The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (6946) Private Ralph Norman Bradey, 10th Battalion (Infantry), 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 (6946) Private Ralph Norman Bradey, 10th Battalion (Infantry), First World War.

6946 Private Ralph Norman Bradey 10th Battalion
DOW 2 October 1917
No photograph in collection (image used from http://www.ww1sa.gravesecrets.net/br.html)

Story delivered 26 November 2013

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private Ralph Norman Bradey. Born on 18 April 1897 at Mitcham, South Australia, Bradey was working as a postal assistant at the GPO in Adelaide when the First World War began. Initially too young to enlist, he signed up with parental consent on 11 April 1916, just prior to his 19th birthday.

During his training with the 2nd Depot Battalion in Adelaide, his leadership potential was quickly recognised and, following his initial training, he was promoted to acting sergeant and sent on a course for non-commissioned officers.

On 1 November 1916 he was attached to the 23rd reinforcements for 10th Battalion and the following month embarked from Adelaide aboard the transport ship Berrima for further training in England.

He left England in mid-May 1917 for France and spent ten days at the infamous "Bull Ring" at Étaples, before being taken on strength of 10th Battalion at the end of the month. Upon joining the battalion he reverted to his nominal rank of private, as at the time the battalion had its full quota of sergeants.

Bradey took part in his first action at Polygon Wood during the Third Ypres campaign in September 1917. After a brief respite, 10th Battalion was again sent forward in preparation for the attack on Broodseinde Ridge. During the move up to the front line on 2 October 1917, the battalion came under fire from German artillery and Bradey suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his face and upper body. He was evacuated to a nearby casualty clearing station, but died of his wounds later that day. He was buried at Bellewarde Ridge, but in the subsequent fighting, his grave was lost. He is now commemorated on the Menin Gate at Ypres.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, along 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 Ralph Norman Bradey, and all of those Australians who have given their lives in service of our nation.