The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (1990) Private Charles Gordon Smitham, 50th Battalion (Infantry), First World War

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial every 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 Charis May the story for this day was on (1990) Private Charles Gordon Smitham, 50th Battalion (Infantry), First World War.

1990 Private Charles Gordon Smitham, 50th Battalion
KIA 10 June 1917
Photograph: P09291.023

Story delivered 10 June 2013

Today, we remember and pay tribute to Private Charles Gordon Smitham.

Charles Smitham was a police constable in Adelaide at the outbreak of the First World War and enlisted in the first AIF in April 1916. He left a wife at home in South Australia and was sent to France to fight on the Western Front.

One of his good friends later wrote that "he was not the gamest of fellows in the line, but I will give him credit for doing his best". Soldiers fighting in the infantry on the Western Front were under some of the most stressful conditions possible - heavy shellfire and machine gun fire could cause frequent casualties, often without warning, and men suffered considerably. It is to Charlie Smitham's credit that he stayed with his battalion throughout his time at war. He was offered - was apparently "almost begged" - to take on the job of regimental policeman. This would have been a comfortable posting out of danger in England. But Smitham had not gone to war to police behind the lines. He felt his duty was in France, and steadfastly employed the special kind of courage it took to stay and do "his bit".

In June 1917 the 50th Battalion was assigned the task of capturing Odd Trench near Messines. The first attack on this objective failed, and a new one was ordered for the following day. This new assault saw some success. However, for Charles Smitham it was too late. He was killed in the second operation, and his body was never recovered.

Lance Corporal George Pedler remembered Charles Smitham as one of his best pals - "a fellow who could always find something dry to say and make one laugh". He left a wife, Elsa Smitham, a widowed mother, five brothers and six sisters, along with "a wide circle of friends". A memorial service was held for him at the Methodist church in Penfield, South Australia, which was draped with black curtains tied with the colours of the 50th Battalion. Smitham, a much-respected member of his community, was sadly missed.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, with around 60,000 others from the First World War, and his photograph is displayed today 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 Charles Gordon Smitham, and all of those Australians who have given their lives in the service of our nation.