Horace Edward Stringer

War:  World War One

Rank: Private

Service Number: 7071

Units Served: 10th Battalion (Infantry)

Personal Details: Horace, better known as Sam by his family & friends was born in 1892 and was the middle child of 14 children born to John and Ann Stringer of Barunga North, near Port Broughton. He spent all his schooling years at Barunga North Public School until he was deemed old enough to help support the family by working on and maintaining the family owned farm. He worked long hours on the farm ploughing fields and tending to the livestock. Horace was 5’10” and 156 pounds, he had a fair complexion with brown hair and eyes. Horace was extremely good at athletics and football, however, he was fond of most sports. In the year prior to enlisting his services to the Australian Imperial Forces, he was Captain of the Mundoora Football Team and also a member of the Mundoora Rifle Club. Horace was a Methodist and was single at the time of enlistment.

Enlistment Details: Horace enlisted on October 26th1916, his unit embarked from Adelaide on board HMAT A35 Berrima on December 16th 1616.

Details about his role in the war: On the 16th of October 1916, two years after the First World War commenced, Horace enlisted in the Army and dedicated his services in the honour of his country. For two months he was involved in the extensive training and preparation required to transition into the upcoming life at war. Just two short months later Horace found himself saying farewell to his loved ones on the 16th of December 1916, as he departed Australia on board the HMAT A35 Berrima. After 2 months at sea he arrived at Devonport on the 16th of February 1917 and disembarked Devonport on the 20th of February 1917. Although on the 15th of April 1917, Horace was admitted to military hospital, Park House with the mumps. However, he quickly recovered and was discharged on the 3rd of May 1917, where he proceeded overseas to France, Durrington via Southampton to No. 3 Camp on the 14th of June 1917. Horace was taken on strength from the 10th Battalion Ex RFTS France on 7/7/17. After serving his nation and surviving almost a full year in the harsh and inhumane conditions of war, Horace, only 25 years of age was killed in action on the 6th of October 1917 at Ypres, Belgium during the battle of Passchendaele.

A memorial service was held on Sunday 11th of November 1917 at the Mundoora Institute Hall. ‘The large audience testified to the esteem in which the deceased soldier was held’. Those who knew him will long remember his unassuming manner and cheery smile. (From an article in the John & Ann Stringer Family History book). Although not directly related to me, Horace was the great, great uncle to one family of my 2nd Cousins, and a great uncle to another 2 families of my 2nd cousins.

Age at Death: Horace was 25 years old when he was killed in action on the 6th October 1917 at Ypres, Belgium.

Cemetery or Memorial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium

Interesting Material: Horace was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.