Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Ballarat & District in the Great War

Ballarat seemed to be to the forefront of everything during the Great War - so many notable "firsts". Well, this connection, from an Australian perspective, is an "only". Pte Verney Asser, the only member of the AIF to be executed, was connected with the city.

He enlisted under an alias and claimed he was born in Ballarat. His next-of-kin was given simply as "brother, 5 Perry Street, Ballarat'.

After his conviction for the alleged murder of Joseph Durkin, Asser's legal representative entered an appeal on the grounds of mental incompetence. Asser then stated his true name was James Nugent and he was born in Liverpool, England. He also had an history of mental illness. The appeal was rejected as there was 'no precedence', the conviction for murder stood and the execution carried out.

As there was no success in locating Asser/Nugent's NOK, it appeared that the connection to Ballarat was all in his head. Except for one vital clue: his name is commemorated in the Avenue of Honour (tree #2188), which was planted on 20 July 1918. This indicates that someone in Ballarat knew Asser/Nugent as names for inclusion generally required submission.

I have searched for years trying to find his family, all to no avail. And it appears that no photograph exists of the elusive Verney Asser.

The attached article, written by Peter Burness, head historian at the Australian War Memorial, adds further detail to the tale... (see attached link).