S1878
BOURNE, Roy
| Service Number: | 3696 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Sergeant |
| Last Unit: | 50th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Not yet discovered |
| Home Town: | Perth, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Memorials: | Naracoorte and District Town Hall Honour Board WW1 |
World War 1 Service
| 2 Dec 1915: | Involvement Private, 3696, 12th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '10' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: RMS Malwa embarkation_ship_number: '' public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Dec 1915: | Embarked Private, 3696, 12th Infantry Battalion, RMS Malwa, Adelaide | |
| 12 Sep 1918: | Involvement 12th of September 1918 near Vendelles, during an attack Roy Bourne showed coolness and gallantry under machine gun fire, when his platoon commander was wounded, he took charge of the platoon and pushed home the attack until the objective was gained. On 13th September 1918 near Verguier, during a strong hostile counterattack supported by an intense artillery barrage, he encouraged his men to hold on under heavy fire in an isolated forward post and beat off the enemy advancing on his post in superior numbers. When the enemy was driven out on his front, he got out the trench and moved over open ground under considerable gun fire to ascertain if a post on his right flank with stood the counter attack. | |
| 11 Nov 1918: | Involvement Sergeant, 3696, 50th Infantry Battalion |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Modbury High School
Roy Bourne enlisted in Adelaide on the 24th of August 1915. Born in Perth, Western Australia, Roy Bourne was a farmer before he joined the military to serve his country. Roy Bourne embarked from Adelaide aboard the RMS Malwa on the 2nd of December 1915. He served as a Private in the 12th Infantry Battalion. His first battle was in July 1916 at the Battle of Pozieres in the Somme Valley, and he later fought at Ypres in Flanders. These early battles on the front lines honed his skills and demonstrated his bravery, eventually leading to his promotion to a Sergeant.
Roy Bourne later transferred to the 50th Infantry Battalion. This battalion saw fighting at Mouquet Farm and Noreuil in France during 1916 and early 1917. The battalion later moved to Belgium, where he fought in battles at Messines and Polygon Wood in 1917. His leadership and bravery were particularly noted on the 12th of September 1918, near Vendelles, where he took charge of his platoon under heavy machine gun fire after his commander was wounded, leading his men to achieve their objective. The following day, on 13th September 1918, near Verguier, Roy demonstrated further heroism. During a robust enemy counterattack supported by intense artillery, he encouraged his men to hold their position under heavy fire. He exhibited extraordinary courage by leaving the trench and crossing open ground under gunfire to ensure the safety of a nearby post. This bravery earned him a medal for gallantry awarded on the 14th of November 1919.
During his service, Roy Bourne was awarded a total of 4 medals, including a Victory Medal, a Star Medal, a British War Medal, and a Bravery Medal. These honours reflect his dedication and courage, during his battalion's efforts during the war. Roy was eventually faced with a challenge. In late 1919, he contracted gonorrhea and was hospitalized on the 20th of October. However, he recovered and was fit for discharge. There is no record of him being wounded in combat.
After surviving the war, Roy Bourne was discharged from the military, there is no available information regarding his life post-discharge, including his date of death or burial details. Despite the lack of detailed post-war records, his service is recognised on the Naracoorte and District Town Hall Honour Board for World War I, ensuring that he isn’t forgotten. Roy Bourne's next of kin was listed as his mother.
His story is one of courage and unwavering dedication to his comrades and country. While some parts of his life remain undocumented, his military service during one of the most important times in history stands as evidence to his character.