Hugh Bawden
Name: Hugh Bawden
Rank: Corporal
Service Number: 5969
Unit Served: 10th Battalion AIF
Personal Details:
Hugh Bawden, named after his father, was born in Curramulka, SA. He grew up in Kapunda with his mother, father and nine siblings. His mothers name was Mary Ann Bawden (nee Rickaby) although she was mainly known as ‘Dolly’. Hugh stood 5ft 7 inches tall and weighed 131 lbs. He had a medium complexion, hazel eyes, dark brown hair and was a Methodist. Prior to Enlisting to the AIF Hugh worked as a farmer.
Enlistment Details: He enlisted on the 24th of April 1916 at 21 years of age.
Details about his role in War:
Hugh Bawden and the 2nd Depot Battalion disembarked from Adelaide on the 12th of August 1916 and arrived at Plymouth on the 30th September. On the 22nd October they then moved overseas again from England and arrived at Etaples in France the following day. A month later Private Bawden was admitted to hospital with tonsillitis. He left five days later and met up with his unit in France on the 15th December 1916. Six months later on the 16th of June 1917 Private Bawden was promoted to Lance Corporal and then two months after that on the 12th of august he joined Brigade school. On the 10th of September he rejoined his battalion from Brigade school and then two months later on the 26th of November Lance Corporal Bawden went on leave to the UK. He stayed on leave until the 19th of December. On the 24th of march 1918 Hugh went to Brigade school for another month and got a ‘school of instruction certificate’. He rejoined the action on the 3rd of April 1918. On the 20th of June Lance Corporal Bawden was promoted to Temp. Corporal as Corporal W.E Fraser was wounded. He stayed in this roll until he was killed in action on the 10th of August 1918 during the Battle of Amiens.
Age at death: Hugh Bawden died at the age of twenty three.
Cemetery or Memorial Details: Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France.
Interesting Material:
The items sent home upon Hugh’s death were his disk, gold medallion, metal brooch, two unit colours, two service stripes, two wallets, a crucifix, two religious medallions, two notebooks, numerous photos, cards and his school of instruction certificate.
The name Hugh was a very traditional Bawden name. It belonged to Hugh’s father as well as several men from earlier generations. Hugh’s brother Raymond Henry continued the tradition by naming his son after his brother. It was said by Hugh’s family that Hugh was very proud of his family name and if he had returned home from the war and had a son he would’ve continued the tradition.
