Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Heinrich Wilhelm Eckermann was born on 17 March 1874 in his home town of Saddleworth, South Australia. He came from a family of 5: his parents were Joachim Eckermann and Johanna (nee Ahrns), he had 2 brothers, C. Eckermann and Theodor. C. Eckermann who lived in Gawler, South Australia and Theodore lived in Rosenthal, South Australia. Eckermann worked as a fruiterer by trade. 

Eckermann was a fairly average height of 5 feet, 9 inches. The average weight of the time was 181lbs but he weighed a little less than that at 150lbs. Eckermann had brown hair and blue eyes. He had a chest measurement of 36-38 inches. Eckermann classified his religion as Protestant and he was also single before the war. 

On the 10/4/16 Eckermann enlisted for the ANZACS. He enlisted in Adelaide in what would have been a suspenseful day wondering if his application would be accepted or not. Eckermann would have had a higher chance of getting in as he had been in the A.I.F military service before. He also would have been considered more highly as he joined later in the war when numbers were low and more men were needed. He had previously served as a Private in the Ambulance Corps from January to April 1915. His reason for discharge is not clear.

On the 1/5/16 he was accepted and taken straight to Mitchem Army Camp. Mitcham housed up to 4 thousand recruits at a time and training was up to 12 weeks. As a part of the training course, the men had to learn how to do field patrols, bomb-throwing and trench digging. Some of these training courses weren't very popular with locals as there were reports from "The Advertiser," in 1916 of residents complaining of being startled when random bombs were dropped under fake war conditions. Eckermann didn't have to stay there very long as he had previous experience fighting in the A.I.F. This meant a spot could be freed up for another soldier as there were many eager applicants waiting to get in on the action. 

Eckermann departed Australia for England on board the HMAT A70 Ballarat. This ship was an Australian troop transport ship. It took almost 6 weeks to arrive in England and join the 3rd Brigade. Eckermann stayed with this brigade for 2 months in England before transferring to France through Folkestone. As part of 19th Reinforcement, he and the other soldiers joined the 10th Battalion of the A.I.F in France. During this time the 10th Battalion fought in multiple battles along the Western Front. During his time with the 10th Battalion, it can be seen that he was active in many of Australia's largest and most deadly historical battles. One of these was the Battle of Ypres. This battle was one of many similar battles along the Western Front. Eckermann would also have been involved in the Battle at Polygon Wood. 

During the Battle of Ypres, 3 Victoria Cross medals were awarded to Australians. This is the highest award that can be granted for valour on the battlefield. This shows just how intense the battle was. As the 10th Battalion was in the heart of it all it is very likely that Eckermann experienced many of the hardships of battle. In 5 months, 38,000 people were killed or wounded just in the Battle of Ypres alone. This particular battle lasted from 31/7/17 till 7/12/17. 

On the 25/1/18 Eckermann was admitted to the Australian Field Ambulance with an illness. Therefore he spent the next 33 days in a French hospital. Typical Australian field hospitals during WW1 had between 250-1000 beds. They received Australian battle casualties from the front and also treated other illnesses. Eckermann was discharged from the hospital on the 26/2/18. 

Eckermann served out the rest of the war in the 10th Battalion before finally being recommended to return back to Australia on the 4/2/19. This is almost 3 months after the final armistice was signed following the German's surrender. Almost 6 weeks later Eckermann returned from Lancashire to Australia on the 19/3/19. It was not long after arriving that he was discharged from the Army due to poor dental health. The last official record of Eckermann is a letter of complaint written on 19/5/19. He had written to state that he had not yet received his discharge certificate and that this prevented him from receiving his last pay. 

Eckermann received 2 basic medals from serving in the war. One of these is the British War medal, given out to the Imperial Forces who served in the 1st World War. The other medal is the Victory medal. To receive this you had to have been in the war anywhere between the 5th of August 1914 and the 11th of November 1918 and overall, win the war.

Anzac spirit

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Eckermann is apart of the overall ANZAC Spirit developed throughout World War One that continues to bind Australia and New Zealand. Many ANZAC traits include commitment to doing your duty, responsibility, mateship, determination and courage. The Australian army showed these traits through their manner and conduct. It never gave up despite how long the war continued. Battles such as Ypres showed the ANZAC Spirit as the soldiers were very courageous and determined to win as they overcame enormous odds. Eckermann showed commitment to duty by re-joining the army. He had previously known the struggles of being a soldier in the army but never hesitated to serve his country again for the greater good. 

It is thanks to Eckermann and all the other ANZACS that the war was eventually won. This achievement has changed the course of history and their sacrifice was made to protect the future generations and for this, we are eternally grateful. Hence, ANZAC Day celebrated annually on the 25th of April is a significant day to remember and give thanks to all the ANZACS and soldiers who have sacrificed themselves for us. 

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