The 55th Battalion was part of the 14th Brigade of the 5th Division, AIF which took part in the ill fated Battle of Fromelles on the evening of 19th July 1916. Research undertaken by Lambis Englezos using the Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau Files available on line at the Australian War Memorial has provided a list of the names of the “missing” soldiers buried by the German army after the battle at Pheasant Wood. There are 15 soldiers from the 55th Battalion listed amongst them. During the recent archaeological dig it has been confirmed that the remains of these soldiers have lain undisturbed for nearly 92 years in a field at Pheasant Wood.
The Red Cross Wounded and Missing Files also revealed the fate of other soldiers who died in the battle.
Today we are proud to introduce English born Private Henry Mayer. Private Mayer was one of the 1,917 Australian soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Fromelles.
Photo: Private Henry Mayer
Henry was a 22 year old railway employee from Mortdale (Sydney), New South Wales when he enlisted. He embarked for overseas service with the 3rd Battalion but on reaching Egypt in January 1916 was transferred to the newly formed 55th Battalion. By the 30th June 1916, the 55th Battalion was in France and the Battalion entered the frontline trenches for the first time on 12 July and fought its first major battle at Fromelles a week later.
The Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Files provide an insight into his death.
Private Mayer died in one of the German trenches which were captured for a short time by the 55th Battalion. The reports state:
Pte Bishop 3762 55th AIF: Mayer was in the German trenches with his Machine Gun Section. A German sniper shot him through the head and killed him instantly.
Sgt Roberts 3911 55th Battalion: He was in a Lewis Gun Section at Fromelles and was holding the trench we had taken from Fritz. At daybreak on the 20th July 1916 a sniper shot him in the head killing him instantly.
Lieut Aggisez [Agassiz], M.G. Officer 55th Battalion: Pte Mayer was killed when firing a Machine Gun over my shoulder. It was in the German third line at midnight on 19th July. He was killed instantaneously, and could not have suffered any pain. I have not heard that any of the bodies were buried. He was quiet but a fighter, one of my best lads. I handed in his pay book and identity disc at Battn. Headquarters.
Like many of the soldiers killed at the Battle of Fromelles Private Henry Mayer has no known grave and his memorial is located in VC Corner Cemetery France.
Photo: Memorial Panel Showing Private Mayer’s Name – VC Corner Cemetery, France 2007
Photo: CWGC Headstone display at Fromelles Museum featuring Pte Mayer’s Commemorative Card, 2008
FROMELLES IS NOT HONOURED ON THE NATIONAL OR ANY STATE MEMORIAL IN AUSTRALIA.
FFFAIF SUPPORTS ALL EFFORTS TO RECOGNISE FROMELLES ON OR AT THE NATIONAL AND ALL STATE MEMORIALS THAT PRESENTLY LIST BATTLES BY NAME.
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