OSWIN, Henry James
| Service Number: | 4867 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 15 September 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 3rd Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, 18 July 1891 |
| Home Town: | Maclean, Clarence Valley, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Copmanhurst Public School, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Barman |
| Died: | Died of wounds, France, 16 April 1918, aged 26 years |
| Cemetery: |
Ebblinghem Military Cemetery Plot I, Row C, Grave No. 16. |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Copmanhurst Public School Honor Roll, Eatonsville District Honour Roll, Ramornie War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 15 Sep 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 4867, 3rd Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Mar 1916: | Involvement Private, 4867, 3rd Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '7' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Star of England embarkation_ship_number: A15 public_note: '' | |
| 8 Mar 1916: | Embarked Private, 4867, 3rd Infantry Battalion, HMAT Star of England, Sydney |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Stephen Brooks
Henry James Oswin was the son of Albert and Dorcas Oswin, who had passed away in 1890’s when Henry was a small child. His older brother, 557 Sergeant Albert Edward Oswin 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment had been killed in action at Gallipoli on 14 May 1915, aged 27.
Henry James Oswin was known as ‘Jim’ had enlisted after getting the news of his brother's death. He joined the 3rd Battalion in France during August 1916 and fought on the Western Front until he was mortally wounded in the head near Strazeele in France on 15 April 1916. Henry died of his wounds the next day.
Apparently, Henry had been raised by his maternal grandfather at Grafton. The Grafton Daily Examiner reported in 1918, “Mr. George Austen received the sad news last night that Private H. J. Oswin 3rd Battalion, died in France on April 16. His parents are dead, and he had always lived with his grandfather, Mr. H. Smith, of Red Rock, near Copmanhurst. When Pte. Oswin 's brother was killed about three years ago (Sergt. Albert Oswin) he felt the call, and nothing would stop him from taking up his share. A better young man than Pte. Jim Oswin never lived.”
His medals were sent to a distant cousin, also named Henry James Oswin.