How they died …… From time to time we shall transcribe from the Australian War Memorial’s Red Cross Wounded and Missing files witness statements in regard to the death of a 35th Infantry Battalion First World War Digger. This week we feature the death of Private Roy Edward Tranter, a labourer of Glen Oak, who died of wounds 20th March 1917 and is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France. The informant was Private Gabriel Warrington, D Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, of Port Kembla, NSW who stated:- “Tranter was wounded while out with a wiring party at night near Armentieres, and died from the wounds a few days afterwards. I was in the trenches at that time, and saw Tranter carried out on a stretcher. Tranter was a big broad man, clean-shaven, brown hair. He was very popular in the Company, and was a good soldier.” And this one from Pte Augustus George Gilmore, D Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, of West Maitland, NSW who stated:- “I knew Tranter, he was in D. Co. and I recognise 1261 as his number. He was tall, medium complexion, and came I think from the North Coast. He was wounded up at Armentieres in March or April last, he was out wiring at night. He was carried in and taken to the doctor within 2 days afterwards we heard he had died. I think Sgt. Marshall since killed was in charge of the wiring party that night. It was well known in the Coy and he was the only man wounded that night, he was shot by a machine gun bullet.” May he continue to rest in eternal peace.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 06:28:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015