FRENCH, Reggie Nathaniel
| Service Number: | 885 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 7 July 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 30th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Bligh, NSW, 26 October 1895 |
| Home Town: | Merriwa, Upper Hunter Shire, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Grocer |
| Died: | Killed in Action, France, 17 March 1917, aged 21 years |
| Cemetery: |
Vaulx Hill Cemetery I C 20, |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Merriwa War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 7 Jul 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 885, 30th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Nov 1915: | Involvement Private, 885, 30th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '16' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Beltana embarkation_ship_number: A72 public_note: '' | |
| 9 Nov 1915: | Embarked Private, 885, 30th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Beltana, Sydney |
Help us honour Reggie Nathaniel French's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of John Edward and Emily FRENCH, Merriwa, New South Wales
The Late Private R. N. French.
Mr. and Mrs. J. L. French have received a very appreciative letter in respect of their son, the late Private R. N. French, from Sergeant John Carter, a Denman sol- dier, who was present when Private French was shot. He writes : ''I got Captain Bean, the Australian war correspondent, to take a photo of Rex's grave, as Rex was the first British soldier to come througrh Bapaume. It is possible the photo may appear in one of the illustrated papers."— Lieutenant E. H. Richardson also writes in respect of the late Private French:
"Rest assured your son will in the future world receive his reward for his gallant heroism and sacrifice for the sacred cause of humanity and right." — Private E. N. Collins also writes, and speaks of the late Private French as a soldier who was the life of the company he was in, and that he was given a decent funeral. — Chaplain F. G. Way writes: "My Dear Mrs. French, — You have heard ere this the sad news of your son's death, 885, Private R. N. French, D. Co., 30th Battalion, ,and on behalf of his officers, fellow comrades, and myself, we ask you to accept our very sincere sympathy. We were all very fond of him for he was so cheery, even under trying conditions. Ready always when duty called, and it was thus he was killed. His company was first to enter Bapaume. He was forward scouting along the road that runs to Bengnatic-Faulx-Francourt when he was shot by a sniper. He was buried near where he fell, and this afternoon the boys gathered round the grave that they have planted with snowdrops and box hedge. We commended him and you all to God's keeping. He has made the great sacrifice, dying that others may live in security and peace. Easter brings the glorious news home to us that death has lost its sting. It is but the great chantge into a larger and more perfect life. Thus it brings joy to us that he now lives since God hath opened unto him the gate of everlasting life. But nevertheless we shall miss him in the flesh and his company; a good soldier with great dash and bravery. Our prayers are with you in this your great sorrow.''
Click images to start slideshow.