Next of kin plaque: Private Herbert James Dadleff, 10th Battalion, AIF

Place Europe: France, Nord Pas de Calais, Pas de Calais, Bethune, Fleurbaix
Accession Number REL/05362
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Bronze
Date made c 1921
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Bronze next of kin plaque, showing on the obverse Britannia holding a laurel wreath, the British lion, dolphins, a spray of oak leaves and the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR' around the edge. Beneath the main figures, the British lion defeats the German eagle. The initials 'ECP', for the designer Edward Carter Preston appear above the lion's right forepaw. A raised rectangle above the lion's head bears the name 'HERBERT JAMES DADLEFF'.

History / Summary

Born in Exeter, South Australia, Herbert James Dadleff was employed as a labourer when he enlisted in the AIF on 23 March 1915. After initial training he was a appointed a private, service number 2357, to the 7th Reinforcements to the 10th Battalion. He sailed from Adelaide on 23 June 1915, aboard HMAT A61 Kanowna.

Dadleff joined his battalion on Gallipoli on 17 September. A month later he was evacuated sick. He rejoined his unit at Mudros, shortly before the end of the Gallipoli campaign.

After further training in Egypt the 10th Battalion arrived in France for service on the Western Front on 3 April 1916. Dadleff was killed on 19 June during a night raid in the Petillon Sector near Fleurbaix. He was 23 years old. He is buried in the Rue-du-Bois Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix.

This commemorative plaque was sent to his mother, Mrs Sabina Dadleff, in January 1922.