Military History

Embarked Fremantle per HMAT ‘Benalla’ A24 for Egypt 1.11.1915.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 3rd Brigade, 10th Light Horse Regiment, 11th Reinf.
Witham disembarked in Egypt. He arrived soon after the landing of troops from the evacuation from ANZAC in December 1915. At this time the 10th Light Horse underwent a period of reorganization and took on new reinforcements. Witham was taken on strength with the new 3rd Light Horse Reserve Regiment at Heliopolis 6.3.1916. He was then transferred to 4th Division Artillery at Heliopolis 1.4.1916 and mustered as a Gunner 7.4.1916. He was mustered as T/Driver 25.4.1916. In June 1916 he entrained to Alexandria, joined the BEF and embarked per HT ‘Oriana’ for France 6.6.1916. Witham disembarked at Marseilles 3.6.1916. The 2nd Division’s first major battle was of the Somm. The 4th Division fought at Pozieres (AWM 4th Division). Witham fought at Bapaume near Pozieres in November 1916, he reverted to Gunner at own request in the Field 3.11.1916. Witham transferred to the 4th Division Trench Mortar Battery (TMB) 20.6.1917. Witham was wounded in action in the Third Battle of Ypres, receiving a severe SW to his left hand 28.9.1917. He was transferred by 3rd Australian Field Ambulance to 17th Casualty Clearing Station 29.9.1917. Witham rejoined his Unit 30.9.1917. He was detached to the 10th Field Artillery Brigade (FAB) 10.11.1917. He developed pain in his back and legs and was transferred to the 2nd Field Ambulance with sciatica 10.12.1917. Witham rejoined his Unit 14.12.1917 and joined the 4th Division 8th Army Medium Trench Mortar Battery (AMTMB)1.1.1918. Witham was promoted to T/Bombardier(Bdr) 20.1.1918, Bdr 21.2.1918 and, T/Cpl. in France 8.5.1918.
He was Awarded Military Medal for action in the Field 18.6.1918 then reverted to Bdr 19.6.1918. Witham was posted to the 4th Army Trench Mortar School 7.8.1918- 24.8.1918. He was admitted to Hospital sick with a debility 23.9.1918. Witham was transferred by HS ‘St Patrick’ to England ex France. Whilst at Sutton Veny he went AWOL at 27.3.1919. Witham was listed for return to Australia.
Embarked for Australia per ‘Somali’ 1.6.1919.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 8.7.1919.
Discharged 30.8.1919.
Final Rank Corporal, 4th Trench Mortar Division.
Medical Condition NK.
Awards and Medals Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Military Medal Recommendation Citation
‘for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of the Medium Trench Mortars at Villers-Bretonneux at 3am 2nd Jun, the enemy placed an intense barrage of HE and gas on the position, Bmdr Witham Villers-Bretonneux on morning of 2.6.1918…. Bdr. Witham led his detachment in spite of barrage and removed the gun and ammunition. Gas helmets had to be worn continually. The building in which the mortar was in position was in flames and a direct hit had been obtained on the ammunition. (AWM Honours and Awards)

Photo National Bank of Australasia War Sevice Records 1914-1919, Osboldstone Printers 1922 p162.
           HMAT 'Benalla' A24. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph source AWM PB9246
           Ruined gardens at Pozieres 1916. Official British War photograph, photograph source AWM EZ0097
            4th Div Artillery at Bapaume. Photographer unknwon, photograph source AWM E00435

Information Source
AWM PB9246. HMAT 'Benalla' A24. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM EZ0097. Ruined gardens at Pozieres 1916. Official British War photograph, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM  E00435. 4th Div Artillery at Bapaume. Photographer unknwon, photograph source\d from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll, Walter Graham Witham
AWM 4th Division
Guildford Grammar School Honour Roll
NAA: B2455, Witham W G
National Bank of Australasia War Service Records 1914-19. Osboldstone Printers, Melb. 1921

Swan View, WA.





 

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