406 Lance Corporal Herbert Stanley BACK
15th Battalion AIF
by Robert Simspon
His picture in Queenslanders who fought in the Great War, with story on page 5: “BACK, Herbert Stanley, Private, No. 406, 15th Battalion. Son of Frederick Back and Teresa Ann Back, of Granville, Maryborough. Enlisted in September, 1914. Trained in Brisbane, and sailed for Egypt in December, 1914. He completed his training in Egypt, and went to Gallipoli. Was at the landing of 25th April, 1915. He was wounded on the 9th May, 1915, and sent to hospital. He subsequently returned to Gallipoli in July, 1915, and was killed on the 8th August, 1915.”
Herbert Stanley Back was born on 8th September 1893 in Maryborough Queensland, a son to Frederick Thomas Back and Teresa Ann Linton. Frederick had been born on 18th September 1853 in Southampton Hampshire England, a son to William Back (1820-1871) and Sarah Wakeford (1822-1861). William was an auctioneers’ clerk. Teresa had been born on 8th August 1865 in Liverpool Lancashire England. Her father Edward was a baker. From a biography on Findagrave: – “Frederick, was a seaman and signed up to sail the SS Silver Eagle to Australia in 1882. The ship departed Plymouth on 11 February 1882 with Teresa Ann Linton and her sister Elizabeth aboard as ‘free’ passengers. It arrived in Maryborough on 7 June. The entire crew of the ship were unhappy with their contracts and deserted. Three seamen were arrested and sentenced to three months jail in Maryborough. Frederick hid out at the nearby Gayndah Hotel for a month but was arrested and charged with desertion. He appeared in the Maryborough Magistrates Court on 14 August 1882 but as there was no appearance of a prosecutor he was discharged.” They married in Maryborough on 18th August 1883. He seemed to have dropped his middle name in the electoral rolls, just being listed as Frederick Back in rolls from 1905 to 1925, being a carpenter and then a storekeeper (by the 1912 roll) in Granville. He was also listed in various directories as “store, Granville, Maryboro”. Later ones also add Commonwealth Bank and Post Office. Frederick passed away on 24th February 1935 and was buried in Maryborough Cemetery, in Monumental K plot 383 on 25th February 1925. His entry in the Maryborough Cemetery records show his religion was Church of England, he was a retired storekeeper living in Granville, aged 88 years and 5 months, from England, Reverend J Elliott was the officiating minister and he died of mitral regurgitation, senility and cardiac failure. In the 1937 roll, Teresa was still living in Granville, but by the 1943 roll, she had moved to 126 Cheapside Street, doing home duties, and lived there until she passed away on 15th May 1956 and was buried with Frederick. Her entry in the Maryborough Cemetery register shows her denomination was Church of England, she had been doing home duties at 126 Cheapside Street, she had been born in Liverpool, Lancashire England and was aged 90 years and 9 months. Reverend A E Taylor was the officiating minister, she was buried on 16th May, and she died of Cerebral anoxia, peripheral circulatory failure, apoplectic. All their children attended East Maryborough State School, which was later to be called Granville State School. Bert Back’s school enrolment began on 31st August 1898.
They had nine children:-
Louisa Edith Back was born on 8th March 1884 in Maryborough. She married Patrick Horace McLeod on 9th August 1905 in Queensland. In the 1926 electoral roll, they were living at 35 Sheriff Street Paddington Brisbane and he was an engine driver. They were still living at the same address and had two children, Frederick John McLeod born in 1906 and Isabella Teresa McLeod born in 1909. Patrick had been born in Sydney on 17th February 1876 and he died on 20th July 1938. His funeral was the next day and he was buried in Toowong Cemetery. Louisa died on 16th May 1963 in Brisbane.
Arthur William Back was born on 12th November 1885 in Maryborough. He married Bertha Beasley on 11th April 1907 in Queensland. He is recorded in 1910 as being a Queensland Railway Employee. His father did persuade him from joining up, unlike some of his other brothers. Bertha died on 13th May 1958 in Rockhampton and is buried in North Rockhampton Cemetery in Methodist Sec 12 Row 11 Grave No 34. In the 1963 electoral roll he was living at the corner of Alexandra and Medcraf streets Park Avenue in Rockhampton and was a railway employee. Arthur died on 30th September 1970 and is buried with his wife in Norman Gardens. Their son, Roy Reginald Back served in WW2 as Q113328 then QX51577, enlisting in North Rockhampton on 12th April 1943 and was discharged on 21st January 1946 as a Sergeant in the 11th Field Ambulance. His service record has not been examined or opened yet. He died on 27th November 1984 and is buried with his parents.
Robert James Back was born on 22nd October 1887 in Maryborough. In the 1919 electoral roll he was living at William Street Granville and was an iron worker. He married Gladys May Ammenhauser on 5th September 1923 in Queensland. A son, Ronald Edward Back was born in Maryborough on 3rd May 1924. He is listed in record sets of Queensland School Pupils for 1929, 1936 and 1937. Ronald appears in the Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser for exams: –
Saturday 21 January 1939, page 7
JUNIOR PUBLIC EXAMINATION
2713 FULL-TIME CANDIDATES PASSED LIST OF DISTRICT SUCCESSES
BRISBANE, Friday. — The results of the Queensland University Junior Public examination were announced to-day. The number of entries received was 3642. Of this number 3405 were full-time students entered for regular selections of subjects from approved secondary schools and colleges. The remaining 237 were evening students, private study students, or students taking a limited number of subjects for other than junior certificate purposes. Conditions for Junior certificates have been fulfilled by 2713 of the full-time candidates, that is, approximately 80 per cent, of those who sat, and 109 candidates, that is, about 42 per cent of the others who sat, have qualified for certificates or passed in the smaller selection of subjects for which they entered.
STATE HIGH AND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FOR BOYS
Back. Ronald Edward. 1C, 9B. 10C. IIC. 12C. ISC.
Saturday 13 January 1940, page 9
OVER 80 PERCENT; PASS JUNIOR EXAMINATION
DISTRICT SUCCESSES
BRISBANE, January 12. — The Queensland University Junior Public examination results were announced to-day. The number of entries received was 3678. Of that number 3019 qualified for Junior certificates (approximately 82 per cent.). Of the remainder 79 sat for a limited number of subjects for other than Junior certificate purposes, and 45 of these were successful in the subjects for ‘which they sat.
STATE HIGH AND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FOR BOYS – BACK. Ronald Edward. IB 3B 10B 11B 12C 13C 14B (EC1).
He served in WW2 as Q137395 and 426966. The Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser of Wednesday 23rd June 1943 in page 2 had: “SOCIAL L.A/c. R. Back, R.A.A.F., has returned to Bundaberg after spending leave here.” He married Ruby Myrtle ? In the 1954 to 1963 electoral rolls they were living at 18 Jardine Street Kedron and he was an airline pilot. By the 1968 roll, they had moved to 6 Luckins Street Aspley and he was a pilot. Three of the family was also living there, Robert James had no occupation, Pamela Ann was a teacher and Gladys May was doing home duties. Robert died on 3rd April 1970 and is remembered at Albany Creek Memorial Park. Gladys died on 25th February 1985 and her ashes are in Albany Creek Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium in wall 3, section 17. Only Ronald, Ruby and Gladys were there in the 1980 roll. Ronald passed away on 16th July 2007 in Brisbane.
His WW2 service records have now been opened but are not online until access is paid for. He has two service records: –
TITLE: BACK RONALD EDWARD : Service Number – Q137395 : Date of birth – 03 May 1924 : Place of birth – MARYBOROUGH QLD : Place of enlistment – MARYBOROUGH QLD : Next of Kin – BACK ROBERT SERIES: B884 CONTROL SYMBOL: Q137395 ITEM BARCODE: 4448863 LOCATION: Canberra ACCESS STATUS: OPEN DATE OF ACCESS DECISION: 07/MAR/19
And
TITLE: BACK RONALD EDWARD : Service Number – 426966 : Date of birth – 03 May 1924 : Place of birth – MARYBOROUGH QLD : Place of enlistment – BRISBANE : Next of Kin – BACK RUBY SERIES: A9300 CONTROL SYMBOL: BACK R E ITEM BARCODE: 5380376 LOCATION: Canberra ACCESS STATUS: OPEN DATE OF ACCESS DECISION: 07/MAR/19
He also has some other records which are open in Brisbane, but not online: –
Allotment Ledger, Pay Ledger and History Cards for Queensland Army Personnel – Back Ronald Edward, Citation NAA: J1204, Q137395
And
Pay History and Allotment Cards relating to Discharged Member of RAAF – Back Ronald Edward, Citation NAA: BP751/1, 426966
From the WW2 Nominal Roll, he enlisted in the Australian Army on 26th May 1942 in Maryborough. His next of kin was Robert Back and he was living in Granville on enlistment. He was discharged on 25th August 1942 as Private Q137395 with 1 MD Trg Dep AAOC and he enlisted with the RAAF on 26th August 1942 in Brisbane. His service number was 426966 and his next of kin was Ruby Back. He was discharged on 28th November 1945 as a Flying Officer with 4 Communications Unit.
An article in the Chronicle on Tuesday 23rd June 1942 under the heading Personal read: “For the second time within a week the employees of the Chronicle gathered yesterday to bid farewell to a fellow workmate who has volunteered for service in the armed forces. Yesterday afternoon the opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Mr. Ron Back, who is leaving with tonight’s draft for camp, whence he will be transferred into the R.A.A.F. On behalf of the staff tributes were paid to Mr. Back’s sterling qualities, demonstrated during his association with the Chronicle, by Messrs. W. Eadie (manager), H. H. Dunn (director), G. L. Wilson (editor) and R Lowe (foreman). Mr. Back suitably responded.” Another article under Personal read: “Sergeant Pilot Ron. E Back received his “wings” at a Queensland flying school on Wednesday, and has been posted to an embarkation depot to await embarkation overseas. Sergt. Pilot Back, who is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Back, Granville, was serving his apprenticeship in the composing room of the Maryborough Chronicle when he enlisted with the R.A.A.F. He has since been stationed at flying schools in Queensland and New South Wales. He expects to leave Maryborough next Wednesday for a southern depot. The Chronicle staff and his many friends cordially congratulate him on winning his “wings” and sincerely wish him “good flying” wherever he goes.”
A letter was written to Pilot Officer R E Back from Corporal Frederick Anderson Kleine VX145522, Private Basil John Doyle NX125006 and Private John Andrew Kendray VX123912 from Battalion HQ 2/2 Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea on 14th March 1945. They wrote: “We would like to express our appreciation of your fine efforts on our behalf by a daily paper service here. We’ve just about given away all thoughts of obtaining papers sent from our home states and if it wasn’t for a few little angry men up the road well for all we know the armistice might be signed. Thanking you once again and wishing you many many moons of comfortable flying. We remain yours sincerely F A Kleine (Hamilton Vic) B J Doyle (Cessnock NSW) J A Kendray – Richmond Vic P.S. What about dropping off a couple of blonds and a bottle of plonk!”. It was sent to the Officers Mess at Archerfield Brisbane. A Courier-Mail article also talked about dropping papers to New Guinea with a soldier writing to a member of an aircraft crew: – “Believe me, you couldn’t do anything which would be more appreciated by us. Getting an Australian newspaper the same day as printed was thought to be impossible, but we hadn’t reckoned with your very thoughtful act. I’d like you to see one of the papers after everyone has finished reading it. By the time the last one gets it the print has nearly worn off.” Another letter was sent to him by Private VX11176 Harold Richard Merton of A Company 2/1st Field Ambulance on 13th March 1945 also thanked him for dropping off newspapers and how thankful they were. The day before they had received a Maryborough Chronicle and as he was from Queensland, he was very interested to read it. He also asked if Ronald landed at Mackay, as that was where he was from. Harold also mentioned he had a sister at the Women’s Hospital in Brisbane (Sister Con Merton) and would Ronald visit her. He gave a description of where they were and asked if he could address a couple of papers to A Company ADS Patients and if he could give his address to Jean Walters who worked at Rowes Café in Edward Street. His nickname was “Snow”.
Letter posted to Ronald with drawing by F Kleine.
Frederick Ernest Back was born on 2nd November 1889 in Maryborough.
On 19th August 1914 in Maryborough, Frederick joined the AIF in the 9th Infantry Battalion. He was given the service number 292 which was changed to 533. As a boilermaker, he had been apprenticed to Walkers for 6 years. Frederick previously had 4½ years’ service in the Naval Brigade before resigning. He was 24 years old, 5 foot 7 inches tall, weighed 147 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34½ to 37 inches and had a sandy complexion with blue eyes and reddish hair. He embarked with the 9th Battalion at Brisbane on HMAT SS Omrah on 24th September 1914. He survived the landing on Gallipoli, and on 19th May 1915 a shell dislodged sandbags which fell and crushed his knees. He ended up with synovitis of both knees. He sent a pre-formed letter to his sister Miss Eva Back c/o Mrs O’Connell, Crewkerns, Bowen Terrace, Brisbane on 22nd July 1915 which read: – “I am quite well. Letters follow at first opportunity. I have received no letter from you for a long time.” In November 1915, at a medical examination his right knee had much fluid and could not be flexed and his left knee showed grating on movement. He was totally incapacitated. After being sent back to Australia he was discharged and given a pension. His medical file, M5718 BACK, Frederick Ernest – Service Number – 533 is at Brisbane and is open but not online. Frederick was entitled to the standard WW1 trio.
He is recorded in the 1916 electoral roll as a boilermaker, living at Granville. Frederick married Louise Marie Muller on 27th December 1919. In 1921 he was listed as a Queensland Railway employee. He died on 25th August 1924 in Rockhampton. The Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser of Wednesday 27th August 1924 on page 8 has his obituary: “
The death occurred in Rockhampton, on Monday, of Mr. Frederick Ernest Back, formerly of Granville. About a fortnight ago deceased, who was employed at the Rockhampton railway workshops, as a boilermaker, sustained an injury to one of his hands while engaged at his work. The wound appeared to be healing, but septic poisoning supervened, and proved fatal. The remains were last night brought to Maryborough from Rockhampton by the mail train, by which Mrs. Back and family, accompanied by the Boiler maker’s Society, Rockhampton, were passengers. The remains, upon arrival here, were removed to the residence of deceased’s parents, at Granville. The late Mr. Back was a native of that place, and served his apprenticeship at Walkers Ltd. Deceased was amongst the first to enlist at the out-break of the Great War, and upon his being wounded, at Gallipoli, in August, 1915, was invalided home. Subsequent to his return he was employed at Walker’s for some time, and then re-moved to Rockhampton, where he had received an engagement at the railway workshops. The late Mr. Back was president of the Rockhampton Boiler-makers’ Society, and also a member of the P.A.F.S.O.A. Deceased leaves a sorrowing wife (nee Miss Miller, formerly of North Street, Maryborough), and two children, Stanley and Vera Back, to mourn their sad loss. One brother, Herbert Stanley, was killed on 8th August 1915. The other brothers are Arthur William (railway workshops, Rockhampton), Robert James (shipyards, Maryborough), and Reginald Henry (residing at Granville). There are four sisters, Mrs. H. McLeod and Mrs. P. Desmond (Brisbane), Mrs. P. Buettel (Granville) and Miss Ruby Back (Granville). The funeral will leave the residence, of the parents at Granville this afternoon at 2.30 o’clock and the cortege will cross at the ferry at three o’clock. The boilermakers of Walkers Ltd. will attend in a body as a mark of respect to their late comrade.”
Frederick was buried in Maryborough Cemetery in Monumental J plot 167 on 27th August 1924, with Louise Marie Back who was buried there on 11th June 1959. His record in the Maryborough Cemetery register shows his religion was Church of England, born in Maryborough, he was a boilermaker living in Rockhampton, was married and aged 34 years, Reverend J Elliott was the officiating minister, and he died of a foreign body in his hand for 14 days, tetanus and exhaustion. Kirk & Son were the funeral directors.
Picture in The Queenslander and in Queenslanders who fought in the Great War, with entry that reads: “BACK, Frederick Ernest. Private No. 533, 9th Battalion. Born and educated in Maryborough, Queensland. Son of Frederick Back and Teresa Ann Back, of William Street, Granville, Maryborough. Enlisted on August 19th, 1914, and left with the First Expeditionary Forces for Egypt, where he completed his training. On the 25th April, 1915, he landed at Gallipoli with the Third Brigade. He was badly wounded in August, 1915, and returned to Australia, medically unfit and was discharged.” The same picture was also in a newspaper article which reads: “PRIVATE F. E. BACK One of the Famous 9th, who on his return from the front recently was tendered a cordial welcome by the Granville (Maryborough) Young Men’s Society. His brother Private Bert Back, met his death on active service, and a token of sympathy was presented to his mother by the residents of the district. The Rev. Hamlyn Harris presided at the function, at which a gold medal and purse of notes was also presented to Private F. E. Back.”
Eva Elsie Back was born on 8th October 1891 in Maryborough. She married Patrick John Desmond on 8th December 1917 in Queensland. Patrick had been born in 1891 in Fortitude Valley. He enlisted for service in WW1 on 30th December 1915 in Brisbane. He was aged 22 years and 10 months, was 5 foot 4 inches tall, weighed 130 pounds, had a chest measurement from 32 to 36 inches and had a fair complexion with grey eyes and fair hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. His eyes were fine, he had 4 vaccination marks on the left arm and a scar over his body (Scald) and a small tattoo on his left arm. He was posted to 10th Depot Battalion from 30th December 1915 to 16th January 1916 and then to 7th AFA from 16th to 21st January 1916. Patrick then deserted with a Court of Enquiry being set up at Rifle Range Camp Enoggera by order of the Camp Commandant 1st Military District for the purpose of enquiring into alleged illegal absence and illegal absence in kit of Private Desmond Patrick of C Company 10th Depot Battalion transferred to A Company 34th Service Battalion. Witnesses were examined and it was established that he and some of his kit were still missing. An arrest warrant was issued on 1st March 1916. What happened after that is not known, but he appears in the 1921 electoral roll at 618 Leichhardt Street Fortitude Valley as a carter. In the 1934 electoral roll, they were living at 16 Symes Street Fortitude Valley where she was doing home duties and he was a carter. Patrick died on 25th December 1955. She died on 22nd July 1966 and is buried in Lutwyche Cemetery in Brisbane with Patrick.
Ethel Daisy Back was born on 18th July 1895 in Maryborough. On 5th April 1920 she married Percy Buettel in Queensland. Percy had enlisted in the 9th Infantry Battalion AIF on 29th August 1914 as a Signaller in Maryborough. He was a natural born British subject of 19½ years old. His trade was telephonist and his father George lived at Keith Street Maryborough. He was now serving with the Signallers in the 4th Infantry. Percy was 5 foot 7 inches tall, weighed 130 pounds, has a chest measurement of 31 to 34½ inches and had a dark complexion with brown eyes and hair. His religious denomination was Methodist. There was a scar on the back of his left calf. He embarked on 24th September 1914 on HMAT Omrah. He landed on Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. Percy was appointed Lance Corporal on 29th July 1915. On 25th September 1915 he had pyrexia, was transferred to Malta on 1st October 1915 and was sent to England on the 9th. He re-joined the battalion on 9th March 1916. Percy was promoted to Corporal on 30th November 1916 and promoted to Sergeant on 8th March 1917. He was posted to 4th Pioneers on 3rd January 1918 in the field. He was sent to a hospital as sick on 17th February and re-joined his unit on 4th March 1918. After being sent to England in October, he was returned to Australia for special leave on 23rd October 1918. Percy was discharged on 26th February 1919 in the 1st Military District. His medals are 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. He also applied for a Gallipoli Medallion. They were living at William Street Granville in the 1927 Directory. By the 1943 electoral roll they had moved to Cairns and he was a postal assistant. In the museum file for R E Back is a 1948 clothing ration card for P Buettel of 199 Sheridan Street Cairns. They were still there in the 1958 electoral roll with the same occupations. In the 1963 electoral roll they were living at 212 Pallas Street and Percy had no occupation. Percy died on 19th April 1979 at Fairhaven Retirement Village in Maryborough. Ethel died on 3rd July 1993. They are buried in Maryborough – Garden of Rest ix Plot 1114.
Teresa Ruby Back was born on 16th August 1897 in Maryborough. In the 1919 electoral roll she was living at William Street Granville with her parents and was listed as doing home duties. She married Hans Albert Olsen on 18th June 1927 in Queensland. In the 1977 electoral roll, they were living at 126 Cheapside Street and he was a labourer. Hans died in 1986. Teresa died on 22nd December 1994 and is buried with Hans at Maryborough – Garden of Rest ix Plot 1722.
Reginald Henry Back was born on 29th October 1899 in Maryborough. By the 1963 electoral roll, he was living in Brisbane at 66 Granston Street Windsor and was working as a carpenter. The 1963 electoral roll is the first one having him living with Catherine Florence Back, so he may have married later on in life. He died on 16th May 1985.
The Maryborough Chronicle of 23rd October 1913 had a long article on a court case. In the case “Thomas Thomas summoned Bertie Back and Ernest Eckhart for trespassing on his enclosed property without lawful excuse.” Herbert said he went to the paddock as Mr Deacon had offered them some money to find his horses. After a lot of discussion by both sides, the judge said “It appeared to him they were being made scapegoats by the man Deacon.” He fined both of them a list of costs or default 48 hours in the Maryborough lock-up.
Herbert filled out his attestation paper to enlist for service abroad with the Australian Imperial Force on 17th September 1914 with the 15th Battalion. The 15th Battalion AIF was raised from late September 1914. Three-quarters of the battalion were recruited as volunteers from Queensland, and the rest from Tasmania. It formed the 4th Brigade with the 13th, 14th and 16th Battalions and was commanded by Colonel John Monash. The Queensland and Tasmanian recruits were united when the battalion trained together in Victoria. The Maryborough Chronicle of Friday 18th October 1914 had an article which said that the quota for the Wide Bay and Burnett district for the 2nd contingent of the AIF was 90 and the response from Maryborough was particularly good, with 21 submitting themselves and 18 passing. One of the list was Herbert Stanley Back of Granville. Their father, Frederick, said “I did my damnest to stop Bert but he was too strong-headed”.
He was originally given the service number 410, but that was changed to 406. He stated he was a natural born 21 year old British subject, born in Granville. For trade or calling, he wrote “Bottler”. He had never been an apprentice, nor was he married. His next of kin was Mrs F Back of Granville, Maryborough Qld. Another form has father Mr F Back, P.O. Granville. Herbert had no conviction or dishonourable discharge, nor had he been previously rejected from service. He took the oath on the same day. Herbert was 21 years old, 5 foot 9½ inches tall, weighed 147 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34 to 36 inches, and had a dark complexion with brown eyes and hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He had his medical examination on the same day and was fit for active service. On 24th September 1914 the Commanding Officer of the 15th Battalion appointed him to the battalion as part of the 4th Infantry Brigade AIF at Enoggera. Crime CM Form A4 was filled out for a charge against Private H S Back 15th Battalion on 26th October 1914 at Enoggera Barracks, with the offence being “neglect of duty” noted by two witnesses. The punishment that was awarded was that he was admonished by the CO of the 15th Battalion on 27th October.
On his active service form, 406 Private Herbert Stanley Back was in No 3 Company 15th Battalion AIF enlisted, his service reckoned from 20th September 1914 and was for the duration of the war and longer if required. Bert wrote a letter to his sister Eva on 6th December 1914 at the Broadmeadows Expeditionary Force Encampment on Church of England (Home Mission) Tent stationary. He wrote (with errors): “Just a few lines to let you know I am still in the land of the living & having a good time. Well Eva we arrived safely after a most enjoyable trip. The sienes coming down was beautiful especially the blue mountains they are worth looking at we stopped in Sydney for about 4 hours & marched down the streets & got into Mel on Thursday at 4 oclock & we got a great welcome from the lads it is a fine camp there are 15000 of us hear now from all over Australia & we are leaving any time between the 14th & 20th of this month. They want us to get away before Christmas. The worst of it is they wont give us any leave to go ins or Mel & they know if they don’t get us away before Christmas they will have very little hope of keeping us in until after the holidays. We break camp nearly every night & go into Mel it is only 12 miles & we can get in for 6d in the motor cars we got caught the other night & there was 500 of us up before the beat but we got off with a caution. I got a photo taken of all the lads in our tent so I will send you one in a day or two I got a letter Mother of Friday she said Bob is going to Rockhampton for Christmas & taking Ruby with him. The change will do her good but Mel is the place you ought to see it is a bit different to Bris I tell you Eva if you had about 3 months down here it would open your eyes but you want plenty of money we are getting 1 bob a day more since we left Bris & I cant save a penny. Well Eva I think I will close as I want go into Mel after dinner so hoping this finds you well & happy as it leaves me as present. I am as ever Your loving Brother Bert. It is very cold down hear we have to wear our over coats in the day at times. Address Pte H. S. Back No 406 C Company 15 Bat Broadmeadows Mel”.
As part of C Company in the 15th Battalion, Herbert embarked on HMAT A40 Ceramic on 22nd December 1914 at Melbourne. The embarkation roll records his service number as 410. He was paid 5 shillings a day. After a brief stop in Albany, Western Australia, the battalion proceeded to Egypt, arriving in early February 1915. When the 4th Brigade arrived in Egypt, they became part of the New Zealand and Australian Division. He proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 12th April 1915 for Gallipoli, arriving at Mudros harbour at Lemnos and practicing disembarking for the next 10 days. The 4th Brigade landed at ANZAC late in the afternoon of 25th April 1915 after disembarking from the Seeang Bee after it anchored at Anzac Cove at 4pm. Most of C Company was taken off the ship at 10am the next morning by the destroyer HMS Usk which was shelled on the way in, but only some sailors were injured. After transferring to pontoons and landing, they moved forward in file up Shrapnel Gully to a point behind Courtney’s Post where Battalion Headquarters was. They moved up and were waiting to advance. After some confusion they advanced only to be told to retire, where they re-grouped and dug in.
Herbert sent a letter to his sister Eva from Heliopolis Camp on 7th April 1915 which read (as written): – “I received your very welcome letter only a few minutes ago & was very pleased to hear from you. I would sooner get a letter than my pay & I have only had one letter from home since I have been hear & I can tell you I am very disappointed when the mail comes every week & there are none for me. I hope you do as you say write every week even if it is only a few lines it cheers a fellow up a bit. I have been writing home every week since I have been hear hear but Eva this will be the last one as we are going right into the very heaviest of the fighting soon. We leave on Friday night for Alexandria to embark for Constantinople or somewhere near & by what the officers tell us it is going to be one of the biggest undertakings that as ever been attempted as the dardanelles is the biggest fortified place in the world & I can tell you straight out that there will we dam few of us come back my Company & another has been picked to represent the 15 Battalion & I can tell you I am very proud of it & there is one thing Eva if ever I do come back we will have a medal that will be an honour to wear but some of us will never see Australia again & if I am one of them it cant be helped but I intend to do my bit because as you know yourself I would sooner die that bring any disgrace on Mother & dad. I am sending you this little present to remind you of me. I have still got the watch you gave me & will keep it until I die. I sent Mother & the girls a present last week & Mrs Heath &Til also so they will have something to think of me by because I have no idea of ever seeing them again. Well Eva I met Fred & I can tell you we had a good time togeather but he left hear about a month ago & I havn’t heard anything of him since I don’t know where he has gone he is looking well & having a good time but he never writes home. I was always on to him to write but he is just the same as he always was puts everything off & then he never doses it. I have had a good look around Egypt since I have been hear & if I come back I will tell you all about it. I have been out & had a good look around the Pyramidies & the buried City & I went & the the ruined City with Napoleon destroyed you wouldn’t believe it but the place is just as he left it you can even see some of the cannon balls stuck in some of the brick wall it is wonderful & then I went & seen the palace where Moses was picked up in the rushes on the nile & other place which I will be able to tell you better about than I am on paper. Well Eva I will close now as I am on duty all night what ever you do write as often as you can & tell Mother to do the same. I wont be able to write any more now as when we leave hear we wont be allowed to only a card saying I am still alive or dead but it don’t matter much I would rather come back with something to be proud of or I wont come back at all. I will register this parcel so make sure you get it as I didn’t register Mother or Lil as the post office was shut when I sent them. Will say good bye for the last time with love from your loving brother Bert (What ever you do tell my Mother not to worry) xxxxxxxxx” The first page also has written in the top corner “I am enclosing a medal with my number & name of my regiment. I want you to send it to on to dad it will be something for him to think of me with Good bye X”
On 30th April the Turks launched a fierce attack at a position on Courtney’s Ridge occupied by RMLI. They entered the front line but were driven out by a brilliant counter-charge. Men in a nearby sandbag shelter which was sheltered from Turkish machine gun fire kept up continuous fire on the Turks. As this was so intense, an attacking party was sent to deal with them. The men there were finally compelled to only shoot in turn, as they risked death each time. They were under the command of Sergeant Denis Taylor and included Private H S Back. Bert was credited with 70 hits. C Company was relieved from Quins Post on 5th May. On 9th May C Company moved from the trenches to Monash Valley and bivouaced on the side of Popes Hill. An attack from Quinn’s Post was organised with Sergeant Bob Hunter picking most men from Maryborough for his party. They crawled up late at night and then rushed the trench which caused the Turks to flee after a short fight. “Bert Back was shot through the shoulder, but he was quite unwilling to leave the fighting.” On 13th May 1915, Herbert was wounded in the left shoulder. He was transferred to No 17 Australian General Hospital ex Lutzow with a wound to the left shoulder on that date. A report from the Brigade Major was noted in his service records as being reported missing on Gallipoli on 21st May 1915. On 6th June 1915 he was transferred to Mustapha and admitted to the 17th Australian General Hospital on the 14th. He was admitted to the Convalescent Hospital there on 23rd June and returned to duty on 25th June 1915, re-joining his battalion on 19th July 1915. Base Records sent his mother a note advising her that he had been wounded and more information would follow when they were notified.
Herbert was appointed Lance Corporal on 20th July 1915.
From May to August, the 15th Battalion was heavily involved in establishing and defending the front line of the ANZAC beachhead. In August, the 4th Brigade attacked Hill 971. The hill was taken at great cost although Turkish reinforcements forced the Australians to withdraw. When C Company was put into the attack, they ran into a barrage of Turkish machine gun fire. Herbert was killed in action on Gallipoli on 8th August 1915. It was recorded in the Brigade Major’s report on 16th August.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1339322 – is the war diary of the 15th Battalion.
The form for Field Service, Report of death of a soldier, had entered on it that 406 Private Herbert Stanley Back of 15th Battalion AIF was killed in action on 8th August 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The report was made by the Brigade Major on 16th August 1915. No details of a will were recorded. The form was signed by Major Cyril T Griffiths OC Australian Records Section on 4th October 1915 at Alexandria.
A letter written to him, addressed as Private H. S. Back No, 406 C. Company 15 Battalion 4th Brigade 2nd Australian Expedition In action Dardanelles Europe” was presumably returned as a Lieutenant had written on it “Killed” and in red pen is someone’s initials and the date 29-2-16.
There are a couple of entries in his records that state there was no personal effects in kit. A copy of his service records were made for war pension on 29th September 1915.
The Secretary of the General Gordon Lodge No 24 PAFSOA wrote to The Secretary, Department of Defence in Melbourne on 20th October 1915 saying: “Re Death of H.S. Back. It having come to the knowledge of this lodge, that one of its members (H.S. Beck) has been killed at the Dardanelles. I wrote to Major Pendlebury, Defence Dept Brisbane, asking for Certificate of death – and I am now in receipt of a reply referring me to your Department. My Lodge would therefore esteem it a favour if you would be kind enough to forward me a Certificate of the death of the above H.S. Back in order that certain claims on this Society, may be presented, and amount paid over to the parents of the deceased Soldier by this Lodge. Thanking you in anticipation of same at an early date.” It was received by the Defence Department on 25th October 1915 and passed on to Base Records who received it on the 26th. Formal acknowledgement was sent on the same day. It included a paper which stated “No. 410 Private Herbert Stanley Back, 15th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. was killed in action Gallipoli 8th August 15. Cable No. M.F.C. 14602, from the Officer Commanding Intermediate Base, dated Alexandria, 3rd September 1915, and confirmed by Army Form B 104-52.” Also was included a letter from Captain J McLean of Base Records acknowledging their letter and enclosing the certificate of report of his death.
A newspaper article read “The Late Trooper H. S. Back. A memorial service to the late Trooper H. S. Back, who was killed in Gallipoli on 6th September, was held at the Anglican Church, Granville, on Sunday. Sergt-Major Thetford and about 10 soldiers attended as representatives of the military forces. The church was crowded, nearly every family in Granville being represented. The Rev. Hamlyn-Harris conducted the service, and preached an appropriate sermon. Mr. Oxlade officiated at the organ, and played the “Dead March at Saul,” at the end of the service.”
His sister also placed some entries in newspapers under Roll of Honour: – “BACK.- Sacred to the memory of my dear brother, Private H. S. Back, late 15th Battalion, killed in action at the Dardanelles, 8th August, 1915. Inserted by his loving sister, Eva E. Desmond.” and “BACK.- In loving memory of my dearly beloved brother, H. S. Back (Bert), Q.M.S., killed in action, Dardanelles, 8th of August, 1915. “Death found him fighting.” Maryborough papers please copy. Inserted by his loving sister, Eva.” Another entry read: – “BACK.- In loving memory of my dear nephew, H. S. Back (Bert), Q.M.S., killed in action, Dardanelles, 8th of August, 1915. “He sleeps in a soldier’s grave.” Maryborough papers please copy. Inserted by his loving Auntie Lizzie, Sydney.”
The Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser of Saturday 29th April 1916 had on page 11
““THE PUBLIC CURATOR ACT OF 1915.” Section 64. In the Estate of HERBERT STANLEY BACK, late of Maryborough, member A.I. Forces, deceased. ALL Creditors and others having claims against this Estate are hereby required to send them, with particulars, on the forms provided, to the Clerk of Petty Sessions at Maryborough, or direct to the Public Curator, Treasury Buildings, Brisbane, on or before the Twenty-first day of June, 1916. Accounts not rendered by the date lined may be rejected. All moneys payable to the above estate may he lodged to the credit of the Public Curator’s account at any Queensland Government Savings Bank, or paid to the Clerk of Petty Sessions Maryborough.”
Also published on Thursday 3rd August 1916 in page 7 of the same paper was: – “TRANSMISSION BY DEATH. “REAL PROPERTY ACTS OF 1861 and 1877.” NOTlCE is hereby given that application has been made for the Registration of Transmission of Title to the Lands hereafter mentioned. Particulars of such application are given below, and any person desiring to oppose must do so by lodging Caveat on or before the day specified at the Office of the Registrar of Titles in Brisbane. Name of Deceased Proprietor. Herbert Stanley Back, late Granville near Maryborough. Date of Death. — 1915, 8 August. Name of Claimant. — Teresa Ann Back of the same place, wife of Frederick Back, storekeeper. Description and Situation of Land. Subdivisions 16 and 17 of section 8 suburban allotments 66 and 67, country of March, parish of Maryborough. Estate Claimed to be Transmitted.- Fee simple. Particulars of Will or Otherwise. Will dated 19 September, 1914. Date within which Caveat may be Lodged.-1916, 5 September J. MITCHELL, Registrar of Titles. Registrar of Titles’ Office, Brisbane, 29th July, 1916.”
On 9th August 1920, Base Records in Melbourne wrote to Mrs F Back of Granville, asking her “It is noted that you are registered on the records of the late No. 410 Private H.S. Back, 15th Battalion, as next of kin/relationship not stated but, it is desired to learn whether the above named has any nearer blood relations than yourself living. If so, I shall be obliged if you will furnish me with their names and addresses in the following order of relationship. Thanking you in anticipation of the favour of an early reply.” The list in order was “Father or Mother or Eldest Brother or Eldest Sister.” She returned it and wrote in the space available “Mrs F Back Mother of late Herbert Stanley Back 406 (not 410) as above 15 Battalion Teresa Ann Back Wife of F Back Aug 16/1920”.
His 1914-15 Star was sent to the Commandant 1st Military district on 30th September 1920 and his British War Medal was sent there on 15th July 1921.
On 3rd February 1921 the pamphlet Where Australians Rest was sent to his mother.
Frederick Back signed for the Memorial Scroll and King’s Message for Herbert on 5th August 1921, Base Records receiving the receipt on 11th August. They had been sent to him on 28th July. The Memorial Plaque and King’s Message for Herbert was signed for by his father on 1st April 1922, Base Records receiving the receipt on 10th April. They had been sent to him on 22nd March 1922. Frederick Back signed for the Victory Medal for 406 Lance Corporal H S Back 15th Battalion on 23rd October 1922 and Base Records received the receipt on 28th October. It had been sent on 16th October 1922. The Chronicle on 26th April 1922 reported on a tribute to the Anzacs with “an impressive service” in the town hall. Church ministers attended and ran the program, including a speech by “Evangelist Anderson” where he talked about the landing and the “Australian nation was born on the slopes of Gallipoli.” He went on to talk about “Mother England” and the “Immortal Anzacs” whose “name became famous in many lands.” He went on to say that justice had been served and about the sacrifice of the multitudes, not just the men, but women as well. A list of men who had died or were killed during the war was then read and included Herbert Stanley Back. “A minute’s silence was observed after which the Benediction was pronounced. “The Last Post,” was sounded by Mr H Crane, and the service concluded.”
On 12th January 1926 a register order form for Lone Pine Memorial was sent. He is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli, Turkey on Panel 45.
A letter from Base Records in Melbourne to Mrs T Back, Post Office Granville, Maryborough Qld, dated 26th January 1926 said: “With reference to your recent application, it is noted you have remitted the sum of 2/6d. in payment of two copies of the Register of the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, and I have to point out that the cost of these publications is 3/- per copy. Presumably, it was your intention to apply for two copies of the 1923/4 Annual General Report of the Imperial War Graves Commission which are sold at 1/3d. each, but as these contain no particular reference to your son, the late No.406 L/Corporal H.S. BACK, 15th Battalion, I should be glad to learn your definite wishes in the matter before taking steps to comply. Meanwhile your remittance is being retained, and an acknowledgement will be forwarded on receipt of your further advice.” On 2nd February 1926, Teresa Back replied, saying: “Inclosed you will find Postal notes to the value of 3/6 balance due for two copies of the register of the Lone Pine Memorial. I am sorry I made the mistake in Sending the Sum of 2/6- which Please excuse. kindly forward copies at your convenience & oblige”. Some notes recording invoices for the payments were written on the letter and the two registers were posted on 10th February 1926. The 2 cemetery registers were actually despatched on 12th February 1926 as recorded in his service records. She also filled out the particulars required for the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Museum but did not add any other details apart from those already known. She also added that Herbert attended East Maryborough State School.
On 6th March 1968, a form was filled out by Arthur William Back of cnr Alexander and Margaret Streets Park Avenue Rockhampton Qld 4701. Declaring he was the eldest brother to 406 Herbert Stanley Back of the 15th Battalion, he was applying for his Gallipoli medallion and stating he was the person who should be entitled to it. He signed the form and D C Back witnessed it. The form was returned to Central Army Records Office in Melbourne and they received it on 8th March 1968. Arthur had previously sent a letter to The Secretary, Department of Army in Canberra asking: “I would like to make an application for an Anzac Badge or Badges that my brother would have received if he had not been killed at Gallipoli. I am the eldest brother in our family and I am the surviving next of kin. I am sending you all the particulars that I can find and hope that this is sufficient for your need. Name : BACK, HERBERT STANLEY Private No. 406 15th Battalion. Enlisted in September, 1914, trained in Brisbane, sailed for Egypt in December, 1914, completed his training in Egypt and went to Gallipoli. He was wounded on 9th May, 1915, and sent to hospital. He subsequently returned to Gallipoli in July, 1915 and was killed on 8th August, 1915.” The letter was received on 26th February 1968 and passed onto Army Records, who received it on the 29th.
His name is located at panel 74 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Herbert Stanley Back’s name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:
Wednesday 17th April 2019 at 2:12am
Sunday 7th July 2019 at 9:31pm
Friday 4th October 2019 at 9:34pm
A memento from Burrum Shire to Mrs and Mrs Back for Herbert.
Gallipoli memorial Panel 45
Granville State School memorial
Picture of Herbert. Plaque says Private H S Back. 15th Battalion Queensland Killed in action Dardanelles 8th August 1915.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
Array
With thanks to Kay Youngberry for some information and photos.