Sapper William WRATHALL
4807– 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company
“Harve27th Septr 1918
Australian Mining and Tunn. Coy. 2.Wrathall Wm 4807
K. 6th August 1918
He came from Tasmania, in March he got gassed an the Cambrai front at Mets. While there Wrathall had news that his wife had died in Tasmania leaving 7 kids. He returned from Blighty in August going up to rejoin his unit which was at Villers Bretonneux at that time. He was with Sapper Emmery of the 2nd Battn M& T Coy. Enery stated that on the road near Amiens a train went over Wrathal cutting him to pieces. How the accident occurred I don’t know as I was in Blighty at the time but I know this is an absolute fact. I know his body was buried at Corbey but the grave I have not seen.
Inf:- Sergt P. McCarthy No. 636
Aust. Engrs. 2,
No. 2 Gen. Hos.”
The above is one of many statements taken concerning the death of Sapper Wrathall. While being similar in that all confirm William’s death, the details of the accident and of his personal circumstances at the time varied considerably. Many of the statements were taken months after the incident, and include hearsay and conjecture. Fortunately, the inquiry into his death survives in documents on the NAA website, and from those documents, and other research, the following story emerges:
William Wrathall, builder’s labourer, born Hobart, Tasmania, grandson of a convict, signed the Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad at Claremont, Tasmania, on the 28th of February 1916.
Aged 35 years and 10 months, a natural-born British subject who had not previously served in a Military Force, he recorded being married with three children under the age of 16, and listed as Next of Kin his wife, Mrs. Mary Wrathall, 22 Warwick Street, Hobart, Tasmania.
William was 5 ft 8 in tall and weighed 180 pounds. He was of medium complexion, had blue eyes, brown hair and his chest measurements were 36/38ins. He had a tattoo of an anchor on his upper right arm and said he was of the Church of England faith.
William was medically examined by Capt. C. F. HOUGKINSON, A.M.C., on 28 February at Anglesea Barracks, Hobart, and was considered fit for active service.
Assigned to the 5th Company Miners on 10th April 1916, he remained in Tasmania until 29 April when he was accepted into the 5th Tunnelling Company at Broadmeadows by Capt. Percy William WAGSTAFF, Officer Commanding that Company and embarked HMAT A69 Warilda at Melbourne on 25th May 1916.
Two Sections of the Northern recruits to form the No.4 Company had embarked from Brisbane, Queensland early in May, 1916 aboard HMAT A69 Warilda for Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). Six officers and 152 other ranks together with the 1st Reinforcements of fifteen other ranks made up the two sections.
At Rosebery Park, Sydney, NSW they joined their Headquarters and two sections (8 officers & 153 O.Rs.) plus 1st Reinforcements consisting of one officer and seventeen other ranks for final training.
The 7713 ton transport departed Sydney, NSW on May 22, 1916 and collected in Melbourne, Victoria the No 5 Company recruited from Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania consisting of a Headquarters and 2 Sections (8 officers & 173 men) (3 M.D.). 1 Section from Tasmania (3 officers & 76 O.Rs); also 1st Reinforcements for No 5 Company (17 men from Vic. & 8 men from Tas). The ship departed on May 25, 1916 for Adelaide, S.A. to collect one Section of 3 officers & 76 O.Rs with 1st Reinforcements of 8 O.Rs.
Docking at Fremantle, W.A. on June 1, 1916 No 6 Company recruited from W.A. of 14 officers and 325 O.Rs along with 1st Reinforcements of 1 Officer & 32 O.Rs embarked and Warilda departed the same day for the European theatre.
Durban, South Africa was reached on June 16, 1916 and Cape Town on June 21, 1916 while St Vincent completed the African ports of call on July 7, 1916. Discipline was fairly good except at intermediate ports where soldiers going Absent Without Leave caused concern. The fifty-eight day voyage experienced remarkable pleasant weather and terminated at Plymouth, England on July 18, 1916. Four, Five and Six Companies comprising of 1064 officers and other ranks were detrained to Amesbury and Tidworth to begin training for the front.
On 23rd July 1916, Spr Wrathall W. was found guilty of being AWL from Perham Downs at Tattoo and was awarded 1 day Field Punishment No. 2 and fined 2 shillings and sixpence.
28th August saw William proceed overseas, marching-in to 2nd Australian Divisional Base Depot on the 30th. He marched-out to the 1st Anzac Reinforcement Camp on 12 October and on the 16th of that month joined the 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion.
On the 26th of October he was attached to the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company from the Australian Tunnelling Company Details to gain experience, finally being taken on strength of the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company (2ATC) on the 28th of December 1916.
William’s documents record nothing further until March of 1918. As a member of the 2nd Aust. Tunnelling Coy. we can accept that he took part in at least some of that unit’s exploits over the next 15 months. No specific reference to William has been found in documents examined so far and some inferences can be taken from that absence of information: - one – that he was apparently healthy and did not suffer the maladies that afflicted many on the Western Front such as bronchi-pneumonia, pleurisy, trench fever, trench feet; and, two – he was apparently well behaved while in the field. In other words, from his very obscurity it can be drawn that William, like so many thousand others, simply and quietly did his duty.
From the start of 1917, 2ATC worked in the Rouen, Bluff, Larchwood and Verbranden tunnel and dugout systems, providing accommodation for the Infantry at Larchwood and Artillery Observation Posts. They plied their trade in the Ypres Dugouts and provided accommodation for 1500 on the Ypres Ramparts.
In July 1917, the company moved to Coxyde Bains on the South Coast of Belgium to work the sand tunnels of Nieuport-Bains, at the extreme left of the British Line. In November they were moved to the Poperinghe and Harvrincourt Wood area to construct dugouts, repair roads and fill in shell holes and mine craters. So large were some of the craters on the Hindenburg Line, that they were named ‘Etna’ and ‘Vesuvius’.
December found the unit in the Cambrai sector, constructing dugouts and accommodation for the Infantry and Artillery, filling more craters and repairing more roads – such is the work of the Australian Engineer, regardless of his speciality.
On 4th March 1918 he was wounded in action by a poison gas shell, and was admitted at the 149th Field Ambulance the next day. Three days later he was transferred to the 57th Field Ambulance in the field and then on 10th March moved to 47th General Hospital at La Treport, from where he was embarked on HS ‘Carisbrook Castle’ for England on the 13th of that month. He was admitted to the Bath War Hospital on the 14th, remaining there for a period of 14 days before being transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford on 28th March. After 6 days at Dartford he was discharged to furlough on 2nd April to report to No 4 Com. Dartford
William’s NOK was advised by letter dated March 27, 1918 from Base Records, Melbourne, and addressed to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 22 Warwick St, Hobart, that he had been wounded in action (gassed) and admitted to Bath War Hospital, England.
William received his 1st T.A.B. Inoculation on 17 April, and between then and 4 June, William was examined on a weekly basis at 3rd AAH for effects of the gas. On 4 June his disability was recorded as ‘slight’.
He was examined and found to be Dentally Fit (PU & PL dentures) on 9 July 1918 and marched out to the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge Deverill.
On 1st August 1918 he proceeded overseas to France via Southampton, marching in to the Australian General Base Depot at Rouelles on the 2nd and marching out to his unit on 6th August 1918.
Proceedings of the Court of Inquiry
assembled at Pernois on 7th August 1918
by order of Capt. Frank A. CHAFFEY, T/Commanding Aust. Corps Reinforcement Camp,
for the purpose of investigating and recording the evidence as to the circumstances under which No. 4807, Spr. Wrathall W. 2nd Aust. Tunnelling Coy. met his death
Capt J.D.W. CHISHOLM, 40th Bn. AIF, appointed President
Capt. J.A.S. MITCHELL, 54th Battalion and Lieut. L.J. BREWER, 37th Bn., AIF appointed Members.
The Court, having viewed the scene of the fatality, take evidence:
1st Witness
No. 761, Sgt CROUCH, acting RSM at Aust. Corps Depot, gave evidence under oath that Spr. Wrathall W. had arrived at the camp on 6th August and before being dismissed for the evening was read Standing Orders, one of which is that every man must be in camp by 10 PM.
2nd Witness
No. 600, Spr IMRIE J. B., 2nd Aust. Tunnelling Coy, being duly sworn says:-
I left the Aust Corps Depot in company with Spr Wrathall about 5.p.m. on 6.8.18. We passed through Berteaucourt having a few drinks of wine on the way. We went to St. Leger and along the St Quen Road. We then returned and I believe we walked up the Railway line from the crossing at St. Leger. By this time it was quite dark but I do not know the exact time, all I know is that we were walking along the Railway line. The next thing I remember is waking up this morning alongside the Railway line at break of day feeling very dazed with an injury on my head and bruised on my legs and arms. I saw the body of Spr Wrathall about ten yards ahead and lying between the rails. Seeing nobody about I made my way to Aust Corps Depot and reported the matter to Sgt Dalton. I neither saw nor heard a Railway train while we were walking along the line, and do not know how my injuries or Spr Wrathall’s death was caused. We had a lot of drinks during the evening, we were pretty full but we were not drunk.
3rd Witness
Sgt KIRBY of the RODRE swore to effect that he was in charge of the Railway Stations at St Leger and Pernois and that he was roused at 5.35 am on 7.8.18 by an the ROD Engineer Driver of Engine No. 1432 accompanied by the Blockman on duty. The Engine Driver advised there was a body of an English soldier on the line about 300yds west of Pernois station. Sgt Kirby went to the spot indicated and found the body of Spr Wrathall lying between the rails on the left hand line facing St Leger, about 200 yds west of the crossing which leads to the western end of Pernois. The body was placed on an engine and brought back to Pernois. Sgt Kirby had not received a report about the matter from any Engine Driver.
4th Witness
Sgt BANDY, R.A.M.C., 4th C.C.S. swore to effect that at 7.45 am on 7.8.18 he received the dead body of No. 4807 Spr Wrathall W. 2nd Aust Tunnelling Coy. The duty Medical Officer examined the body which was afterwards removed to the Mortuary.
Page 2 of the Court of Inquiry contains:
Statement of No. 600 Spr Imrie J.B., 2nd Aust Tunnelling Coy.
I was returning from 4th Army Rest Camp at E.U. and arrived at Pernois at 1 pm on the 6th Aug.
While waiting to proceed to our Units the following morning I went for a walk with No. 4807 Spr Wrathall W. 2nd Aust Tunnelling Coy who was an old friend.
We had some tea at Berteaucourt and then went on to St Leger. We had some wine in an Estaminet at St Leger and left to return to Pernois when the Estaminet closed. We went along the road and at a railway crossing between Berteaucourt and Pernois we proceeded along the line. I do not remember anything except walking along the line till I found myself lying in the grass at the side of the rails. I got up and saw Wrathall lying between the rails. I saw he was dead. It was dark and I was feeling very dazed as my head was injured and went along the line to the first level crossing where I came on to the road. I told an Imperial Private in a motor what had happened and then came on to the Corps Depot where I woke the Sgt and reported to him. I then reported later to the Medical Orderly who took me to the Medical officer for treatment for my head.
7 August 1918
Lieut. Colonel J.M. RAHILLY, OC, 4th C.C.S., signed the following on:-
“I CERTIFY THAT No. 4807 Spr Wrathall W. No. 2 Aust. Tun Coy. was brought in dead early this morning, to this C.C.S.
The body shows:-
A shattered skull
Both legs broken
R. Arm broken
Severe abdominal and chest injuries
Death would have been instantaneous.”
13 August 1918 – 6th Military Command advised of death of Spr Wrathall, ‘cause not stated, investigating’
23 August 1918 – Copy of advice made for War Pensions.
3 September 1918 - Mr. A. F. SMALLHORN, Secretary of the Manchester Unity Friendly Society, Hobart District, requested a copy of the certificate of report of William’s death required by the statistician for registration of death. The copy was forwarded from Base Records, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne on 8th November. William either had an account with the Friendly Society or was a member of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows (MUIOOF).
Army Form W 3428 – Report of Accidental or Self-Inflicted Injuries dated - 6 September 1918
Section 2:
recorded the following injuries:a shattered skull
both legs broken
right arm broken
severe abdominal and chest injuries
Section 3:
Stated the following circumstances:
Spr Wrathall and No 600 Spr Imrie J. B., 2nd Australian Tunnelling Coy were proceeding along Railway line from Berteaucourt to Pernois an the night of 6/7th August, returning to Aust. Corps Depot when they were run into by a train.
Section 4:
Major R. A. RAMSAY of the Aust. Corps Depot recorded that the ‘man’:
(signed 7.8.18) was not performing military duty
was to blame;
no other person was to blame
Section 5:
Capt. Frank Chaffey, T/O.C. Aust. Corps Rfts Camp recorded his opinion as:
(signed 12.8.18)‘That No. 4807 Spr Wrathall W. 2nd Aust. Tunnelling Coy was Killed by a passing train on the Railway Line between St Leger Le Domart and Pernois on the night of 6/7th August 1918 and that no person can be held blamable.’
Section 7:
Major G. D. ROBERTS (for G.O.C. Fourth Army) advised D.A.G., GHQ 3rd Echelon:
(signed 6.9.18)‘This Casualty should be reported as Accidentally Killed’
Annotation on top of sketch:
‘Rough sketch of Railway Line between St Leger and Pernois Stations
Not Drawn to Scale’
Annotations on bottom of sketch believed to read: (X has been darkened)
‘X marks the spot where the body was found
The _ _ _ of visibility on (station) side of point X is 80 yards in daylight
The visibility (by a person of ) _ _ _ on either side of the line is very dark at night’
12 September 1918 – 6th Military Command advised of cause of death.
19 September 1918 – War Pensions advised of cause of death.
21 February 1919 - Advice from District Paymaster, 6th Military District to OIC, Base Records, Melbourne that the Public Trustee, Hobart, Tasmania, had been asked to administer the estate of 4807, Spr. W. Wrathall, Tunn. C. (deceased).
14 March 1919 – personal effects received from the field – 1 Parcel (sealed) containing :- 1 purse, 2 silver medals, photos. Sent to Australia per ‘Sardinia’.
19 March 1919 – Receipt or Consignment from Defence Department: personal effects of the late No. 4807 Sapper Wrathall. Signed for by Mrs M Wrathall – ‘Mother’
Annotation on card:‘where is his kit as we never received it
wife deceased Dead over 12 months
but his mother address is 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart, Tas.’
31 March 1919 – Above card received by Deceased Section
1 April 1919 – Letter from Base records to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart:
“Dear Madam,
With reference to your memo concerning the personal effects of the late No. 4807 Sapper W. Wrathall, 2nd Tunnelling Company. I have to advise that other than the package addressed to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 22 Warwick Street, Hobart, on the 14th ultimo, nothing has been received at this Office to date.
In view of your statement that the late soldier’s wife is dead I would be obliged if you will furnish me with Statutory Declaration to that effect also as to who is the eldest member of the family, (it is noted that according to Sapper W. Wrathall’s records he had three children), in order that the necessary amendments may be made.
The kit, being part of the military equipment and the property of the Government, would not be returned, but any articles of sentimental value would be extracted and forwarded.
In the event of any of the late soldier’s property coming to hand later, it will be promptly forwarded to his legal next-of-kin.”
3 March 1920 – Letter from Base Records to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 22 Warwick Street, Hobart:
“enclosed 3 photographs of your husband’s grave”
10 March 1920 – above letter marked ‘Return to Sender’
15 March 1920 – Letter of 3 March 1920 re-directed to son.
31 March 1920 – Letter from Base Records to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart:
“Dear Madam,
Adverting to my memo of 1st April, 1919 concerning the late No. 4807 Sapper W. Wrathall, 2nd Tunnelling Company, I would again request that you furnish a Statutory Declaration to the effect that the widow of the late soldier is deceased, and as to who is the eldest member of the family, in order that the necessary amendments may be made on the records.”
7 April 1920 – Letter from Mrs M. A. Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart, received by Deceased Section 13 April 1920:
“Dear Sir,
I received your memo today in reference to making a Statutory Declaration concerning my son the late No 4807 rank Sapper name William Wrathall 2nd tunnelling company i am the mother of Sapper William Wrathall an he left me next of kin an left me in charge of his children an they would not pay me any of his money till they got his papers from abroad as Sertified me next of kin His mother the money that was payed over to me His mother from military they wanted to fly to Sydney an splash the lot in traviling back an forwards to Sydney an they always say it only my farthers money we are spending an they already gone through £38.0.0 besides making me sell my home up an i suppose they will want to be back again an you no my son money wont do all this for them they think my son left a forturn for them they lived on me His mother for six months an never done a tap of work an when spoken to they would say it only farther money keeping us an the pension thay gave me was only 10/- week from my son Death an 12/6d for Keith Wrathall son of Deceased my mother worked at the Hobart railway cleaning offices for 30 years employed this speaks for it self the wife of my son William Wrathall Died in february 9/2/18 an the papers was sent in with ages when my son wife Died there is more news for you Vera Wrathall had a misforturn to a married an gave birth to a son an this cost me £10.0.0 an i had to earn this money Sir i dont think it fair the way they are treating me His mother it is shoking an i am ashamed to tell you about thes girls run debts all over the place i had to pay all for them So i ask you do you think this fair so now i will give you the ages of my son children Keith Wrathall is 13 years an 5 months an Vera Wrathall is 18 years of age an Kathleen Wrathall is 19 in three months in July so now I will close my letter to you Sir hoping to hear from you soon in reply to this letter