Eric Padman
Name: Eric George Padman
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service Number: 2857
Unit Served: 50th Battalion
Personal Details: Eric was born in Middleton, South Australia, on the 9yh March, 1896to Samuel Waterhouse and Annie Elizabeth Jane Padman. He attended Middleton School until the age of 13 when he left to work on a farm near Murray Bridge> he then worked on a property near Kingston SE before returning to school at Victor Harbor High School. After winning a scholarship he attended Roseworthy College completing his Diploma of Agriculture with Honours in three subjects. He was 5’ 4 ¼” tall, with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He weighed 123 lbs ( 56 kgs)
Enlistment Details: Eric enlisted on April 26th, 1916 in Adelaide at the age of 20 years and 1 month. He was assigned to the 7th Reinforcement of the 50th Battalion
Details of War Service: Eric left Adelaide on the 7th November, 1916 on the “Afric” and arrived on the 11th January 1917. His brother was killed in action while he sailed. On the b28th January he was admitted sick in England. He was discharged from hospital back to duty on the 6th February but was in and out of hospital for a while after. Eric was taken on strength on the 15th July. He was then promoted to be Lance Corporal on the 15th August. Sadly Uncle Eric was killed in action on the 27th September 1917 during the Battle of Polygon Wood.
Age at Death: 21
Date of Death: 27th September 1917
Cemetery Details: Aeroplane Cemetery Special Memorial B3. He actual grave may be Plot II, Row A, Grave 13.
