharged from the 4th London on 7 December and reached the No1 Command Depot at Perham Downs the following day.

On 8 January 1917, Billy Pearce finally sailed back to France. He reported for duty at the 2nd Australian Divisional Base Depot at Étaples on 11 January. The 21st Battalion was training at Ribemont when Billy rejoined them on 23 January.

After hearing that Private Roy Nankervis and his mate, Private Matthew Purcell (both from Ballarat East) had been killed in action on 12 November 1916, Billy took the time to write to Nankervis’ mother.
'…France, 20th February, 1917
Dear Mrs Delahunty,
Just a line to offer my sincerest sympathy on the death of your son, and to give you some particulars as to his death.

He was sitting in a trench with a mate called Purcell, also from Ballarat, having a meal, when a shell came into the trench and landed between the two of them. The shell failed to explode, but concussion killed both of them instantaneously. They were buried alongside each other in a soldier's grave, and a cross was put up over them. Your son was under me for a long time, and never shirked anything he was asked to do; he was always plucky in battle, and popular with all his mates.

I would have written before, but I have just recovered from a bad wounding, and was unable to write sooner. I come from Ballarat myself, and live in Barkly Street.
If you know the whereabouts of Pte Purcell's people you could give them particulars.

Your son died a hero's death, and suffered no pain…'
The two soldiers were buried side by side in the AIF Burial Ground at Flers.

During March, the 21st Battalion was heavily involved in action near Noreuil and Billy Pearce again showed that he had a natural aptitude for co-ordinating and analysing battle tactics. He worked particularly well alongside his friend, Fred Sale and Captain Ewen McKay Bland.

However, it soon became apparent that Billy’s health had been dramatically impacted by the latest bout of sepsis. In April, he was confined to bed for four days with a feverish attack of influenza that developed into bronchial catarrh. He had lost a dramatic amount of weight (at least two stone) and there was some concern that he had contracted tuberculosis, but none was detected. His condition began to stabilise and he started to gain weight. On 1 June he was able to resume duty. During his absence, the 21st Battalion had taken part in the Second Battle of Bullecourt – over 90 of its number paying the ultimate price.
On 12 August, Billy was sent to the 2nd Army School. Details were kept to a frustrating minimum, but it is possible it was the special officers’ course held at Wisques. He returned to his unit a week later. Then, on 16 September, he was granted a five-day leave pass to Paris. It was a beautiful time to be in the French capital – the weather was perfect and it was easy to forget that the world was at war.

The 21st Battalion had been held in reserve at China Wall when the Battle of Menin Road was launched on 20 September. Understanding that major action was being undertaken, Billy Pearce arrived back early from leave. He was therefore ready to lead his men in the relief of the 18th Battalion and take over the right sector of the frontline on the second day of fighting.
Throughout the course of the Battle of Polygon Wood, the 21st Battalion was ordered to “stand to” at the Dominion Camp. Their next action was to come at Broodseinde Ridge.

At 3:10am on 4 October, the battalion moved forward to the jumping off tape and formed up as arranged; everything was in order two hours later with zero hour set for 6am. The battalion suffered a significant number of casualties when the enemy put down a heavy barrage prior to the attack. Despite this, the battalion pushed through the barrage and made good gains, capturing machineguns and firing on the retreating Germans.

Billy was leading C Company, when his men enthusiastically broke forward and were in danger of being caught by their own artillery. He went out and brought them back just in time to escape the intensification of the barrage. They had past the old German cemetery at Broodseinde when a sniper fired a single shot that hit Billy in the forehead; his tin hat was thrown into the air and he was dead before he hit the ground.

Witnesses said the shot was fired by a German officer ‘at 100 yards’ range.’ Lance-Corporal Percival Leslie Ord (2777), from Mount Cole, saw the shot fired and immediately took action – he bombed the German trench, killing the officer and capturing thirteen prisoners.

In reading the reports of Billy Pearce’s death, it became apparent that he was seen by many as one of the best officers in the AIF.

Private Robert Leslie Caddy (4081) had been right next to Billy Pearce when he was shot. According to Private Caddy, Billy was ‘one of the best officers that ever walked. You ask any of the C Company…’

Lieutenant William Gordon Scales agreed, saying that Billy was ‘a most popular man in the regiment.’
In providing information, Private Alfred Walton Bowman (4375) said that, ‘Captain Pearce was an immense favourite and idolized.’

It fell to Sergeant (later Lieutenant) Charles Henry Willis DCM (307), from Smythesdale, to give the most heartfelt tribute to Billy Pearce.
‘…This officer was held in the very highest esteem by all ranks and his men would follow him anywhere, as they had a great affection for him. Captain Pearce was absolutely fearless in action, and always showed himself as a born leader of men. His kindness and care for the men under his command especially endeared him to them. His death was more than an individual loss and was felt deeply by all in this battalion, as well as by his many friends in other units. He leaves behind him a reputation as an officer and a gentleman, which will never fade from the minds of those who worked with him or under his command…’

His batman, Lance-Corporal James Bunting, who was by Billy’s side when he was killed, was thought by some to have buried the body, but Bunting had had to leave him and did not know where he had been buried. However, several people did refer to Billy’s burial and Lieutenant George Rupert Dearden stated that he personally erected a cross over the grave in the southwest corner of the cemetery at Broodseinde, ‘which is fairly well protected from enemy fire.’ Another seemingly official report said that a burial party, led by Captain Fred Sale, later buried Billy’s body where he had fallen.

News of Billy Pearce’s death reached Ballarat two weeks later. The loss of his son was devastating for Isaiah Pearce. He was by now an old man and the blow affected him deeply. It was a particularly sombre moment when the flags on both the Ballarat Town and City Halls were lowered to half-mast on 21 October.
Tributes flowed from all quarters – in his report to the Town Council, Mayor of Ballarat East, Councillor Henry Brown George made a ‘regretful reference’ to Billy’s death on 29 October.

‘…His death on the battlefield in France has cut short a brilliant career as a soldier and a man. Councillors, one and all, deeply sympathise with the family in their sad bereavement. The late Captain Pearce was a gallant officer, and the winning of the Military Cross at Mouquet Farm for great gallantry and leadership during the fighting around Pozieres, and his conspicuous bravery on the torpedoed Southland, when he pluckily stuck to the work in the engine-room until the ship was brought into port, are still fresh in our memories.

I trust Councillor Pearce and family will be granted fortitude to bear their great loss, and that some consolation may be found in the fact that he died for his God, King, and Empire…’

Councillor Abraham Levy added quite pointedly that ‘the Military Cross was not given unless earned’ and that ‘Captain Pearce had stood out as a soldier born and a leader of men.’ He expressed the sympathy of the whole council to Billy’s family before moving “That a minute expressing the deepest regret be placed on the book.” This was seconded and the motion was carried in silence with all the councillors standing as a mark of respect.

During the monthly meeting of the Ballarat Orphanage Committee in November, the following reference was made.

‘…With regret we deeply deplore the death at the Front of Capt J. W. Pearce, eldest son of one of our oldest members of committee, Mr Isaiah Pearce, Capt Pearce very often helped the Orphanage in several ways, and was always ready when asked to assist. We desire to express our sincere sympathy with his bereaved relatives…’

A similar tribute was made by the mayor Ballarat City, the Honourable Alexander Bell, MLC, and a letter of condolence was forwarded to the Pearce family.

Letters from the Front began to arrive at Clowance during December. Lieutenant-Colonel Bernard Duggan, Commanding Officer of the 21st Battalion, wrote,
'…Your son did his duty nobly to his country, and died a soldier's death, leaving behind him a reputation for gallantry that any might envy. He had won the admiration and respect of all with whom he came in contact and his death is deeply mourned by officers and men of the battalion. By his cheerfulness and unselfishness, Captain Pearce had endeared himself to all members of his unit, and the battalion mourns with you over his loss. He suffered no pain, death being instantaneous.

The NCO's and men of C Company simply idolised him, and Captain Pearce's expression in an attack was, 'Follow me, boys,' and the lads were always there to go anywhere with their brave leader. The anger of the lads over their loss was intense, and it is satisfactory to know that the German who was responsible for his death met a similar fate some minutes later.

As soon as a further advance is made we will make every effort to have a cross erected over his grave…'
Captain Henry Crowther said of his friend, '…He had reached his final objective at the head of his company when he was shot through the head. The company was quite heartbroken. At such a price we feel it was an expensive, though glorious victory.

You have lost a noble son, and Australia a gallant soldier…'

A quartermaster with the 21st Battalion wrote, '[He was] one of the absolute whitest and best - a man looked up to by all. His methods were just and straightforward, and he always gave a fair deal. The NCO's had the greatest confidence in him, and would follow him anywhere…'

For Fred Sale, there was a degree of pride in describing his friend. 'I have never seen a man so cool and fearless under fire. His men would have followed him anywhere…'

When Sergeant Henry Bevan returned to Australia following the end of the war, he wrote personally to Isaiah Pearce.
'…Having arrived back on the Ceramic on Thursday, after a lapse of two and a half years overseas, I take this opportunity of writing you to let you know that my visit to Ballarat in the expedition early in 1916, and the happy times spent there, are still evergreen in my mind.

Whilst away I met several Ballarat boys, and in fact had some in my platoon. I also had the honour of having as my company commander the late Capt Pearce. This officer was to all the boys the bravest of the brave, and a fearless, conscientious, and ever thoughtful man, and when he met his death at Ypres it cast a gloom over the whole battalion. We felt it very deeply.

My sojourn in France was all that could be desired, personally speaking, though I was nearly killed on the 9th of April in the Somme.

My thoughts often went back to the happy times I spent in your city.

I should like in conclusion to be remembered to all the friends I made in Ballarat…'

Another returned man also wrote to Isaiah Pearce.
‘…As one who served under Billy (that is what we called him) as far as Pozieres he was one of the best, although he wore the King’s Commission…’

While there was some solace to be taken from such heartfelt praise, for the Pearce family there was the knowledge that the youngest son and brother was still in the firing line. Jack Pearce had enlisted at Ballarat on 14 July 1915 (8203) and was serving with the 12th Field Ambulance. His actions on 5 April 1918, during the German Spring Offensive, proved that courage was very much a Pearce family trait. Jack’s work as a stretcher-bearer was singled out for mention – as part of a team, he carried wounded men from the Regimental Aid Post to the Field Ambulance at Millencourt over three-quarters of a mile of very dangerous ground.

‘…The carry was a long and dangerous one, and the route almost continuously swept by heavy shell fire. Their example at al times during the remainder of the day was invaluable when quick evacuation was essential…’

For his bravery, Jack Pearce was awarded the Military Medal. He returned relatively unscathed to Australia, reaching Melbourne on 2 March 1919.

Isaiah also had to handle the legal aspects of his son’s death. Billy had completed his Will the day after he enlisted and name his father as his sole legatee. There were also the sad parcels of personal effects to be dealt with. As always, these items gave a unique insight into the individual who had carried them. There were the ubiquitous articles of clothing – and as an officer, Billy had his share – a Kodak camera in a case, a pipe, a cigarette case (containing a French note), and a cigarette holder, his revolver in its holster, a pair of field glasses, various books, and a photograph in a small wallet, as well as the usual bundle of letters, a razor and a steel mirror. There could be no escaping the sadness when opening these packages; the finality was everywhere.

The Pearce family was able to gather to celebrate the 75th birthday of Isaiah Pearce on 27 June 1919.

In congratulating their colleague, Mayor Alexander MacKenzie offered his congratulations,
‘…Allow me, on behalf of my council to express to you the old time wish, 'Many happy returns of the day,' and to congratulate you on having reached the 75th milestone in the journey of life. You are the father of our council, having served us for the long period of 31 years. Your practical experience and matured wisdom have done much to forward the work of this important municipality and we trust you may spared in vigor of mind and body to assist us for some years yet, and that the hand of time will deal kindly and tenderly with you as you go down the hill of life…’

The community was therefore deeply shocked to hear that less than two weeks later Isaiah Pearce was dead. A ‘day or two’ after his birthday celebrations, Isaiah had suffered a stroke, causing significant paralysis. He died at Clowance on 7 July.

In February 1935, it was announced that Billy’s sister, May Jones, and her son Kenney, were making a pilgrimage to his grave. Sadly, it does not appear that the Defence Department made it clear that efforts to locate Billy Pearce’s final resting place had been unsuccessful. The nearest they could hope to get to their goal was to see his name on the Menin Gate – or wander the cemeteries around Broodseinde in the hope that one of the many marked as “unknown” may have been their loved one. Indeed, 70 years later I would look at a grave in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, (one that is marked “An Australian Officer (Captain) of the Great War”) and ask myself: is that you Billy?

***Footnote, in November 1968, Robert Edward McNair (a sergeant with the 2/5th Battalion during the Second World War) sent Billy Pearce’s 1914-15 Star service medal to Base Records. The medal had been handed to him by a person who found it in some discarded items from a vacated house at Herne’s Oak near Yallourn. McNair hoped that it could be returned to its original owner or his relatives.

From Ballarat & District in the Great War

Capt Joseph William Pearce, PART I
21st Battalion, KIA 4/10/1917, Broodsiende Ridge.  One of the Heros of the SS Southland torpedoing Sept 1915.
 
It is probably advisable to avoid superlatives when describing individuals – it does make it difficult for those individuals to live up to expectations. However, amplifying the achievements of Ballarat’s Billy Pearce was thoroughly deserved – he was truly a remarkable man.

Being born into a life of wealth and privilege did not automatically assure survival in years prior to the Great War. Babies either survived and thrived or they didn’t. Money bought comfort and more immediate care, but babies still died. Isaiah Pearce and his wife Anna Maria Carah lost two little boys, both named John, before their son, Joseph William, was born at Ballarat East on 9 February 1886. At that stage Billy (or Willie as he was sometimes known within the family) had three doting older sisters – Ida, May and Essie. The family was completed by the arrivals of Stella in late 1887 and a third son named John (to be known as Jack) on 27 May 1889.

Billy Pearce’s ancestry was pure Cornish. His family had a long generational connection to Crowan (St Crewenne or Egloskrewen in Cornish) which lies about 3½ miles south of Camborne and 6-miles north of the stannage town of Helston. Isaiah Pearce was born at Crowan on 27 June 1844. Although Anna Maria Carah was born in Adelaide, her family also came from Crowan. Her mother, Grace Bartle, was born there, whilst her father, Joseph Carah, came from the adjacent parish of Breage.

Crowan was once a lucrative tin-mining area, with thousands employed in the local mines. It was, however, a very different story for the early career of Isaiah Pearce. His father, John Pearce, ran a grocer’s store in the village of Leedstown and Isaiah ‘entered into mercantile life’ working in the shop for a short period.

Following the death of John Pearce on 8 July 1860, Isaiah and his sister, Ellen, sailed for Australia. Given that their brother, Emanuel, had drowned in the wreck of the Royal Charter off the Welsh coast on 26 October 1859, this must have been a frightening venture. Over 450 souls perished when the Royal Charter went down. The intrepid pair sailed onboard the steamship Great Britain, an advanced vessel that had long claimed to be the largest passenger ship in the world. She was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and boasted the added safety of an iron hull and screw propulsion, still it is difficult not to imagine 16-year-old Isaiah and his 17-year-old sister experiencing some qualms about the coming voyage. However, given the career that Isaiah was to embark on, perhaps he only felt the thrill of adventure. They sailed on 19 October and reached Melbourne on Christmas Day. The Great Britain also carried the first visiting English cricket team – an event that Isaiah would proudly recount.
Isaiah and Ellen immediately joined their older brother, James, at Ballarat. Gold-mining in the town had developed beyond the easy alluvial diggings and progressed to deeper lead mining. The young Isaiah quickly turned his attention to the lucrative offerings, beginning at the Burra Burra Mine, later known as the New Koh-i-noor, in Redan.

In 1873, James and Isaiah began the public crushing battery in Canadian known widely as Pearce’s Battery. Around the same time, Isaiah purchased the lease for the nearby Queen Victoria Quartz Mining Company from one William Manners. The mine ‘at that time was simply being “scratched” down to water level, 160 feet from the surface. Immediately on the completion of the purchase a shaft was sunk, the mine opened out and the lode cut.’

This claim was then let to the North Woah Hawp Company, continuing a lengthy period of very successful mining. It was the action of Isaiah Pearce in opening up the mine that stimulated the forming of other companies along the White Horse Ranges – an area that continues to produce significant gold returns for Ballarat to this day.

Isaiah also held large interests in other Ballarat East mines, and was a director of the New Normanby and North Woah Hawp Companies. The former grocer’s boy made his fortune out of mining, and he was soon one of the wealthiest men in Ballarat.

But he also became one of the leading figures in local government. In 1886, the year of Billy’s birth, he was elected as a member of the Ballarat East Council, as a representative of the south ward, and he held the seat for the rest of his life.

In 1892, Isaiah Pearce built a new family home in Barkly Street, which he named Clowance. This was a delightful homage to the Cornwall he loved so well: one of the most notable properties in Crowan was Clowance House, which had long been the family estate of the St Aubyn baronets. Described as a late Victorian villa, the new Clowance was richly detailed making it one of the most notable homes in the area. It was widely known that Isaiah had chosen to build in Ballarat East and not around Wendouree Parade because he regarded the Lake precinct as ‘snobbish.’ Nevertheless, no expense was spared on Clowance.
That same year, Isaiah served his first term as mayor of Ballarat East.

Billy began his education at the Golden Point State School, just a short walk from his home. These crucial formative years were to be punctuated by two devastating events.

Anna Pearce had shown that she was the perfect wife for an aspiring politician. Regarded as ‘most kind-hearted and generous,’ Anna poured her energies into charitable work and an interest in women’s suffrage. But in August 1894, she suffered a severe attack of influenza that weakened her already delicate constitution. Even a trip to South Australia failed to improve her condition and she was then confined to her room at Clowance. Gradually she was able to take outdoor exercise, however, a sudden collapse just before 10pm on Friday 11 May 1895, resulted in her death from ‘an effusion of blood to the head.’ She was just 41 years-old and left a family of six children aged from seventeen to six. Billy was only nine.

Later the same year, on Saturday 2 November, Billy’s classmate, Arthur Petch, was “birdnesting” on the roof of the Golden Point School. The pitch on this roof is incredibly steep and not designed for climbing. Little Arthur slipped and fell 15-feet to the ground, suffering a fractured skull. He lingered for several days before dying from his dreadful injuries. During his funeral, many of his school friends walked in front of the hearse carrying floral tributes. It was a poignant spectacle and sombre reminder of the fragility of life.

A happier occasion occurred on 28 April 1896, when Isaiah Pearce married his second wife, Emma Potter. The wedding was celebrated at the Wesleyan Church in South Melbourne by the Reverend Samuel Knight. Emma, who was 12-years younger than her new husband, was to become a loving mother-figure in the lives of the youngest Pearce children.

As with virtually all families of Cornish origin, the Methodist Church was a cornerstone of the Pearce family life. They worshipped at the Lydiard Street Methodist Church. Known universally as Wesley, it was the largest of its denomination in Ballarat.

A measles epidemic raged through Ballarat in June and July 1898, the Golden Point School was hit hard with nearly 200 children contracting the disease. The head teacher, Mr Frederick Murdock Bradhurst, was forced to isolate from his family when several of his family fell sick. It is highly likely that Billy, Stella and Jack also caught measles around this time.

When the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince George (later George V) and his wife, Princess Mary of Teck, visited Ballarat on 13 May 1901, the city put on all its ‘festive garb’ to enthusiastically welcome the royal couple. As mayor of Ballarat East, Isaiah Pearce played an important part in proceedings and it appears that he made a very favourable impression on the young duke. Stella Pearce and her younger cousin, Iris Pearce, also took part, presenting the duke and duchess with ‘a handsomely mounted box of rich specimens from the mines of Ballarat East.’

When Isaiah Pearce finished his term as mayor that same year, a large gathering of prominent residents of Ballarat East gathered at the North Grant Hotel on 17 September to congratulate him on a successful year and to thank the entire Pearce family. Special mention was made of his wife, Emma a ‘worthy and amiable and extremely popular ex-mayoress,’ who ‘had at all times won the hearty good will of the citizens by her kindliness and enthusiasm for the best interests of the Town.’

The family were all given beautiful gifts (diamond and sapphire bangles, pearl muff chains, gold curb bangle set with turquoise); Isaiah was given an illuminated address, having refused a purse of sovereigns and jewellery. Billy received a gold medal, while little Jack received a pair of sleeve links.

Isaiah would hold the mayorship again in 1907 and 1914.

A good student and coming from an affluent background meant that Billy would be afforded the opportunity of a secondary education. After successfully gaining his Merit Certificate, he was sent to Geelong College as a boarder on 15 March 1900. The school was then under the headship of Norman “The Skipper” Morrison.

These years at Geelong College had a profound effect on Billy Pearce. He trained with the cadets and studied hard during his four years at the school. It also seems that he took the school motto to heart. Drawn from Virgil’s Aeneid, Macte animo … sic itur ad astra (Be of courage – this is the way to the stars), it would ultimately define Billy’s life.

After graduating from Geelong College, Billy was enrolled at the Ballarat School of Mines to study subjects suitable for a career in the mining industry – his examination results released in January 1905 showed his aptitude for inorganic chemistry with a fine 86-mark pass. His love of sport was also growing and at the Annual SMB Sports meeting held at the City Oval on 7 April 1905, Billy ran off 14-yards in the 220-yard Open Handicap to dead-heat for first with S. White (off 10). During his time at SMB, Billy also represented the school in football and cricket; he also enjoyed rowing and playing competitively for the Ballarat Golf Club.

Having completed his education, Billy took over as assistant manager at the North Woah Hawp Mine. This job entailed a great deal of responsibility and leadership, for mining has always been a very dangerous occupation. On 8 January 1909, Billy and the shift boss, Thomas Bear, had inspected the stope where two men were working. He found that the ground was unsafe and warned the pair to be careful. A subsequent fall of mullock killed William Thomas Robinson, while the other man, Anthony Roberts, escaped unharmed. Billy was called to give evidence at the inquest held at the Ballarat City Court, where the finding was one of accidental death.

Like many Cornish families, music was very much a part of the Pearce household. Young Stella in particular showed significant musical talent and had a sweet singing voice. At that time Miss Clarice Malyon and Mr. T. Leslie Middleton ran an operatic class at the Sutton’s building and the Lyceum Hall in Lyons Street north. Both Stella and Billy performed as part of the annual productions held at Her Majesty’s Theatre. On 17 December 1909, the performance of “Sylvia” at Her Majesty’s featured Stella in the title role and Billy as part of the company as one of the “farm lads.”

The following year they performed in “A Nautical Knot.” Then, on 16 November 1912, the company performed the Australian debut of the comic opera, "Bulbul." Billy performed the role of “Justso” alongside Arthur Walker as “Dosay,” Alma Tunbridge as “Princess Bulbul” and Alma Austin as “Prince Caspian”. Stella was one of the featured housemaids. ‘Every seat at Her Majesty’s Theatre was filled before the curtain rose on Saturday night.’ ‘The performance came right up to expectations; and, furthermore, it challenged comparison with a good many professional entertainments that have come this way…’

Billy was also a member of the Ballarat Old Colonists Association. Originally known as the Golden Point Old Pioneers Association, the group had been instigated by the indefatigable James Oddie. Members represented mining pioneers of the area, especially assisted those who had come on hard times.

On 14 March 1914, the people of Golden Point and Mount Pleasant gathered for the opening of Pearce’s Park, named in honour of the popular mayor. The area on the corner of Barkly and Gladstone Streets had long been an ‘ugly blot,’ consisting of an unsightly tip, a brick kiln and a boarded over drain. The ‘barren waste of potholes and clay,’ had been transformed into a beautiful park complete with band rotunda – all paid for the members of the community, with all funds raised by the local ladies, and presented to the Town Council ‘free of cost.’

A photographer captured an image of the festivities that now appears frozen in time: ladies in long white dresses, broad-brimmed picture hats and parasols, gentlemen in suits and hats, and young girls in their prettiest “Sunday best,” are dotted along the winding paths. The garden beds were filled with ‘phlox, scarlet salvia, nasturtiums, and other gay blooms’ in ‘lawns of verdant freshness,’ whilst the children of the Orphanage Band can just be seen in the rotunda. It was a perfect happy moment, one of the last times the community gathered without a care; the sun was shining and there wasn’t a uniform in sight…

The gathering clouds of war quickly blotted out these happy memories and Pearce’s Park instead became the site of patriotic gatherings, recruitment rallies, fund-raisers and anti-conscription addresses.

Against this backdrop the young men of Ballarat – Town and City – rallied to the cause and enlisted with alacrity.

On 18 March 1915, Billy Pearce walked into the Ballarat Recruitment Depot and volunteered. Archibald Brown Campbell was one of several doctors who did duty at the Ranger Barracks, examining new recruits and choosing who to pass fit and who would be rejected. Billy, who had just turned 29, was in excellent physical shape: he was 5-feet 10½-inches tall, weighed 158-pounds and could expand his chest to 39-inches. In appearance, he was especially handsome with a fair complexion, brown hair and engaging blue eyes.

Billy had enlisted with another Ballarat East boy, Bill Pryor, who was then assistant town clerk. On hearing the news, Councillor William Hoare lamented with a degree of pride, “We are, for the time being, losing two of the finest young men in the South Ward.”

The pair immediately went into camp at Broadmeadows where they were assigned to the 21st Infantry Battalion as privates. However, Billy’s physicality, extended education, experience as a mine manager and prior training with the Geelong College cadets made him an attractive prospect for senior officers. He was promoted to corporal and immediately selected for officer training, where he excelled. He was commissioned as a second-lieutenant on 5 May and sailed from Melbourne onboard the troopship Ulysses just three days later.

While he was still at sea, Billy Pearce became the subject of an extraordinary attack by Ballarat politician, David Charles McGrath (q.v.). During question time in the House of Representatives on 20 May, Charlie McGrath raised what appeared to be politically motivated concerns regarding Billy Pearce’s commission.

The speech was published in the Ballarat Evening Echo under the alarmist headline “SECURING MILITARY COMMISSIONS – GLARING BALLARAT CASE – GRAVE PERIL TO OUR SOLDIERS.’

‘…I have another case which I can mention—that of Joseph William Pearce, of Ballarat. He had never had any uniform on for years, and had never taken part in the compulsory training; but he enlisted at Broadmeadows, and within less than two months he was sent away with a contingent as second lieutenant.
His father is a wealthy mine owner at Ballarat East. I have here the report of a Colonel on this case, in which the statement is made, "The records of this office show that Pearce had four years' training with the Geelong College Cadets. I do not know when he had that training but it must have been many years
ago. There was no compulsory training at the time. That was all the experience this man had, and during the last few years he had nothing whatever to do with the Military Forces.

After a month or two at Broadmeadows he is turned out a full-blown second lieutenant, and will have charge of a platoon of sixty men. Sixty of our boys will be in charge of this man, who has had practically no experience. This is a question not only of the improper use of social influence, but of the lives of our soldiers being entrusted to men without experience.

I trust that the Minister will make the fullest inquiry in this case and will let us know how these appointments are really made. Speaking generally, there is a very uneasy feeling about, the matter; and, I have given the name of the officer in this particular case, the Minister will be in a position to make a full investigation into it…’

Of course, there was no merit to this attack and it prompted a number of protests from members of the community that played out in local newspapers.

‘…Sir, At such a crisis in our Empire's history it would seem almost unnecessary to take up the cudgels on behalf of one of our young Australians who has thought it his duty to volunteer for the service of his country; yet such it seems to be.

I have just been reading a report of the speech made by the Federal member for Ballarat in the House last week, in which he questioned and found fault with the appointment of Mr J. W. Pearce to a commission in the contingent recently sailed from our shores. The speech does, not appeal to me as the speech of a man who is seeking to uphold his country's honour in the matter or method of granting commissions, but rather of one who is using his position in the House to vent personal spite on one whom all Ballarat knows has to our Federal member, and even when he was State member, fair game for all the abuse he could heap upon him. He has now thought fit, under the guise of patriotism, to find fault with the Military Board for their appointment of a man who proved to their satisfaction that he was fully qualified for his commission.

Instead of fault finding, would it not be more fitting of Mr McGrath would encourage, rather than discourage, men of the same stamp as Mr Pearce to qualify for commissions, which can only be obtained by volunteering their services, and show that they are in earnest and concerned with their country's peril?
In Mr Pearce we find a young man of splendid physique, educated, a good mechanician and motorist – the stamp of man who has made Australia's name ring throughout the world during the past month - ready to serve his King and Empire. He had wealth and comfort at home to tempt him from his purpose – all that one needs of this world's goods. Yet he has left all behind, and hastened to the call of duty. Would that we had men of his stamp, instead of the all-too-many fault-finders, who are content to sit at home and allow others to do the fighting for them.

I now come I to the reply of Mr David McGrath, who, by his letter of Monday, seems to infer that Mr Pearce had secured his commission to dodge the dangers and hardships of the trenches. Another fallacy, quite in keeping with his father's statement. Surely he does not think that by becoming an officer one any the less safe from danger. Let him turn to the lists of casualties. and read how many of our brave fellows, particularly officers, have sacrificed their lives for their country's cause.

In the game of war all must do their part; officers and men alike, and our greatest thanks should be due to them for it. As showing the difference in the spirit displayed by Mr McGrath and other Labor members rather more broadminded than our Federal representative, let me direct his attention to a speech made in England only recently by Mr Will Crooks, M.P.. at a recruiting meeting, where he said, in referring to men like the one under discussion (Mr Pearce, who were blessed with plenty of money and nothing to do if they need not. "Berties," he described them. "These men to-day," he said, "where are they to be found? Idling their time away in frivolities? No; but in the trenches, playing their parts like men and heroes, and I am proud of them." These are the words of a broader-minded Labor man than Mr McGrath - words of encouragement and appreciation; encouragement to those who would go and do likewise.
Yours, &c., AUSTRALIAN…’

A second letter, published under the name “Cave Canem,” (Beware of the Dog) took this argument a step too far,
‘…May I offer a protest against the remarks of our Federal member, Mr D. C. McGrath, in reference to the promotion of Pte Pearce to that of lieutenant. As everybody is well aware, Lt Peace enlisted as a private, and after passing several examinations with credit, received the promotion he richly deserved.

Now, Sir, I would like to ask Mr McGrath a question. Does he not think it would be advisable that he should use every point possible to try and induce his own son to enlist and fight for his country, the same as Lt Pearce and others of our brave boys are doing instead of Mr McGrath, jun., playing the noble game of football every Saturday when our boys are being shot down in trying to defend our great Empire…’

It appears this challenge resulted in an under-age David McGrath enlisting on 7 July 1915. He was just 16. Stunningly, his father gave permission. When his age was discovered (not before several bouts of illness), the boy was sent back to Australia.

In the meantime, the target of all this back and forth arrived safely in Egypt, disembarking at Alexandria on 12 June.

Writing to his parents in Mount Pleasant, Lieutientant-Adjutant Nelson Wellington (q.v.), who was with the 21st Battalion at the Aerodrome Camp in Heliopolis, gave an insight into their experiences and mentioned Billy Pearce directly.

‘…All the past week we have been doing our field work, marching out through miles of sand, sleeping there in what we walked out in, and commencing hostilities at daybreak next morning. It is wonderful what a soft, pillow a saddle makes on occasions like this. We all sleep on the ground in our sleeping bags whilst in camp, but when out in the fields we simply throw ourselves down and stick our heads on the saddles, and in a few minutes the starry Egyptian night listens to our snores. The one advantage of being a mounted officer, is we always have a pillow in our saddle.

Lieut. Pearce, son of the Mayor or Ballarat East, with 15 other officers of our battalion, was at Zeitoun for three weeks, undergoing a course in the officers' training school. All our officers are doing well. The
work is conducted principally by a school commandant and a small staff, and as most of the instructors have just returned from the front, the work is right up to date. On the aggregate our battalion is leading, and one of our boys, Langley, is leading the school. Lieut. Pearce is doing well, and his percentages for the four examination were 85,48, 95 and 90.

While they are at the school we have other officers, all British Commissioned men, to take their places and among them is an old friend, Leslie Brooks, of Smeaton. He came out with the 1st division from Australia as a sergeant, and he was chosen by the British authorities to attend the school. He passed an examination course and was given a commission in the British army…’

Later in the same letter, Nelson again mentioned Billy Pearce,
‘…Lieutenant W. Pearce is now in No. 1 General Hospital, Heliopolis. suffering from blood poisoning. His hand was scratched between the finger joints and it immediately turned septic. He had it operated on three times and all the hand opened up to let the poisoned matter out. The doctors say he will lose his hand if they cannot stop the poison from spreading. It simply spreads out like cancer and extends up the arm. He got it while at the school of instruction, and did not tell the doctor for a day or two. It gives intense agony and the boys told me "Billy" Pearce trod the desert all night for three nights in succession
owing to the pain…’

Although the injury to Billy’s hand was not recorded in his service record, Isaiah Pearce had been kept apprised of the situation via a cablegram from his son letting him know that his hand was ‘getting better.’

Given the furore that Billy’s commission had stirred up, it ultimately came down to actions speaking far louder than words. He was soon on his way to Gallipoli, leaving from Alexandria on 29 August onboard HMT Southland.

The Southland (carrying the 21st Battalion and B Company of the 23rd, the 6th Field Artillery Brigade, a section of the 2nd Division Service Corps, headquarters staff of the 6th Infantry Brigade and 2nd Division, and a New Zealand Artillery unit) made a zig-zag course towards Lemnos. She was just 30-miles south of the port of Mudros on 2 September, when at 9:45am she was hit by a torpedo fired from the German submarine UB14. The torpedo struck in the No2 hold just in front of the bridge causing a massive explosion. A second torpedo passed just astern of the ship a few minutes later. Almost immediately the Southland began to list noticeably to starboard and by the head. Both foreholds were soon awash above the level of the upper troop deck.

Fortunately, Parade had been set for 10am and nearly all the troops were already on deck. For the most part, the men performed with admirable calmness, manning the boat stations and awaiting orders. Dispersion of the lifeboats was, however, more chaotic.

‘…A boat containing the staff of the 6th Brigade, and other troops, capsized as soon as it touched the water. Another boat collided with the capsized boat, and turned over; a third had its forward falls cut when 20ft. above the water, dumping its occupants into the fairly heavy sea now running…’

Colonel Richard Linton was in the last boat; he died later that day from shock and exposure after spending an hour and a half in the freezing water.

When the Southland did not sink, her captain, John B. Kelk, realised it might be possible to get the ship into harbour. But with most of his crew gone in the lifeboats he needed assistance from amongst the men still onboard.
‘…Volunteers were called for, after the men had been told of the dangers, mid that the bulkhead was bulging badly at the bottom through the great pressure of the rising water. Six officers and eight men stepped forward. It is related that one of them asked the chief engineer if it were worth while to stay, receiving the reply, "I do not give it much chance, but I have a wife and children, and it's good enough for me," upon which the troops immediately went below…’

The party was led by Nelson Wellington, but it was Billy Pearce, with his mechanical experience, who got the engines going again. Whilst the men kept stoking the engines, Billy kept them going. Eventually, the Southland reached Lemnos under her own steam, and, as Lieutenant Henry Crowther proudly noted ‘we brought her into harbour in triumph at 9 o’clock that night, and ran her straight on the beach.’

In a letter home, Major William Joseph Bateman confirmed Billy’s part in the effort.

‘…Lt W. Pearce, of Ballarat East, is an officer in my company, and he specially distinguished himself on 2nd September, when the Southland was torpedoed. At a time when many brave deeds were being done he excelled all others by going down into the engine-room in a sinking ship and helping to get the engine going again…’

Lieutenant Fred Sale of the 21st Battalion gave a colourful and detailed account of the events of 2 September, including his impressions of Billy Pearce’s work that day.

‘…As you will see, we are here at last after a rather eventful voyage. You will of course have heard of our torpedo episode before now. In any case, you will have received my cable through Jack; I sent it to him, as I thought you would get it sooner, there being no telegraph station at Sulky, don't suppose one could conceive more sensational incident than being struck by a torpedo. Only for its tragedy, I would not have minded a bit. But through it we lost our brigadier and about 30 others. You can imagine what a shock it was to young Linton; poor chap, he was very much cut up.
We were sailing along pleasantly on a perfectly smooth sea, and as we were only four hours out from the port where we were to land, a big island base, before going actually into the firing line, but only about 60 miles away. We were packing up our kits and preparing to disembark on to small lighters, which do the final 60 miles run. Up on deck several chaps had their field glasses out, and were interested in a small craft a few miles ahead lying under the protection of a small island. She appeared to be stationary, and had a rather large boat of some description sheltering alongside her. She caused a certain amount
of curiosity, but no concern. In the meantime I had gone below and about half an hour afterwards was coming up again, when crash! bang! there was a terrible explosion, and I felt the great ship of 12,000 tons lift a couple of feet or more out of the water.
Everybody rushed for life-belts, and the confusion for a few minutes was awful. I went below to my cabin with difficulty to get mine, and then rushed up on deck to the place I had to assemble my men in case of accidents, and to the boats to my platoon, only to find a crowd who had been standing near had rushed the boat and had begun to lower it down. Most of them were the crew, and none of my men. The letting down process of the boat was unsuccessful, as one end stuck and the other dropped loose, with the result that the boat hung by one end in mid-air, about 40 feet above the water, and all fell out. As the ship had not been stopped they were left behind a couple of hundred yards, and believe most of them were drowned.

I was faced with the problem of getting my men off, and this was no easy matter, as the boats were very quickly filled and let down. My chaps behaved magnificently, and I got them to sit down and wait for a while, and I scouted round for means of escape. I discovered on the deck above some collapsible boats, and got my chaps up working on these. They were very cumbersome things, and as the davit ropes and falls had been messed up by those previously letting down boats, we had considerable difficulty in making headway; fortunately, however, my platoon sergeant is a sailor, and he proved himself a Briton to the core.

Altogether, we got six of these boats off, not too bad for No. 5 Platoon, eh? There were several accidents with boats; some capsized and some were smashed to atoms as they were lowered. The first half-hour was full of thrills, as the steamer sank considerably by the head, and would list alternately from side to side. However, owing to the torpedo being fired a second or so too soon, she did not strike in a vital spot, but hit just at the centre of the forward hold, and made a hole 26 feet long by 9 feet deep, and went right through to the other side, making a hole 6 feet square; rather a tidy hole, wasn't it? But the water-tight compartment saved her. They managed to just get her to port, a distance of 60 miles, and beach her. One of my men was killed and two others drowned; 12 men were killed by the explosion.

A troopship carrying British Tommies was torpedoed only a fortnight before; she sank a quarter of an hour after being struck. The knowledge of this made things a bit unpleasant for a while. My sergeant and batman stuck to me right through the piece, and we were amongst the last fifty to get off. Oh the marvel of the wireless! Within an hour of being fired on, little curls of smoke appeared all around the horizon, on what previously appeared to be a barren waste, with the exception of the island and the small boat I mentioned before, and there we were, surrounded by ships of all classes, which commenced picking up our boats. We got on to a hospital ship and were treated very well. We transferred to another vessel and re-formed our units. Of course, when we were struck we removed as much clothing as we could, and had to leave all behind, also our kits; but they were eventually rescued from our old ship. I got everything of mine back except my torch and a jack-knife. I carried dad's watch and your photo with me, so they ran no risk of being lost. I am sure you would have died laughing had you seen " little Freddie" tearing about on deck in a semi- clad condition, getting tangled up in rigging and roped, yelling, "Yo, ho, ho" and ''Heave, ho, me hearties!'' and other nautical expressions in a very unnautical manner. I could not help laughing myself at times. It all seemed so unreal to be torpedoed in what seemed a perfectly untrammelled sea. It was a wonderful experience, but I do not desire a repetition of it.

The boat our brigadier was in capsized and it was the shock of immersion that killed him; or, at least, he died five minutes after he was rescued.

Billy Pearce, of Ballarat, was the real hero of the occasion. He arranged a party to go into the stoke-hold, and he himself drove the engines to get the ship back. He is a mining engineer (1st class). Nelson Wellington worked well also. He is a captain now…’
Within a week of the incident, supporters of Billy Pearce – still unaware of his bravery and leadership on the Southland – shared word of his examination results achieved in Egypt.

‘…The allegations which were made in the Federal Parliament about the undue influence which is was said was use to gain a commission in the Australian Forces for Lt W. Pearce, a son of Cr I. Pearce, of Ballarat East, followed the troops to Egypt, and a Ballarat boy at the front, fully acquainted with the facts, has stated them in a letter to a friend. He writes, “In Victoria Col Hutchinson wanted three officers to complete his compliment. He applied to the School of Instruction, Broadmeadows. The name of W. Pearce was given to him by the Sergeant-Majors and the Adjutant as being top of the list in efficiency. Since landing in Egypt he was one of 34 subalterns picked to attend the School of Instruction at Zeitoun, one of the best schools outside England, it is said, the instructors being officers who have served at various times at the front and in France, from the retreat of Mons to any part of the campaign that caused their partial disablement. At the examinations held by the school Pearce gained an average of 85 per cent, which proves that the Broadmeadows recommendation was sound, and he has since proved that he is a suitable man to command men. a very favourable report has been forwarded to Melbourne with the signatures of the CO and the Brigadier attached…’

‘…“Actions speak louder than words,” is what Lt W. Pearce, of Ballarat East, might very well say in answer to those who so sneeringly and maliciously disputed his claim to a commission in the Australian Forces. A certificate, issued by the Commandant of the Zeitoun School of Instruction (Lt-Col Colston), states that “2nd Lt J. W. Pearce, 21st Regiment, has attended the school for a course of one month, and has qualified in the following subjects: Written examinations, including musketry, tactics, topography, field engineering, sanitation, organisation, and administration, 70 per cent; practical musketry, 90 per cent; drill, 97 per cent; a total of 86 per cent…’

Fred Sale continued his letter by detailing the experiences of the 21st Battalion, and that of Billy Pearce, in the days following their arrival at ANZAC.
‘…We have been under fire quite a lot now; but we are pretty safe behind deep trenches, except, of course, when shells hit us up occasionally, and knock our trenches about a bit, but do little damage to us. Night time is our hardest work. Pearce, [2/Lt Charles Augustus Horace] Sandford, [Lt W. R.] Trainor and myself take it in three hours shifts. The enemy keeps up sniping all the time, throws up flares, a bomb or two also, and punctuates the whole performance by pretty hot machine-gun fire.

The nights are as cold as charity—beat Ballarat hollow. I have plenty of warm clothes, though, so l am quite all right. The days are simply perfect; just like our Australian spring—beautiful sunshine and crisp, clear air. The flies are pretty thick, but not so bad as we expected. We sleep in our clothes, and never take off our boots—must be prepared for every emergency here…’

Fred Sale had been a little premature in saying that Billy Pearce had been promoted to captain – he was, however, made a full lieutenant on 8 October and was Mentioned in the Special Order of the Day (2 September 1915) for his role in bringing the Southland into harbour. Many believed he should have been decorated for his efforts.

Billy’s time at ANZAC was cut short by illness. He was admitted to the 6th Australian Field Ambulance on 23 October, but the cause of his condition could not be determined. Five days later he was transferred from the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station to the Hospital Ship Rewa suffering from a severe case of jaundice. He was admitted to the Blue Sisters Hospital on Malta on 2 November where he was listed as seriously ill.

His condition worsened and, on 10 November, he was admitted to the Imtarfa Hospital with scarlet fever. He was moved to the All Saints Convalescent Camp on 15 November.

During his report to council on 15 November 1915, Mayor William Hoare referred to the illness of Billy Pearce,

‘…I am but voicing the feelings of his fellow-councillors,” he said, “when I express sympathy for Cr Pearce in the reported illness of his son, who so bravely distinguished himself on active service. You all know the particular incident I refer to, in which Lt Pearce manifested the utmost courage in leading a party of volunteers to the boilers and engines of a disabled transport, and helped in no small measure to bring the vessel to a place of safety, an act which earned for him congratulations from the First Admiral of the Fleet. I trust that Lt Pearce’s illness is not severe, and that he will soon be restored to good health…’

This was followed with in a matter of days by an official statement regarding the Southland under the headline, “Ballarat Officers to the Fore – Capt Wellington and Lieut Pearce as Stokers.”

‘…The Minister of Defence tonight published a special order of the day issued by the General Headquarters with regard to the torpedoing of the transport Southland. The order states that the Southland was struck south of Mudros Bay. A second torpedo passed just astern of the transport a few minutes later. The troops on board were just about to parade when he torpedo struck. They fell in just as if for ordinary drill and awaited orders.

A large number of troops had to stand for nearly two hours on an enclosed promenade deck on what, during the first 30 or 40 minutes, was believed to be a sinking ship. Pte Smith, of C Company, 21st Battalion, distinguished himself by diving from the deck to prevent a patent raft from drifting away.

When the hospital ship Neuralia arrived with boats ready for launching the only troops remaining on board were the staff of the 2nd Australian Division and a party of volunteer stokers under Capt N. Wellington, Adjutant 21st Battalion, who had offered to the master to get the ship into port. The Southland, escorted by destroyers, reached Mudros drawing 34 feet forward and 20 feet afterward. The following list of Officers and men comprising the volunteer party to work the Southland into port: Capt Nelson Wellington, Adjutant, 21st Battalion, 6th Infantry Brigade; Capt H. Garrett, A Company, 21st Battalion…Lt A. H. Crowther, A Company, 21st Battalion; 2nd Lt J. W. Pearce, B Company, 21st Battalion; Lt J. P. Hamilton Aram, 2nd Division Signalling Company, 2nd Australian Division; Lt R. N. Stewart, 29th Division Train, Imperial Army; Sergt F. S. Eorss, C Company, 21st Battalion, etc. Capt N. Wellington is the son of Mr and Mrs N. Wellington, of Mount Pleasant. He was assistant town clerk of Ballarat East for some years, and was then appointed town clerk of Orbost. He was an officer of the Citizen Forces attached to a Ballarat Battalion. He is well known as a footballer and cricketer. Lt W. Pearce is a son of Cr I. Pearce, of Ballarat East. Different accounts from private sources state that Lt Pearce performed splendid work. One writer refers to him as the “hero of the ship.” The same writer states that Lt Pearce drove the engines until the ship was beached. Cr Pearce has also had word that his son was sent for by the Admiral, who congratulated him on his work…’

Billy spent Christmas 1915 on Malta before sailing for Egypt on 30 December. He spent the early weeks of 1916 on staff duty before rejoining the 21st Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir on 19 January.

The 21st Battalion was one of the first Australian units to leave for France. They embarked from Alexandria on 19 March onboard the transport Minnewaska. For Billy, and all who had been onboard the Southland, the lifeboat drills, submarine posts and “alarm” signals that punctuated the crossing of the Mediterranean must have rattled their nerves. The Minnewaska reached Marseilles at 4:30pm on 24 March without incident.

In April, the 21st became the first Australian battalion to commence active operations on the Western Front, entering the line at Wye Farm forward of the village of Fleurbaix.

(End of Part I)

Captain Joseph William Pearce MC
No known grave, “Known unto God”
 
We shall not stand beside his grave,
And none shall point to where he lies.
We only know that he was brave,
He did not turn or swerve aside.
 
This officer was killed 04.10.1917, whilst gallantly leading his company to attack Broodseinde Ridge. This officer was held in very high esteem by all ranks and his men would follow him anywhere, as they had great affection for him. Capt. Pearce was fearless in action, and always showed himself as a born leader of men. His kindness and care for the men under his command especially endeared him to them. His death was more than an individual loss and was felt deeply by all in his battalion, as well as his many friends in other units. He leaves behind him his reputation as an officer and a gentleman, which will never fade from the minds of those who worked with him under his command.
 
A letter from Sergeant C.H. Wallis
21st Battalion A.I.F.
 
Dear Pearce,
 
This is just a line to congratulate you very heartily upon the award of the Military Cross, which has been made to you in recognition of the good work you did for us during the fighting around Pozieres. I well know how gallantly and ably you carried out reconnaissance work near Mouquet Farm on 22nd and 23rd of last month, and how you helped in guiding the relieving troops under heavy fire when others had been hit and become casualties. I know too, how you remained on duty the whole of the following day, even though you had been twice wounded, and how gallantly you behaved on every possible occasion, perhaps the least conspicuous being on the Southland, when I am fully cognisant of how you remained so pluckily at work in the engine room until the ship was brought into port. Thank you so much for all your good work, which I am so glad has now received this recognition.’
 
A letter from General Birdwood.