Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Richard Thomas Stockley, son of Elizabeth Ann Stockley and William Richard Stockley, was born in Williamstown, in the state of Victoria 1888. Despite being born in Victoria, Richard grew up in Norwood, one of the most historically rich suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia, and continues to thrive today as one of the most desired suburbs. Throughout that period, he was situated at 49 Sydenham Road. Rather than following in his father's footsteps as a farmer, Richard pursued a career as a machinist before the war. This occupation involved the operation and maintenance of machinery and tools essential for the fabrication and production of various materials. Richard's expertise as a machinist could have proven invaluable during the war, as he possessed the knowledge and skills to maintain and fabricate a wide array of tools. His capabilities likely played a pivotal role in advancing weaponry and making significant contributions to the war effort. The story of Richard Thomas Stockley before the war holds immense importance in unveiling his identity, as these initial experiences collectively shaped how he served, transforming him into one of the many distinctive soldiers who courageously fought for their country, each with a unique story to tell.

Stockley enlisted on August 11 1915 and served as a private in the 10th Infantry Battalion, 12th reinforcement, one of the many Infantry Battalions in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). 

Clearly evident from his portrait and his enlistment document, Richard had dark hair and grey eyes. He stood at a height of 5 feet, 6 and a half inches and weighed approximately 145 pounds. Following his medical clearance for military service, Richard's journey began in Adelaide, where he underwent an extensive training regimen lasting several months. This training encompassed a range of vital elements, including weapon proficiency, fundamental drill orders, military discipline, physical fitness exercises, and an understanding of the command structure.

On the 2nd of December 1915, Richard set forth from Adelaide upon the completion of his training, embarking aboard the RMS Malwa bound for Alexandria, Egypt, accompanied by his assigned unit. From there, he continued his journey, arriving in Marseilles, France, on the 29th of March 1916, with the objective of joining the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) after a brief three-month sojourn in Egypt. T

A mere day prior to the commencement of the Pozieres battle, Richard and the 10th Battalion departed Sausage Valley, a highly trafficked route along the entire Western Front that had witnessed fierce combat during the early phases of the Battle of the Somme. Subsequently, they advanced through Black Watch Valley and arrived at the trenches on July 22nd with the aim of providing support to the 9th Battalion, which had recently endured a severe artillery bombardment involving the likely use of phosgene, a lethal chemical warfare agent. There, Richard and his comrades likely offered artillery support to reinforce the 9th Battalion’s positions during the Battle of Pozieres, providing respite to the exhausted 9th Battalion soldiers both physically and emotionally.

Richard, alongside the battalion, faced their first significant engagement in July 1916 in France during the Battle of Pozieres. In this harrowing conflict, they were involved in gruelling trench warfare spanning a 15-mile front along the Somme River. This battle stands out as one of the most devastating and pivotal clashes of World War I. Fortunately, Richard emerged from it unscathed, not requiring any significant medical attention. The primary objective of this battle was to divert the attention of the German forces away from Verdun, thus relieving the intense pressure on the French troops engaged in fierce combat there. The battle itself was characterized by extensive trench warfare, relentless artillery barrages, and resolute infantry offensives. During the battle, Richard was faced with an extremely difficult mission as his battalion was tasked to capture three very dangerous locations. The first was the Pozieres trenches, then the outskirts of the village and the main road which went straight down the middle of the village. In face of the German’s tenacious defence of the Pozieres ruins, Richard and the ANZACs moved through the shattered remnants of the village that had been completely obliterated by shellfire, overcoming the devastating machine gun posts, wresting trenches, and man to man fight with the Germans.

In addition to Richard's bravery in risking his life to protect his family and homeland, he also exhibited musical aptitude during his service, as he was reassigned to the battalion bands on several occasions. On one of the several instances, Richard was attached to the 3rd Brigade band that was known as the “All Australia Band” comprised of soldiers from 9th and 10th Battalion that were experienced with the brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The band played ceremonial and marching in several events such as parades and gatherings, providing a sense of dignity and pride to these occasions. Although the specific instrument Richard played remains a mystery, his music undoubtedly inspired and uplifted people's spirits during times of profound apprehension, serving to unify the community. 

Following years of combat and the sombre experience of witnessing comrades take their last breath on the merciless battlefields, Richard approached the war's culmination when he participated in his ultimate battle on August 8, 1918, during the Amiens battle, also known as the Hundred Days Offensive. In this conflict, a formidable coalition of Allied forces, including Australians, launched an offensive to break through the German front lines, marking a pivotal turning point in the global conflict as it led to the victory of the Allied forces.

On August 9th, Richard and his battalion arrived at the bivouac shelter near Harbonnieres, where they awaited orders to advance at 8am on the 10th of August, with the objective of seizing the blue line. The morning was described as "very misty and dark," and the battalion encountered challenges in maintaining the direction of their artillery barrage. Thanks to the effective use of artillery and tanks, as well as the battalion's intricate trench system, which Richard likely fought in, they successfully carried out constant series of counterattacks against the German troops, ultimately capturing the line with minimal casualties. Amidst the dense fog of onslaughts of German attacks, the four-year long war finally came to a conclusion under the efforts of Richard and the 10th Battalion, along with numerous other infantry units, through their unwavering resolve and determination. Their historic victory in the face of adversity stands as a testament to their resilience.

While the guns on the Western Front ceased their thunderous roar on November 11, 1918, concluding over four years of dreadful warfare and the tragic sacrifice of countless valiant soldiers and innocent souls, wedding bells finally chimed for Richard. Having fulfilled his duty as a soldier, he could now heed the call of his heart, uniting in matrimony with Ethel Amelia Ward at St. Phillip's Church. The newlywed couple then set sail aboard the SS Mahana on September 25, 1919, bound for Australia, where they were greeted by a new awaiting journey ahead of them.

Richard Thomas Stockley was awarded the 1914-1915 stars of service, the British War Medal, and the Victory medal.

On the 15th of August 1976, Richard passed away at the age of 88, marking the end of his great journey. His grave can be found at Centennial Park, SA, while his wife’s grave remains in Enfield Memorial Park under the name of Ethel Amelia Stockley.

Lest we forget.