Military History

Embarked Fremantle per ’Seang Bee’ A48 18.7.1916.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 4th Infantry Brigade, 16th Battalion, 18th Reinf.
Short disembarked at Plymouth with the 16th Bn. 18th Reinf. 9.9.1916. He marched in to Rollestone to the 4th Infantry Training Bn. 9.9.1916. After a period of intensive training, he proceeded overseas to France 14.10.1916. Short was taken on strength with 16th Bn. 30.10.1916. The Reinforcements were important after significant losses in the 16th Bn. at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm in July- August 1916. The 16th Bn. returned to the Somme in late 1916 and fought there though the harsh winter period. Short was promoted to Cpl. 11.1.1917. He was sent to 4th Course 4th AIF School and was congratulated on obtaining a very satisfactory Report. Short was KIA in the Field at the first attack at Bullecourt, France 11.4.1917. The attack was originally planned for 10.4.1917, however, the tanks did not arrive and the action was postponed. On the morning of 11.4.1917 the attack proceeded and resulted in 3000 Australian casualties (killed or wounded) Short was reported to have been killed near the first enemy trench (Red Cross File) His body was not recovered. Short is commemorated at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France.
Final Rank Cpl., 16th Bn AIF.
Medical Condition Deceased, KIA
Awards and Medals British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes Short was the son of the Commissioner of Railways Mr John Tregerthen Short, home address ’The Briars’ Guildford (now ‘Earlsferry’ Bassendean). There was an action in the Supreme Court in relation to Short’s will and his relationship to Grace McLaren.
Information Source
Guildford War Memorial
St. Matthew’s Fallen
NAA: B2455, Short John Tregerthen
AWM Embarkation Roll John Tregerthen Short
AWM Bullecourt
Red Cross File John Tregerthen Short
AWM Roll of Honour John Tregerthen Short
Wise H. and Coy. Western Australian Post Office Directories

‘The Briars’ Bridge Street, Guildford, WA.