'Lieut. Jack Byrne and Pte Bill Byrne: Two soldiers of the Great War 1914-1918'

MLMSS 7259

fonds

2000

Textual Records, Photographs

430519

Microfilm : CY 4660, frames 31-64 (MLMSS 7259)

0.02 metres of textual material (1 folder) - typescript, photographs

Judith Saunders has compiled an account of her father's and uncle's service in World War 1, using the older brother's letters home, and the Official War History (C.E.W. Bean et al)

John (Jack) Byrne,aged 25, served with the 3rd Division, part of the 9th Brigade, in France and Belgium, and took part in the battle of Messines Ridge from June 1917. The 3rd Division was relieved in October. Among the reinforcements was Private William Byrne, aged 22. Jack returned to Messines Ridge after leave in December. In March 1918 Jack Byrne received wounds to his chest and leg and did not return to active service. William Byrne fought on the Somme from March 1917 and took part in the "Great Push" of August 8 1918, at the battle of Amiens. Seriously wounded he was in hospital in England by the end of August. In April 1919 Jack was discharged and in May William followed.

State Library of New South Wales collection of World War I papers