Herbert E. Hawkesworth

Ballarat School of Mines World War One Honour Roll, c1915. Federation University Historical Collection (Cat. No. 10431)

History

Herbert Edwin Hawkesworth was born at Geelong in the Parish of Newtown and Chilwell. He studied Assaying at the Ballarat School of Mines in 1911. He left a position at the Broken Hill Mine to enlist in the AIF during World War One. He was one of the first of the original ANZACs, having joined in the first Infantry Force to leave Australia.

Private Herbert Hawkesworth (252) was a member of the 8th Battalion AIF, enlisting on 18 August 1914 at the age of 33. At the time of his enlistment he as a metallurgist and assayer.

Hawkesworth received a gun shot wound to the left knee at Gallipoli on 01 May 1915. He returned to duty at Gallipoli on 22 June 1915. He left for the Western Front landing at Marseilles on 31 March 1916. He received a gun shot wound (right thigh) in Belgium on 06 October 1917.

He died of disease (influenza and pneumonia ) on 27 October 1918 at Ford House Hospital, Devonport. He is buried at Eggbuckland Cemetery, Plymouth (Grave 4779, Class C.) Herbert Hawkesworth's next-of-kin received the following remarks:

The deceased soldier was accorded a full military funeral, Firing Party Bugler and Pallbearers being in attendance.

The coffin was draped with the Union Jack, surmounted by several beautiful wreaths sent by Officers N.C.Os and men of red Cross Hospital.

The burial service was conducted at the graveside by the Rev. W. Gabriel Harris of Garrison Church, London.

Administrative Headquarters A.I.f. London were represented at the funeral.

In 1919 Herbert Hawkesworth father, Edwin, wrote requesting information about the grave. The following response was sent on 31 May 1919:

Dear Sir,

I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication with reference to the grave of your son, the late No. 252 Private H.E. Hawkesworth, 2nd australian Light trench Mortar Battery, and to state the Imperial War Graves Commission will eventually erect permanent headstones of a uniform design over the graves of member of the A.I.F., in the various theatres of war. The regimental crest of the A.I.F., together with a suitable epitaph will be engraved on the stones.

Owing to the extent of the work involved however, some considerable time must necessarily elapse before this can be completed.

Later, relatives of deceased soldiers will be given an opportunity of having approved texts or lines of sentimental interest included on the headstones provided the are will to defray the cost of such addition.

The British Government has appointed a National Committee to care for the graves of our fallen soldiers, and has udnertaken to provide for their maintenance in perpetuity.

Yours faithfully,

Major [illegible]

Officer i/c base Records

Legacy

Herbert E. Hawkesworth's name is listed in the Ballarat School of Mines Honor Roll.

See also

8th Battalion

World War One

External links

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--Clare K.Gervasoni 10:52, 29 January 2015 (EST)