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Died: 28th January 1917 Killed in Action Armentieres, France
Mother: Lizze Richmond. nee:..
William James Richmond enlisted with A Company, 34th Battalion AIF on the 11th of December 1915 and was an original member of the Battalion with
the rank of Lance Sergeant. "Until the 10th of March, early training and formation of the Battalion was in progress.
On that day the Battalion marched to the newly pitched camp at Rutherford and was completed with the exception of the Transport. These joined later and
came from the Army Service Corps camp near Sydney. Here strenuous training was carried out. The men were very keen and fit, whilst their comfort and health
were made a special study. Food was good and ample and sports and recreation were not overlooked.
A Girl's League was formed to cater for the comforts of the Battalion, under the supervision of Miss Violet MACKAY, who took a keen interset from the beginning,
having, with the Mayor of Maitland met the men of the Wallaby March at East Greta and prepared dinner for them on their arrival. On 1st May 1916, the
Battalion left by Train from Farley Station for the Showground in Sydney, equipped with kit bags and neccessary clothing, and was reviewed in Moore Park by
General RAMACCOTTI. On the following morninng, 2nd May 1916 the men embarked on the transport HMAT A20 "HORORATA" and sailed at 4:00pm".
The voyage to England was without any unusual incidents and a good passage throughout. The first port of call was Albany, where three days were spent. Columbo
was reached on Empire Day, 24th May. Here two days were taken up coaling and taking on provisions, etc. During the stay the Battalion carried out a route
march through the town. Suez was reached on 8th June, where a party of Light Horse and some details were disembarked. Arriving at Port Said on 9th, the ship
coaled and proceeded to Alexandria which was reached on 11th June 1916.
Here the Battalion transferred to S.S."Aragon", E867. Some Australian Details were on board, also a number of Tommies going to England on Furlough. Devonport
was reached on the 23rd June, the Battalion disembarked at Plymouth at 1:00pm and entrained during the afternoon for Amesbury, arriving at midnight and marching
to hutments at No: 1 Camp, Larkhill. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry
and general Camp Routine. Later the Battalion moved to the No: 25 Camp and finished off their training, which included six days' battle practice and field
work at the Bustard Trenches.
Four days' disembarkation leave was given from 6th to 10th July and later King's Leave from November 5th to 9th. Whilst here the Official Colours were issued.
Purple over Green (Oval), these replacing the Colours presented to the Battalion (Old Gold on Shoulder Straps) by the Ladies of West Maitland. A Signal
Section was formed at Larkhill under
The 34th Battalion left Larkhill on the 21st November and entrained at Amesbury for Southampton, embarking on the S.S "Arundel". The transport section left
by S.S. "Princess Victoria". The Battalion arrived at Le Harve, France on the 22nd November 1916. Disembarkation commenced at 8:00am and the Battalion
marched to No;1 camp on the Hill, arriving at 2:00pm. The men carried heavy loads, in some cases amounting to miniature Q.M.' Stores. The march over cobblestones
was very tiring, notwithstanding the many route marches which had been carried out at Larkhill. However, after bathing their feet and receiving treatment,
as well partaking of a good meal, some spent a comfortable night.
The following morning the Battalion moved to Le Harve Railway Station, leaving D Company behind. On arrival at the Station entraining commenced at 8:00am
and the train left at 11:15am. The journey was slow and occupied until 4:30pm on the 24th. On arrival at Bailleul the men detrained and marched to Outtersteene.
D Company arrived at 4:00pm the following day. The Battalion rested here in billets for two days previous to taking over garrison duties in the Line at
Armenties. The Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel. Malcolm St John LAMB. with the Adjutant, Company commanders, N.C.O's and
Specialists went into the Line to inspect Trenches, Stores, Plans and to arrange for the taking over this Section of the line on the following day.
The specialists and N.C.O's remained in the Line. On 27th November the Battalion went into the Line in the L'Epinette Sector. The men were taken up by motor
lorries as far as the Square near Houplines Station, and marched via Butterne Avenue and Willow Walk to the Line, carrying their packs and blankets into the
trenches. Lewis Gun ammunition was taken into the Line with the tin cases. The going was difficult owing to the conditions of the Trenches and the heavy and
bulky loads. Later the blankets were dumped near Tussage Dump, from which most of them disappeared. This was the main incident of our relief in the Line.
The Sector taken over had been held by the Northumberland Fusiliers whom the 34th Battalion relieved. Specialists of this Regiment remained for a couple of days
to arrange and assist in the routine. We were greeted with a display of Verey Lights and, apparently anxious to see the newcomers, the enemy searched our
Sector with his searchlights throughout the night, which was misty and dark. Our Artillery and Trench Mortars put over a heavy barrage, either to let Fritz
know we had arrived or to cover the change over; this was the signal for increased activity of enemy Machine Gun and Rifle fire to which the Battalion
energetically replied.
During the night Patrols were sent out, Listening Posts established and wiring was commenced. Dawn broke with a thick mist hanging over the Sector and our
men could get very little idea of the new frontage. Our Artillery and Trench Mortars were busy registering on the enemy positions throughout the day and
Fritz retaliated with Machine Gun and Rifle fire. The first day passed with no special incidents.
The first Casualty occured on the morning of the 3rd of December at sunrise when
Considerable damage was done to our Trenches and parapets and one of our Listening Posts was destroyed. Some enemy Patrols were dispered by our snipers. Enemy
working parties were fairly active on our front and his patrols were strong. Considerable road and rail transport was noticeable behind the enemy lines. The
Battalion livened things up generally in the Sector which of late had been fairly quiet and Fritz did not appreciate the change. Just before being relieved
we presented them with an issue of Gas. The Trenches were in a very wet and muddy condition. The water in the bottom of them being frequently frozen, the ice
had to be broken to provide sufficient cover for the men, as the parapets were not high enough to allow walking on the ice. Thus the men had to stand in the
freezing water and mud, with the result that the constant wet and cold caused many evacuations with trench feet.
The 33rd Battalion was on our left and the New Zealanders were on our flank during this period. After six days in the Line we were relieved and marched to
Billets in Armentieres. The Battalion Headquarters were at No: 6 Rue de Strasburg, the Quarter Master's Store at No: 28. Billet routine from the 4th to 10th
December 1916 consisted of a general clean up and Bath Parades to Erquinghem.
On the 11th December 1916 the 34th Battalion went into the Line again. "B" Company occupying the Subsidiary line instead of "D" Company, as in the first period.
The weather was still cold and misty. The usual counter battery work was carried out by the Artillery and Trench Mortars. Some shells from our own "Heavies"
dropped short and fell into our front Line. Sniping on both sides was again active. Extra Patrols were sent out to engage the strong fighting enemy Patrols
in No Man's Land. The enemy was busy with his Working Parties and good work was also done by the wiring parties. Two extra Lewis Guns were added to the Front
Line for the purpose of sweeping the enemy parapets and wire, in retaliation for enemy sniping which had become most active and causing trouble.
This was the beginning of continuous sweeping of parapets on both sides during the whole period of holding this Sector of the Line. The 34th Battalion Patrols
were contesting No Man's Land, which up to this time Fritz considered belonged to him. Heavy bombardments were carried out which caused considerable damage
to the Trenches and Supports on both sides. quite a number of Men were being evacuated with trench feet through standing in the cold and wet, notwithstanding
that dry socks were issued every day to the troops. during this period there were a number of casualties, including 6 K.I.A.and
Lieutenant: Stephen Matthew HARRIS was the first the Officer wounded. Captain: Walter Hedland Valentine BAKER. and
Lieutenant: Frederick Llewllyn EAST. and a number of men were also evacuated sick.
The 34th Battalion was relieved on the 18th of December 1916 and marched to billets in Armentieres. Captain: Edmund BEAVER injured
by shell fire, and several other ranks sick, were evacuated from here. On the 23rd December 1916 the 34th Battalion moved to Reserve Billets at La Blanc Masion,
where the buildings of hutments and stables for muleswas carried out. The roads were flooded two or three feet deep and Carrying Parties of men erecting the
hutments had to wade through this, in many cases waist deep. While here the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel. Malcolm St John LAMB.
left for Army School. Christmas Day, the first and what proved to be the worst in France, was spent in Billets, only in the course of erection. The rations
for Christmas Dinner were plentiful, but the cooking facilities were poor and the troops were somewhat "fed up" with the environment and bad weather.
Each man had 1lb of Pudding and a quart of Beer if he wished. The Pudding was supplied by the Comforts Fund and the Beer from the Regimental Funds. Working
Parties had to be provided both on Christmas and New Year's Day. On the 31st of December 1916 Lieutenant Colonel. Malcolm St John LAMB.
returned to the 34th Battalion and on the 4th January 1917 Headquarters and "A" Company moved to Jesus Farm and joined the remainded of the 34th Battalion in
hutments, which were now finished. The following day Major: Walter Arnold LeRoy FRY. left for the Training Battalion at Larkhill. A
few men were evacuated sick and one, Private: A LEACH of the Australian Medical Corps Staff, died.
On the 24th January 1917 the Specialists went into the Line in the Houplines Sector. The following day the 34th Battalion took over from the 36th Battalion,
whos Commanding Officer:Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON. had been killed the previous day. On the 29th January
1917 Major: Ernest Edward MARTIN. temporarily transfered to command the 36th Battalion until the 20th February when
Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. became Commanding Officer. The Front Line here was very similar to last Sector. During this period a good deal
of shelling was carried out on both sides enemy sending over "Pineaples" freely. Aerial activity increased and many fights took place. The Patrols were now
gaining mastery of No Man's Land and Fritz was getting the "Wind up". Verey Light displays, constant use of his Searchlights and bombing of his own wire were
common occurences during the night time.
On the 26th of January 1917 2nd Lieutenant: Gordon Thomas WOOD was the first Officer Killed in Action who was killed by shell fire.
Also during this period the first Non Commissioned Officer killed in Action was
(Illawarra Press; 1957)
4th June 1917.
Informant; Sergeant: 434 Robert Talbot GARDNER B Company, 34th Battalion AIF.
Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was killed by shrapnel at Armentieres
and buried in Cemetery at same place. I did not see him killed or buried, but saw his grave with
cross and circle, and name and number and date of death. He was a pal of mine and we trained
together on Salisbury Plain. Dartford, England.
6th June 1917.
Informant; Private: 2650 James Hines SHAUL, 34th Battalion.
I knew Private: 2643 Joseph RICHMOND a
brother of Sergeant: 165 William James Richmond and I was told by him that he had seen the grave
of the Sergeant in Armentieres. We were billeted there at the time. No: 3 Canadian
General Hospital, Boulogne.
8th June 1917.
Informant; Private: 1153 Leslie HILL D Company 34th Bn
9th June 1917
Informant; Company Sergeant Major: 197 George STRONG. A Company, 34th Bn. We were holding the line at Houplines and as Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND came out of the dugout to see if his platoon were all right I saw a shell break over him and kill him instantly. He was buried in local cemetery with cross and details on his grave. St-John Hospital, ETAPLES.
Informant; Private: 1860 James MILLS. D Coy, No:14 Platoon. We were holding the line at Houplines when a shell came over and killed Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND almost instantly. He was buried in local cemetery at Barbed Wire Square. St-Johns Hospital. ETAPLES.
10th June 1917.
Informant; Private: 89 William George HENNING A Company no:3 Platoon. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND belonged to A Company and I saw him just after he had been killed about January 29th in Houplines Sector, ARMENTIERES. He was killed by a shell which cut his wind pipe and I saw Stretcher Bearers bandaging him up but it was no good. He is buried at the Military Cemetery ARMENTIERES where I have seen his grave with a cross with his name and rank on. I knew him well. We joined at same time, October 1915. He died within a few minutes of being wounded. 1st Canadian General Hospital, ETAPLES.
Informant; Private: 563 Sam Scott TAYLOR. B Company, 34th Bn Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was in A Company, and was killed on our front line at ARMENTIERES. I saw his body being brought back and it was probably buried in the cemetery there. Hospital Ship "Grantully Castle".
11th June 1917.
Informant; Private: 1529 Michael GRIFFIN. A Coy No:3 Platoon. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was in A Company, I believe III Pltn. I had known Sergt Richmond for 9 or 10 months and was in the habit of seeing him every day. He was about 5ft 7" in height, well built, brown hair and had freckled face. He had relations in IRELAND. He was killed in Houplines sector, about half an hours walk from ARMENTIERES about the 29th January 1917. I did not see him killed or buried, I was told by Private: 1783 Frederick Clarence ABRAMS of A Coy, No:3 Platoon, 34th Bn AIF (2nd Reinforcements) that he had seen Richmond's grave in the Military Cemetery at ARMENTIERES. Abrams did not say if there was a cross and name on it. Abrams is employed in the Battalion Q.M.Stores at the present time attanding to the graves. Hospital Ship "Essequibo".
13th June 1917.
Informant; Private: 2584 Alfred William Charles HUGHES. 34 BN AIF. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was a Sergeant in A Company 34th Bn. His brother Private: 2643 Joseph RICHMOND was in D Company, came over with me. His brothers name was Joseph. They both came from Gunnedah, N.S.W. but were born in England. Sergeant: 60 William Melville DWYER of No:II, A Company , told me that the sergeant walked out of a dugout without a helmet and a piece of shrapnel hit him on the head and killed him on the spot. this was last January. I was talking to his brother about it a little time ago. we were at PONTENIPE at the time. No: 26 General Hospital, ETAPLES.
Informant; Private: 560 Alfred SEARLE. B Company, 34th Battalion.Informant states that on January 29th at the Houplines trench, Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was shot through the heart. I was about 50 yards from him at the time . I believe it was shrapnel. He was buried in the Principal Cemetery in ARMENTIERES. I have seen his grave. The cemetery is on the left side of the road from BELLOUX to ARMENTIERES, on the ARNMENTIERES side of the canal. Our Divisional Headquarters were quite near it.
Cornelia Hospital, Poole.
Informant; Private: 361 Sydney Milson BANFIELD. Informant states that at ARMENTIERES Cemetery Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was buried. Informant visited the grave of a chum and saw the grave of Sergeant RICHMOND. 1st London General Hospital, Camberwell, England.
Informant; Privte: 367 Henry BENNETT Sergeant: 165 William James Richmond was in A Company and was an Englishman who had emigrated to Australia. He was a friend of mine. I know he was killed, although I cannot tell you how. But he was burried in the Military Cemetery by L'Ecole Professional at ARMENTIERES for I went up and saw his grave. It is marked with a headstone. 2nd Canadian General Hospital, Le Treport.
Informant; Private: 3 Harry Joseph ADSHEAD Sergeant: 165 William James Richmond was shot in the mouth and the bullet came out low down his neck. It happened in the 1st line trenches and I carried him down to Dr Clarke at the Dressing Station, but he died. No:47 General Hospital Le Treport, France.
14th June 1917
Informant; Sergeant: 108 Reginald Thomas KERSLAKE. A Company, No: 4 Platoon, 34th Battalion. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was in A Company, No:2 Platoon. He was a chum of mine and came from Gunnedah, N.S.W. He was Killed at ARMENTIERES on January 29th, 1917 and buried in the 3rd Division Cemetery, ARMENTIERES. I saw the grave; it has a cross on it. Australian Camp, ROUELLES, France.
15th June 1917.
Informant; Corporal: 1151 Arthur Agnus HARDY. D Company, 34th Bn. no:4 platoon. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was in A Company. I knew him well; he came from N.S.W. He was killed in action at ARMENTIERES in February 1917. I saw the cross that was to be placed on his grave in the ARMENTIERES Cemetery. Australian Camp, ROUELLES, France.
Informant; Private: 82 Levi Basil Peter HALL "At Armentieres we were in Hoop Line Trenches on Sunday night January 28th and were shelled for two an a half hours. Corporal:60 William Melville DWYER who was with Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND told me that Richmond had been struck in the chest by a shell and died immediately saying "I am hit, Billy". I saw his grave in ARMENTIERES Cemetery". 2nd Southern General Hospital, Bristol, England.
Informant; Private: 1984 Arthur Henry SANDRY I knew Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND. We were just holdind the line at the time at Hooplines when a shell came over and killed him. He is buried in ARMENTIERES in the Military Cemetery, there is a cross with his name on. No:1 Casualty Clearing Station, BOULOGNE.
16th June 1917.
Informant; Private: 19 Albert BROWN. A Company. 34th Bn. One night about end of January we were putting a barrage over our right to prepare a raid by another battalion and fritz was replying heavily on us. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was in the communication trench between the front line and supports. He was hit in the neck and said "Oh I'm hit" and died instantly. I saw his body within an hour of his death and looked at the wound. The other details I had at the time from a Sergeant who was present when he was hit but I forget his name. I have seen his grave in ARMENTIERES Military Cemetery. It has a cross over it with his name on. He was an all round sport and was always there when anything was doing. He was extremely popular with the men. No:7 Canadian General Hospital, ETAPLES.
17th June 1917.
Informant; Captain: William Walter MATTHEWS A Company. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was killed in the trenches by shell fire at ARMENTIERES and is buried in the Cite Bon Jean Cemetery. A cross marks the grave, there is a wood headstone easily recognisable and the grave is well cared for. I enlisted him myself at GUNNEDAH in New South Wales and was Officer of the watch at the time he was killed. 3rd London General Hospital, WANDSWORTH, England.
18th June 1917
Informant; Sergeant: 432 Frederick Gallagher GALLEGHAN. B Company. "I did not actually see Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND killed, but I saw his body after his death. He was killed instantaneously by a shapnel bullet through the head. I am sure he is the same man you are enquiring about. We called him "Bully" Richmond (Bully was short for William). He was buried in a Cemetery near ARMENTIERES called the Cite Bon Jean. I think that Private: 1828 John Percival GRANT of our Battalion (34th AIF) whom they are also enquiring about was buried at the same place. 1st Eastern General Hospital, CAMBRIDGE, England.
Informant; Private: 2028 Joseph Lewis ALLANSON B Company no:8 Platoon, 34th Bn. I saw the graves of both of these men Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND A Company and Private: 1993A Clifton Raymond Slater C Company, in the Military Cemetery at ARMENTIERES in April 1917. There are wooded crosses on both graves. Australian Camp, ROULLES, France.
Informant;Private: 1970A Martin RAHARD 34th Battalion. Sergeant: 165 William James Richmond A Company 34th Battalion, was killed during the bombardment at ARMENTIERES and was buried in the Military Cemetery at ARMENTIERES, where I have seen his grave with a cross erected. No:1 Australian Hospital, ROUEN, France.
20th June 1917
Informant; Private: 1827 Robert Clyde HENNEY and Private: 236 Henry Thomas GOLDSMITH. A Company, No2 Platoon. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was in A Company, No:2 Platoon, 34th Bn. I have seen his grave at ARMENTIERES in the Military Cemetery with a cross with his name and number. He was killed by a splinter of shell in the Houplines Sector. I did not see it happen but knew the facts from Corporal: 60 William Melville DYWER of A Company, No:2 Platoon, now up line, in whose arms he fell. Richmond's brother is in A Company up line, and has received his effects. DWYER also saw him and told him about the casualty. No:1 Canadian General Hospital, ETAPLES.
21st June 1917
Informant; Private: 1401 Felix Nicholas WEILER A Company No:3 Platoon. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was killed by shrapnel at ARMENTIERES in the afternoon during a barrage by the Germans. He was buried in the Military Cemetery there. He was of my Company and I knew him well. Canadian General Hospital, BOULOGNE.
Informant; Privare: 808 Herbert Ernest JONES C Company, No:11 Platoon. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was in A company. Private: 1993 Clifton Raymond Slater was in C Company. I saw the graves of both men in the Military Cemetery at ARMENTIERES. There is a cross on each grave. Australian Camp, ROUELLES.
22nd June 1917
Informant; Private: 78 Ernest GREENWELL A Company, states that on January 29th at ARMENTIERES, Sergeant: 165 william James Richmond was killed by shrapnel instantaneously. Informant has seen his grave at 2nd General Cemetery, ARMENTIERES. 3rd London General Hospital, WANDSWORTH, England.
23rd June 1917
Informant; Private: 1983 Clarencr James SANDRY A Company No:4 Platoon. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was in A Company, and I think in 2 Platoon. He was killed at Houplines in January 1917 and buried in the military Cemetery at ARMENTIERES; there is a cross on his grave. Australian Camp, ROUELLES.
26th June 1917.
Informant; Sergeant: 60 William Melville DWYER A Company, No2 Platoon, 34th Bn. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was wounded by a shrapnel bullet in the trenches at ARMENTIERES. The bullet hit him in the chest near the right shoulder and went down ito his lungs. He lived only 15 minutes after he was hit. I was with him. He was buried in the ARMENTIERES Military Cemetery. He belonged to no:2 Platoon.
Horton County of London War Hospital. Epsom, England.
27th June 1917.
Informant;Private: 138 Walter Patrick McGUIRE. 34th Battalion. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND was my Platoon Sergeant, No2 A Company. I was quite near to him in Houplines Trench at ARMENTIERES when he was killed by a piece of shrapnel in the chest (outright). Saw his body afterwards and his grave several times in the big cemetery at ARMENTIERES. We had been cloce friends. Sergeant: 60 William Melville DWYER A Company was along side him when killed and will confirm the above. Dartford, England.
28th June 1917.
Informant; Private: 153 John PERKINS. 34th Battalion A.I.F. It was during a night raid by the Germans. I did not see Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND killed but heard the next day that shrapnel killed him. He is buried in the 3rd Divisional cemetery at Armentieres. He was one of the original WALLABY'S, medium height. He came from Gunnedah, N.S.W. Ambulance Train, "Brighton" Calais.
24th July 1917
Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND 34th Battalion, was Buried at the Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armenitieres by Reverand Adam Stuart McCOOK. AIF Headquarters, London.
28th July 1917.
Informant: Private: 242 John WATSON, A Coy 34th Bn. Refer to Sergeant: 60 William DWYER A Coy no:4 Platoon, this man can give full particulars. Sergeant: 165 William James RICHMOND his last words to him were "Oh Billy, I'm hit", death almost at once. Casualty at ARMENTIERES, Houplines. 3rd Auxillary Hospital, Dartford, England.
The War Graves Photographic Project (in association with the CWGC)
William's British War Medal:38508 to SGT 165 W.J.RICHMOND. 34BN AIF was acquired from a Dealer in Melbourne, Victoria in July 2007 and is now in the collection. His brothers British War Medal:82727 to PTE. 54261 A RICHMOND. 34BN AIF was also auctioned but I was unable to secure it.
William James Richmond was a single 26 year old Farmer from Gunnedah, N.S.W. His mother lived at 15 Bridge Street, Lever, Fife, Scotland 5th March 1917..
Brothers; Private: 54621 Alexander RICHMOND. 34th Battalion. Private: 2643 Joseph RICHMOND. 34th Battalion.
(Australian National Archives)
Under Construction; 27/06/2007-02/04/2011.
