Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Name: Richard Hugo Hart
Service Number: 1880
Place of Birth: Lobethal
Date of Birth: 2 March 1887
Place of Enlistment: Blackboy Hill, W.A.
Date of Enlistment: 11 May 1915
Age at Enlistment: 28 years 1 month
Next of Kin: Brother, Alvin John Hart
Occupation: Blacksmith
Religion: Anglican
Rank: Sergeant
Richard’s unit, the 28th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement embarked from Fremantle on board HMAT A 68 Anchises on 2 September 1915. He proceeded to Etaples in France on 8 October 1916. Richard was shot in the back during action on 7 November with his brother being notified on 5 December. He was also treated for trench fever when admitted to the 1st Eastern General Hospital on 13 November and was treated for trench feet at the same hospital in February 1917. Richard was wounded a second time when hit with a mustard gas shell on 11 March 1918 and was transferred to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England, with his brother notified promptly of the situation. He was sent back to France on 26 June and rejoined his unit on 2 July.
Sergeant Richard Hart was awarded the Military Medal for his actions on 12 July. His A.I.F. Project record states: “South of Strazelle on the morning of 12 July 1918, Sergeant Hart was one of a party of five who left our lines with the object of endeavouring to mop up the enemy posts some 200 yards in front of our line. All the enemy posts were captured without loss to the party, 28 prisoners and 4 machine guns being captured. Sergeant Hart showed great courage and initiative throughout and rendered great assistance to his Officer in directing operations. Later, after his Platoon moved forward and occupied the position he continued to do good work and after his Officer was wounded he took command and skillfully carried out his duties.”
Sergeant Richard Hart was killed in action on 23 August 1918, 11 days after being awarded the Military Medal and was buried at Heath Cemetery at Harbonnieres, near Corbie, France. His brother Alvin received Richard’s Victory Medal, Memorial Plaque, Memorial Scroll and Military Medal between September 1921 and February 1923.
The Advertiser of Friday 20 September 1918 carried the following notice: “He gave his life, his best, his all. Killed in action August 23 after 3 years active service. Sergeant Richard Hart, dearly loved brother of Mrs. Ern Hooper, Tweedvale and Mr. A. Hart, Newcarnil W.A, aged 31 years. The Last Post is now sounded. You’ve laid aside your sword.”

The details provided are taken from the book "Stealth Raiders - a few daring men in 1918" written by Lucas Jordan, published 2017, refer to pages 161 + 267. Prior to the war he was a blacksmith of Merredin WA. He enlisted 11th May 1915 aged 28 years. He served with the 1st Infantry Battalion, rising to the rank of Sergeant. Unfortunately, he was Killed in Action 23rd Aig 1918.
Rest In Peace
Lest We Forget.