Gustave Semmler
Rank: Private
Service Number: 3703A
Unit Served: 1st Battalion
Personal Details:
Gustave Edwin (Eddie) was the youngest son of Herman Ludwig and Ernestine Caroline Semmler, of Springton. He was born on 15th May 1890. He spoke fluent German.
Enlistment Details:
Eddie enlisted at Victoria Barracks, New South Wales on 29th August 1917. He was 27 years and 3 months old. He was5’6”, weighed 148 lbs, with fair hair and blue eyes and a ruddy complexion. He listed his religion as Lutheran.
Details of his role in the war:
Eddie left Australian shores from Sydney on board the “Euripides” on 31st October 1917, arriving in Devonport England on 26th December that year. He trained at Codford. On 1st April 1918 he left Dover for Calais and joined his Unit on the 9thof that month. He was wounded on 23rd August, admitted to hospital and rejoined his Unit on 1st September.
Early in the morning of 18th September, Eddie, a scout in C Company Intelligence Branch, was engaged in advancing on the Hindenburg line, between Villeret and Hargecourt, when he was wounded a second time by a bullet to the chest area. Fellow soldiers saw him fall and checked if he was ok. He said he was alright and did not appear to be in pain. He was left for the stretcher bearers to attend to him. He was admitted to USA General Hospital, then transferred to the 55th Casualty Clearing Station where he died of his wounds the next day.
Personal effects were returned to his father, and included amongst the many usual items were photos, letters, a religious emblem, and 2 German Mark notes.
Age at Death: 28 years, 19th September 1918
Burial Details: Doignt Communal Cemetery Grave Ref: I.C.20
SEMMLER,- Died of Wounds on September 9th at 55th Casualty Clearing Station, France, No. 3703A, Private Gustave Edwin Semmler, 1st Battalion (late 55th), youngest son of Mr and Mrs. L. Semmler, Springton, SA aged 28 years and 4 months.
He left his home, his native land,
To help Australia’s gallant band,
His heart was brave, he knew no fear,
And freedom’s cause to him was dear,
He left his home, his native land,
To help Australia’s gallant band,
His heart was brave, he knew no fear,
And freedom’s cause to him was dear,
The soul of his country swells with pride,
With the deeds he did and the death he died.
His manly form lies in a foreign grave,
But his name will live with Australia’s brave.
Great is our sorrow, but God knows best,
He has taken our loved one home to rest.
-Inserted by his sorrowing father, mother, and sister, Gertie.
The Advertiser 22nd October 1918
