Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The summary below was completed by Cathy Sedgwick – Facebook “WW1 Australian War Graves in England/UK

Died on this date - 25th August.....Private Henry Bayley was born at Brighton, Sussex, England around 1869.

According to information provided by his wife for the Roll of Honour – Henry Bayley came to Australia when he was “about 20 years.”

Henry Bayley married Esther Mary Reid in Victoria, Australia on 4th June, 1902.

According to information provided by his wife for the Roll of Honour – Henry Bayley “served in the South African War. Went with 2nd Contingent returned & enlisted for the second time but did not sail & was discharged as medically unfit.”

Henry Bayley stated he was a 44 year old, married, Farmer from West Gippsland, Victoria when he enlisted at Sale, Victoria on 25th June, 1917 with the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.).

Private Henry Bayley embarked from Melbourne, Victoria on HMAT Themistocles (A32) on 4th August, 1917 with the 6th Infantry Battalion, 25th Reinforcements.

Private Henry Bayley was admitted to Ship’s Hospital on 17th August, 1917 suffering with Pleurisy. He was reported missing from Hospital at 12.30 am.
Private Henry Bayley disappeared from HMAT Themistocles (A32) while at Sea on 25th August, 1917 – believed to have been drowned.

A Court of Enquiry was held at Sea on board HMAT Themistocles (A32) on 25th August, 1917. Report of Board of Inquiry

“The evidence brought before the Board discloses that No. 7450 Pte Bayley H. 25th Reinf. 6th Battalion, disappeared from H.M.A.T. A32 at about 12.30 am on August 25th 1917 under circumstances which in the opinion of the Board make it certain that he jumped overboard. There is evidence of mental depression probably due to illness. There is no evidence of negligence on the part of the Medical and Hospital Staff of the Ship.” (see my research on website for full details of Inquest).

Private Henry Bayley was classed as buried at Sea on 25th August, 1917. He is commemorated on the Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton, Hampshire, England as he has no grave. His death is acknowledged by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

(The above is a summary of my research. The full research can be found by following the link below)
https://ww1austburialsuk.weebly.com/-a---b.html