Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Kenneth Pettit Shadgett was born in Charleville, Queensland, and later lived in South Australia. He was the son of Robert George Shadgett, attended Adelaide High School, and had a job as a horse driver. On enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) at Keswick, South Australia, Kenneth was assigned to the 50th Battalion as a Private, bearing service number 3275. 

Shadgett embarked on October 27, 1915, aboard HMAT Benalla (A24). His military journey took him to the Western Front, where he faced the ferocity of trench warfare. On April 2, 1917, he was reported missing during combat. Subsequent reports confirmed his capture by German forces, leading to his internment as a prisoner of war (POW). 

The 50th Infantry Battalion was formed in Egypt on February 26, 1916, as part of the A.I.F.’s expansion. Half of its members were veterans from the 10th Battalion, while the other half were fresh recruits from Australia, predominantly from South Australia. Dubbed "Hurcombe’s Hungry Half Hundred" after its first commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Hurcombe, the battalion became part of the 13th Brigade in the 4th Australian Division. The 50th Battalion fought its first major battle at Mouquet Farm in August 1916 and continued to play a vital role in key battles on the Western Front, including Noreuil on April 2, 1917, the day Kenneth Shadgett was reported missing. 

Kenneth’s captivity began at Limburg POW Camp in Germany. He was later transferred to Dulmen Camp on July 16, 1917, and eventually to Heilsberg Camp (modern-day Lidzbark Warminski, Poland) in June 1918. Despite enduring severe conditions, including intense cold and long hours of heavy labor, Shadgett’s correspondence reflected his resilience. In letters to his family, he described himself as being in "good health" and "as comfortable and happy as circumstances permit." He also expressed gratitude for parcels sent by the Red Cross, which included much-needed supplies. 

The Australian Red Cross played a vital role in keeping his family informed, particularly Mrs. C.A. Shadgett of Unley, South Australia. Regular updates reassured them of Kenneth’s condition, despite disruptions in communication. 

Following the armistice, Kenneth was repatriated to England, arriving in Hull on December 9, 1918, and later reaching London on December 11. Armistice marked the formal cessation of hostilities between the Allies and Germany, effectively ending World War I. A priority under post-war agreements was the release and safe return of POWs which were fundamental aspects of the armistice's humanitarian terms. His official certification as a repatriated POW came on December 16, 1918. This marked the end of his ordeal and his eventual return to Australia. 

Kenneth Pettit Shadgett’s story exemplifies the trials and resilience of Australian soldiers during World War I. His service, incarceration, and eventual repatriation highlight the courage and endurance of those who faced the extraordinary challenges of war. His legacy is preserved in records maintained by the Australian War Memorial and the South Australian Red Cross Information Bureau. 

Bibliography: 

UBC Web Design 2014, 50th Infantry Battalion | Monument Australia, Monumentaustralia.org.au, viewed 1 December 2024, <https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/culture/display/100348-50th-infantry-battalion>. 

Terrace, V 2024, NAA: B2455, SHADGETT KENNETH PETTIT, National Archives of Australia, viewed 2 December 2024, <https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8077820&S=1>.