Comments on: One who fell at Ypres: Private Pegram’s story

By: Wayne Hill

Wayne Hill — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:34:15 +0000

We will remember them, Lest we forget.

My Grandmother Edith lost both of her brothers, Her eldest James Stanley HARRIS #3168 aged 27years 4mths was with the 8th reinf 57 Batt Killed during the attack at Polygon Wood 26-9-1917 exactly 12 months after attestation, he was a Gardiner by trade, having immigrated with his family from England in 1911 he left Melbourne aboard the HMAT Medic after having just wed his love Winifred Watkins, and was off for the adventure and to do his bit for the Empire. Her younger brother George Legdon HARRIS #2044 was only 19 years 4 mths when he enlisted in 1915 his Mum giving her consent, as his father had died in 1896 the same year he was born. Yong George according to his service records was of bad character, He was on charges before he even alighted the HMAT Ballarat, for throwing food aboard the ship (come on he was young an invincible) or so he thought George Legdon was Killed 5 March 1918 “in the field” Messines Belgium. My Poor Dear Great Grandmother Lost Her Husband Fank in 1896 came to Australia to start over with her three children and niece Elizabeth Annie Stamp, She lost her only sons 6 months apart. Neither of their bodies were ever found for burial!
I will remember them, and I wont forget.

By: Tim Cook

Tim Cook — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:17:28 +0000

Thanks for the post Aaron and everyone else. Very interesting.

I am presently researching and writing a unit history of the 55th Battalion AIF. For some reason a unit history was never published so I’ve set out to fill in this gap in the historical record. I’d appreciate access to any diaries, letters etc that may be held in private hands to assist me in better telling the story of these brave men.

My great-uncle, 2142 Sergeant William ‘Billy’ Cook, from Goulburn was also killed during the assault on Polygon Wood although his body was never recovered.

As a part of my research, I’m visiting the 55th’s battlefields in August this year and will certainly be visiting Herbecore cemetery to pay my respects to Fred Cotterell, Stan Colless, Albert Bingham and the others of the Battalion that fell in the attack on Peronne and that are buried there.

By: Darryl Ellis

Darryl Ellis — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:53:44 +0000

Last October I took my father Vernon Ellis aged 81 of Narrandera to France to visit Herbecore where his uncle is buried. His uncles name was Verner Ellis V. M. Ellis) and his service number was 3777, 55th BN Australian Infantry. This is a very small cemetery however there are many graves of soldiers of the 55th Bn within the graves. This is my third visit to the graveyard and although off the main route I encourage others with connections to the 55th BN to make a small detour and visit Herbecore.

By: Philip McLeod

Philip McLeod — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:06:08 +0000

I have just found this Blog.

I have 2 relatives who died in Belgium and France. I was able to visit where they are commemorated on November 11 2007.

I agree with the comment about the unbelieveable hardship these men endured. I visited Fromelles on November 11. It was freezing cold and blowing quite hard. As an ex soldier it was difficult to even contemplate living in the open there, much less fighting a battle.

This blog is fantastic. I am sorry I missed the exhibition.

By: Baz

Baz — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:40:05 +0000

I was so thrilled to come across this dedication of PTE (no 3204) Albert Pegram as my Grandfather PTE (3225) Oliver Henry Travis would have fought beside this brave man; he also joined the 55th battalion, 8th reinforcement out of Goulburn NSW on the 6/09/1916, disembarking on the ship Suevic. I have a group photo of the men of the 55th, 8th reinforcement; both men are in this photo. My Grandfather passed away in 1944 due to his injuries from the war; it is so nice to be able to put names to some of the faces in the photo that my Grandfather would have called a mate. Thank you and regards, Barry