The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2261) Private James Henry Webb, 60th Infantry Battaliom, 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 (2261) Private James Henry Webb, 60th Infantry Battaliom, AIF, First World War.

2261 Private James Henry Webb, 60th Infantry Battaliom, AIF
KIA 10th October 1917

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private James Henry Webb.

James Webb was born in 1893 in Mildura, Victoria, one of five children born to William and Catherine Webb. He received his education at the Mildura State School and afterwards took up work with a printing office in his hometown.

Webb was 23 years old when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 1 April 1916. Assigned to the 60th Battalion, he embarked from Melbourne aboard the troopship Orsova in August that year.

Private Webb reached England in September and spent time training before leaving for France in December. After joining his unit in the front lines in February, Webb became ill with influenza which necessitated a long stay in hospital. After a few days in a rest camp, he re-joined his battalion in the front lines in August 1917. Webb’s first major action with his unit took place around the Ypres sector in Belgium during the battle of Polygon Wood in September.

Polygon Wood was a significant landmark on the Ypres Salient and an essential part of allied attempts to take Passchendaele Ridge. By 1917 the wood had been reduced to burnt stumps. German forces had fortified the area with concrete blockhouses, barbed wire and an observation post, making Polygon Wood a treacherous target for the advancing troops.

The attack was launched on 26 September. Despite heavy resistance, Allied troops were able to secure their objectives and consolidate the line within days. This success was not, however, without cost. Fighting continued until early October, with some 20,000 men killed or wounded.

Following the battle, the 60th Battalion continued to serve in the area. Private Webb was sleeping in a dugout with his mate on 10 October when their positions came under artillery fire. A shell exploded nearby, killing Webb and his comrade instantly.

One of Jim’s comrades wrote to his mother in Bendigo:

“The shell hit the end of the dugout and Jim was hit in the head and killed instantly… I know this letter isn’t very comforting but knowing what a brave mother you are I thought it best to tell you just what happened. Jim had previously proved himself a good soldier and has been the good old chap he always was at home… I’m glad to say he didn’t have to suffer as some of our boys do before they leave us. Hoping that you and yours will bear up bravely under this great loss”

Private Webb’s former employer in Mildura paid tribute to the young soldier after his death, saying:

“In life I respected you Jim Webb, in death I envy you for indeed he who gives his life for country and righteous cause is to be envied … One feels very human as one sits in the offices that will know you no more save in memory. And if one’s eyes grow a bit misty and one’s throat a bit choky … well. You were a good lad and a good man Jim Webb and God rest you where you’ve gone and comfort your folk.”

Private James Webb was laid to rest near where he fell at Passchendaele New British Cemetery in Belgium. He was 25 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 James Henry Webb, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Meghan Adams
Researcher, Australian War Memorial