The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2718) Private Henry Gordon Packer, 50th Battalion, AIF, 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 Troy Clayton, the story for this day was on (2718) Private Henry Gordon Packer, 50th Battalion, AIF, First World War.

2718 Private Henry Gordon Packer, 50th Battalion, AIF
DOW 12 June 1918

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private Henry Gordon Packer.

Henry Packer, commonly known by his middle name “Gordon”, was born on 16 July 1887, the oldest son of Henry and Harriet Packer of Mundalla, South Australia. His father farmed a property near Mundalla for many years, and once he was old enough, Gordon joined him. He was a very popular figure in the Tatiara district, and a “splendid athlete”. He was also interested in the military, and served for a number of years with the local light horse regiment.

Gordon Packer was one of three brothers to serve during the Great War. He was interested in serving with a mounted unit, but when he enlisted in May 1916, there were few places, so he went into the infantry. Packer underwent a period of training in Australia before leaving for active service overseas with reinforcements to the 50th Battalion. He first travelled to England, where he continued training on the Salisbury Plain during the bitterly cold winter of 1916 and 1917. In June 1917 he joined the 50th Battalion on the battlefields of the Western Front.

Later that year, the 50th Battalion fought in Belgium at the battles of Messines and Polygon Wood. In 1918 the 50th Battalion played an integral role in stopping the German advance at Villers-Bretonneux, and shortly afterwards, Private Packer was gassed. He was evacuated from the front line and sent to hospital in France to recover.

On 7 June 1918, Gordon Packer rejoined the 50th Battalion having recovered from his gassing. Five days later, in the early hours of 12 June, he was a member of a fatigue party returning from a night’s work. He was nearly safe, when a stray shell landed near his party. Packer was the only one hit. A fragment of shell smashed his right hand; another went through his helmet and into his head. Stretcher bearers were close by, and gave first aid before taking him to a regimental aid post, but it was clear from the beginning there was little hope. Private Packer died later that day having never recovered consciousness.

Gordon Packer was buried in an extension to the Franvillers Communal Cemetery. His epitaph reflects his fate, reading, “a short dark passage to eternal light”. He was 30 years old.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

This is but one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Private Henry Gordon Packer, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Meleah Hampton
Historian, Military History Section