Next of kin plaque : Private Arthur Henry Burrgram, 60th Battalion, AIF

Places
Accession Number RELAWM17443
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Bronze
Date made c 1921-1922
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 'ARTHUR HENRY BURRGRAM'.

History / Summary

Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Arthur Henry Burrgram was employed as a tram driver when he enlisted in the AIF on 25 September 1916. A month later he was posted as a private, service number 2858, to the 7th Reinforcements to the 60th Battalion. He sailed from Sydney aboard HMAT A19 Afric on 3 November, and after further training in England joined his battalion in France on 15 April 1917.

On 10 May, while on his way to the front line Burrgram was hit by a shell in the Sunken Road near Bullecourt, and wounded in the spine and neck. He was taken back to the battalion's dressing station, and then on to the 3rd Casualty Clearing Station, where he died before he could be moved from his stretcher. He is buried at the Grevillers British Cemetery.

This commemorative plaque was sent to his mother, Caroline McDonald, in August 1922. Arthur had been her only child.