The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2029) Private James Hartley Antcliff, 36th Battalion, First World War

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Richard Cruise, the story for this day was on (2029) Private James Hartley Antcliff, 36th Battalion, First World War.

2029 Private James Hartley Antcliff, 36th Battalion
KIA 7 June 1917
No photograph in collection

Story delivered 11 April 2014

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private James Hartley Antcliff.

Jim Antcliff was the son of James and Jeanie Antcliff. Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, he grew up in Cook's Hill. He attended the Cook's Hill Public School and after a six-year apprenticeship he worked as an iron moulder for Messrs A. Goninan Limited. Having lived near the sea since birth, Antcliff became a keen swimmer, and for many years was captain and instructor of the Cook's Hill Surf and Life-Saving Club. He won many medals and trophies in lifesaving competitions, and in 1915-16 held the local championship for swimming 100 yards.

In 1915 his father was run over and killed by a tram in Hunter Street West. Following this, Jim became the primary source of income and support for his widowed mother and five younger siblings, aged between ten and 16. Nevertheless, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in May 1916, and left Australia with reinforcements to the 36th Battalion a few months later.

Antcliff arrived in France in November 1916, and would remain with his battalion in the field until his death just over six months later. The battalion spent the harsh winter of 1916-17 rotating in and out of the line, but did not participate in a major operation until the battle of Messines in June 1917. This battle was the result of a long period of planning and preparation, and was preceded by the detonation of 19 huge mines placed secretly under the German front line.

Private Antcliff was one of a party carrying supplies up from the support lines to the 33rd Battalion in the front line. Just before the mines blew up and the attack went ahead he and his party were hit by a high-explosive shell. Antcliff and a number of other men were killed outright. He was 24 years old.

Antcliff is now buried in Toronto Avenue Cemetery in Belgium with 77 other Australian soldiers. His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, along with more than 60,000 others from the First World War. There is no photograph in the Memorial's collection to display beside the Pool of Reflection.

This is but one of the many stories of courage and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Private James Hartley Antcliff, and all of those Australians who have given their lives in the service of our nation.