Sapper William WRATHALL 4807 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company Harve 27th Septr 1918 Australian Mining and Tunn. Coy. 2. Wrathall Wm 4807 K. 6th August 1918 He came from Tasmania, in March he got gassed an the Cambrai front at Mets. While there Wrathall had news that his wife had died in Tasmania leaving 7 kids. He returned from Blighty in August going up to rejoin his unit which was at Villers Bretonneux at that time. He was with Sapper Emmery of the 2nd Battn M& T Coy. Enery stated that on the road near Amiens a train went over Wrathal cutting him to pieces. How the accident occurred I don t know as I was in Blighty at the time but I know this is an absolute fact. I know his body was buried at Corbey but the grave I have not seen. Inf:- Sergt P. McCarthy No. 636 Aust. Engrs. 2, No. 2 Gen. Hos. The above is one of many statements taken concerning the death of Sapper Wrathall. While being similar in that all confirm William s death, the details of the accident and of his personal circumstances at the time varied considerably. Many of the statements were taken months after the incident, and include hearsay and conjecture. Fortunately, the inquiry into his death survives in documents on the NAA website, and from those documents, and other research, the following story emerges: William Wrathall, builder s labourer, born Hobart, Tasmania, grandson of a convict, signed the Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad at Claremont, Tasmania, on the 28th of February 1916. Aged 35 years and 10 months, a natural-born British subject who had not previously served in a Military Force, he recorded being married with three children under the age of 16, and listed as Next of Kin his wife, Mrs. Mary Wrathall, 22 Warwick Street, Hobart, Tasmania. William was 5 ft 8 in tall and weighed 180 pounds. He was of medium complexion, had blue eyes, brown hair and his chest measurements were 36/38ins. He had a tattoo of an anchor on his upper right arm and said he was of the Church of England faith.
William was medically examined by Capt. C. F. HOUGKINSON, A.M.C., on 28 February at Anglesea Barracks, Hobart, and was considered fit for active service. Assigned to the 5th Company Miners on 10th April 1916, he remained in Tasmania until 29 April when he was accepted into the 5th Tunnelling Company at Broadmeadows by Capt. Percy William WAGSTAFF, Officer Commanding that Company. William embarked HMAT A69 Warilda at Melbourne on 25th May 1916, with 374 members of the 4th and 5th Tunnelling Companys, joining the 371 members of the 4th Tunnelling Company who had embarked in Sydney 3 days prior, and stopping at Fremantle on 1st June to embark 372 members of the 6th Tunnelling Company. This force of 1118 was to join the 1300 members of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tunnelling Companys of the 1st Australian Mining Corps that had departed Sydney on 20 February 1916 on the Ulysses. Disembarking at Plymouth, England on 18 July, William moved into camp at Perham Downs. On 23rd July 1916, Spr Wrathall W. was found guilty of being AWL from Perham Downs at Tattoo and was awarded 1 day Field Punishment No. 2 and fined 2 shillings and sixpence. 28th August saw William proceed overseas, marching-in to 2nd Australian Divisional Base Depot on the 30th. He marched-out to the 1st Anzac Reinforcement Camp on 12 October and on the 16th of that month joined the 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion. On the 26th of October he was attached to the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company from the Australian Tunnelling Company Details to gain experience, finally being taken on strength of the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company (2ATC) on the 28th of December 1916. William s documents record nothing further until March of 1918. As a member of the 2nd Aust. Tunnelling Coy. we can accept that he took part in at least some of that unit s exploits over the next 15 months. No specific reference to William has been found in documents examined so far and some inferences can be taken from that absence of information: - one that he was apparently healthy and did not suffer the maladies that afflicted many on the Western Front such as bronchi-pneumonia, pleurisy, trench fever, trench feet; and, two he was apparently well behaved while in the field. In other words, from his very obscurity it can be drawn that William, like so many thousand others, simply and quietly did his duty.
From the start of 1917, 2ATC worked in the Rouen, Bluff, Larchwood and Verbranden tunnel and dugout systems, providing accommodation for the Infantry at Larchwood and Artillery Observation Posts. They plied their trade in the Ypres Dugouts and provided accommodation for 1500 on the Ypres Ramparts. In July 1917, the company moved to Coxyde Bains on the South Coast of Belgium to work the sand tunnels of Nieuport-Bains, at the extreme left of the British Line. In November they were moved to the Poperinghe and Harvrincourt Wood area to construct dugouts, repair roads and fill in shell holes and mine craters. So large were some of the craters on the Hindenburg Line, that they were named Etna and Vesuvius. December found the unit in the Cambrai sector, constructing dugouts and accommodation for the Infantry and Artillery, filling more craters and repairing more roads such is the work of the Australian Engineer, regardless of his speciality. On 4th March 1918 he was wounded in action by a poison gas shell, and was admitted at the 149th Field Ambulance the next day. Three days later he was transferred to the 57th Field Ambulance in the field and then on 10th March moved to 47th General Hospital at La Treport, from where he was embarked on HS Carisbrook Castle for England on the 13th of that month. He was admitted to the Bath War Hospital on the 14th, remaining there for a period of 14 days before being transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford on 28th March. After 6 days at Dartford he was discharged to furlough on 2nd April to report to No 4 Com. Dartford William s NOK was advised by letter dated March 27, 1918 from Base Records, Melbourne, and addressed to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 22 Warwick St, Hobart, that he had been wounded in action (gassed) and admitted to Bath War Hospital, England. William received his 1st T.A.B. Inoculation on 17 April, and between then and 4 June, William was examined on a weekly basis at 3rd AAH for effects of the gas. On 4 June his disability was recorded as slight. He was examined and found to be Dentally Fit (PU & PL dentures) on 9 July 1918 and marched out to the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge Deverill. On 1st August 1918 he proceeded overseas to France via Southampton, marching in to the Australian General Base Depot at Rouelles on the 2nd and marching out to his unit on 6th August 1918.
Proceedings of the Court of Inquiry assembled at Pernois on 7th August 1918 by order of Capt. Frank A. CHAFFEY, T/Commanding Aust. Corps Reinforcement Camp, for the purpose of investigating and recording the evidence as to the circumstances under which No. 4807, Spr. Wrathall W. 2nd Aust. Tunnelling Coy. met his death Capt J.D.W. CHISHOLM, 40th Bn. AIF, appointed President Capt. J.A.S. MITCHELL, 54th Battalion and Lieut. L.J. BREWER, 37th Bn., AIF appointed Members. The Court, having viewed the scene of the fatality, take evidence: 1st Witness No. 761, Sgt CROUCH, acting RSM at Aust. Corps Depot, gave evidence under oath that Spr. Wrathall W. had arrived at the camp on 6th August and before being dismissed for the evening was read Standing Orders, one of which is that every man must be in camp by 10 PM. 2nd Witness No. 600, Spr IMRIE J. B., 2nd Aust. Tunnelling Coy, being duly sworn says:- I left the Aust Corps Depot in company with Spr Wrathall about 5.p.m. on 6.8.18. We passed through Berteaucourt having a few drinks of wine on the way. We went to St. Leger and along the St Quen Road. We then returned and I believe we walked up the Railway line from the crossing at St. Leger. By this time it was quite dark but I do not know the exact time, all I know is that we were walking along the Railway line. The next thing I remember is waking up this morning alongside the Railway line at break of day feeling very dazed with an injury on my head and bruised on my legs and arms. I saw the body of Spr Wrathall about ten yards ahead and lying between the rails. Seeing nobody about I made my way to Aust Corps Depot and reported the matter to Sgt Dalton. I neither saw nor heard a Railway train while we were walking along the line, and do not know how my injuries or Spr Wrathall s death was caused. We had a lot of drinks during the evening, we were pretty full but we were not drunk. 3rd Witness Sgt KIRBY of the RODRE swore to effect that he was in charge of the Railway Stations at St Leger and Pernois and that he was roused at 5.35 am on 7.8.18 by an the ROD Engineer Driver of Engine No. 1432
accompanied by the Blockman on duty. The Engine Driver advised there was a body of an English soldier on the line about 300yds west of Pernois station. Sgt Kirby went to the spot indicated and found the body of Spr Wrathall lying between the rails on the left hand line facing St Leger, about 200 yds west of the crossing which leads to the western end of Pernois. The body was placed on an engine and brought back to Pernois. Sgt Kirby had not received a report about the matter from any Engine Driver. 4th Witness Sgt BANDY, R.A.M.C., 4th C.C.S. swore to effect that at 7.45 am on 7.8.18 he received the dead body of No. 4807 Spr Wrathall W. 2nd Aust Tunnelling Coy. The duty Medical Officer examined the body which was afterwards removed to the Mortuary. Page 2 of the Court of Inquiry contains: Statement of No. 600 Spr Imrie J.B., 2nd Aust Tunnelling Coy. I was returning from 4th Army Rest Camp at E.U. and arrived at Pernois at 1 pm on the 6th Aug. While waiting to proceed to our Units the following morning I went for a walk with No. 4807 Spr Wrathall W. 2nd Aust Tunnelling Coy who was an old friend. We had some tea at Berteaucourt and then went on to St Leger. We had some wine in an Estaminet at St Leger and left to return to Pernois when the Estaminet closed. We went along the road and at a railway crossing between Berteaucourt and Pernois we proceeded along the line. I do not remember anything except walking along the line till I found myself lying in the grass at the side of the rails. I got up and saw Wrathall lying between the rails. I saw he was dead. It was dark and I was feeling very dazed as my head was injured and went along the line to the first level crossing where I came on to the road. I told an Imperial Private in a motor what had happened and then came on to the Corps Depot where I woke the Sgt and reported to him. I then reported later to the Medical Orderly who took me to the Medical officer for treatment for my head. 7 August 1918 Lieut. Colonel J.M. RAHILLY, OC, 4th C.C.S., signed the following on:- I CERTIFY THAT No. 4807 Spr Wrathall W. No. 2 Aust. Tun Coy. was brought in dead early this morning, to this C.C.S. The body shows:-
A shattered skull Both legs broken R. Arm broken Severe abdominal and chest injuries Death would have been instantaneous. 13 August 1918 6th Military Command advised of death of Spr Wrathall, cause not stated, investigating 23 August 1918 Copy of advice made for War Pensions. 3 September 1918 - Mr. A. F. SMALLHORN, Secretary of the Manchester Unity Friendly Society, Hobart District, requested a copy of the certificate of report of William s death required by the statistician for registration of death. The copy was forwarded from Base Records, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne on 8th November. William either had an account with the Friendly Society or was a member of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows (MUIOOF). Army Form W 3428 Report of Accidental or Self-Inflicted Injuries dated - 6 September 1918 Section 2: recorded the following injuries: a shattered skull both legs broken right arm broken severe abdominal and chest injuries Section 3: Stated the following circumstances: Spr Wrathall and No 600 Spr Imrie J. B., 2nd Australian Tunnelling Coy were proceeding along Railway line from Berteaucourt to Pernois an the night of 6/7th August, returning to Aust. Corps Depot when they were run into by a train. Section 4: Major R. A. RAMSAY of the Aust. Corps Depot recorded that the man : (signed 7.8.18) was not performing military duty was to blame; no other person was to blame Section 5:
Capt. Frank Chaffey, T/O.C. Aust. Corps Rfts Camp recorded his opinion as: (signed 12.8.18) That No. 4807 Spr Wrathall W. 2nd Aust. Tunnelling Coy was Killed by a passing train on the Railway Line between St Leger Le Domart and Pernois on the night of 6/7th August 1918 and that no person can be held blamable. Section 7: Major G. D. ROBERTS (for G.O.C. Fourth Army) advised D.A.G., GHQ 3rd Echelon: (signed 6.9.18) This Casualty should be reported as Accidentally Killed Annotation on top of sketch: Rough sketch of Railway Line between St Leger and Pernois Stations Not Drawn to Scale
Annotations on bottom of sketch believed to read: (X has been darkened) X marks the spot where the body was found The _ of visibility on (station) side of point X is 80 yards in daylight The visibility (by a person of ) _ on either side of the line is very dark at night 12 September 1918 6th Military Command advised of cause of death. 19 September 1918 War Pensions advised of cause of death.
21 February 1919 - Advice from District Paymaster, 6th Military District to OIC, Base Records, Melbourne that the Public Trustee, Hobart, Tasmania, had been asked to administer the estate of 4807, Spr. W. Wrathall, Tunn. C. (deceased). 14 March 1919 personal effects received from the field 1 Parcel (sealed) containing :- 1 purse, 2 silver medals, photos. Sent to Australia per Sardinia. 19 March 1919 Receipt or Consignment from Defence Department: personal effects of the late No. 4807 Sapper Wrathall. Signed for by Mrs M Wrathall Mother Annotation on card: where is his kit as we never received it wife deceased Dead over 12 months but his mother address is 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart, Tas. 31 March 1919 Above card received by Deceased Section 1 April 1919 Letter from Base records to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart: Dear Madam, With reference to your memo concerning the personal effects of the late No. 4807 Sapper W. Wrathall, 2nd Tunnelling Company. I have to advise that other than the package addressed to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 22 Warwick Street, Hobart, on the 14th ultimo, nothing has been received at this Office to date. In view of your statement that the late soldier s wife is dead I would be obliged if you will furnish me with Statutory Declaration to that effect also as to who is the eldest member of the family, (it is noted that according to Sapper W. Wrathall s records he had three children), in order that the necessary amendments may be made. The kit, being part of the military equipment and the property of the Government, would not be returned, but any articles of sentimental value would be extracted and forwarded. In the event of any of the late soldier s property coming to hand later, it will be promptly forwarded to his legal next-of-kin.
3 March 1920 Letter from Base Records to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 22 Warwick Street, Hobart: enclosed 3 photographs of your husband s grave 10 March 1920 above letter marked Return to Sender 15 March 1920 Letter of 3 March 1920 re-directed to son. 31 March 1920 Letter from Base Records to Mrs. M. Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart: Dear Madam, Adverting to my memo of 1st April, 1919 concerning the late No. 4807 Sapper W. Wrathall, 2nd Tunnelling Company, I would again request that you furnish a Statutory Declaration to the effect that the widow of the late soldier is deceased, and as to who is the eldest member of the family, in order that the necessary amendments may be made on the records. 7 April 1920 Letter from Mrs M. A. Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart, received by Deceased Section 13 April 1920: Dear Sir, I received your memo today in reference to making a Statutory Declaration concerning my son the late No 4807 rank Sapper name William Wrathall 2nd tunnelling company i am the mother of Sapper William Wrathall an he left me next of kin an left me in charge of his children an they would not pay me any of his money till they got his papers from abroad as Sertified me next of kin His mother the money that was payed over to me His mother from military they wanted to fly to Sydney an splash the lot in traviling back an forwards to Sydney an they always say it only my farthers money we are spending an they already gone through 38.0.0 besides making me sell my home up an i suppose they will want to be back again an you no my son money wont do all this for them they think my son left a forturn for them they lived on me His mother for six months an never done a tap of work an when spoken to they would say it only farther money keeping us an the pension thay gave me was only 10/- week from my son Death an 12/6d for Keith Wrathall son of Deceased my mother worked at the Hobart railway cleaning offices for 30 years employed this speaks for it self the wife of my son William Wrathall Died in february 9/2/18 an the papers was sent in with ages when my son wife Died there is more news for you Vera Wrathall had a misforturn to a married an gave birth to a son an this cost me 10.0.0 an i had to earn this money Sir i
dont think it fair the way they are treating me His mother it is shoking an i am ashamed to tell you about thes girls run debts all over the place i had to pay all for them So i ask you do you think this fair so now i will give you the ages of my son children Keith Wrathall is 13 years an 5 months an Vera Wrathall is 18 years of age an Kathleen Wrathall is 19 in three months in July so now I will close my letter to you Sir hoping to hear from you soon in reply to this letter I remain your obedient servant Mary Ann Wrathall 13 April 1920 Telegram from Repatriation, Strawberry Hills, NSW to Base Records: wire date place discharge forward medical board proceedings also full military history fortyeight nought seven w wrathall second tun coy 14 April 1920 Telegram Base Records to Repatriation, Strawberry Hills, NSW: 4807 WILLIAM WRATHALL ACCIDENTALLY KILLED ABROAD SEVENTH AUGUST EIGHTEEN LETTER FOLLOWS. 15 April 1920 Letter from Base Records to Department of Repatriation, Strawberry Hills, NSW: Dear Sir, In continuation of my wire concerning the late No. 4807 Sapper William Wrathall, 2nd Tunnelling Company, the following entries appear on his records:- 10. 4. 16 Enlisted at Claremont, Tasmania, as a member of the A.I.F. 25. 5. 16 Embarked at Melbourne per Warilda for active service abroad. 18. 7. 16 Disembarked at Plymouth, England. 20. 8. 16 Proceeded overseas to France. 4. 3. 18 Wounded in actin in the Field. 13. 3. 18 Embarked for England suffering from poison, gas shell wound. 1. 8. 18 Proceeded overseas to France. 4. 8. 18 Marched out to unit. 7. 8. 18 Found dead on railway line between St Leger Les Domart and Pernois. Body removed to No. 4 Casualty Clearing Station and later buried in Military Cemetery, Pernois. (Believed run over by a train during night 6/7th August.)
15 April 1920 Letter from Base Records to Mrs M. A. Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart replying to her letter of 7 April and advising that the inquiry was not about financial matters but about getting their records up to date. The letter further advised that The name of the late soldier s son, Keith Wrathall has been noted on the records as next-of-kin and any information forwarded would be despatched to him in care of you. 24 August 1920 Letter from Base records to Mrs A. M. Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart advising that the inscription provided for her sons grave was too long. The letter further advised that the Government would put the Rising Sun and Christian Cross on the headstone. 7 November 1920 Letter from 80 Hargrave Street, Paddington, Sydney: Dear Sir, Just a few lines to let you know that my Grandmother has left 97 Brisbane Street Hobart as my Little Brother was ill and the doctor ordered him to a hot climate the military have not paid out the Gratuity money to my Grandmother she asked me to write this letter to you as we work hard for our living and we could do with the money the military in Hobart are always finding fault with the papers my grandmother filled the papers in and gave them all particulars there is my sister and myself and the little boy would you see to it I would be so thankful if you would for me as father gave his life it is up to them to think of his children grandmother will pay what is cost for the grave so would you send this verse. Yours Sincerely Vera Wrathall 11 November 1920 note received at Deceased Section: would you please put this Religious verse on my sons grave. Eternal rest give unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. Let them rest in peace. Amen. 11 November 1920 Letter from Base Records to Miss V Wrathall, 80 Hargrave Street, Paddington, NSW advising that the inscription the family selected in connection with her father is much too long and suggested the following: Eternal rest give unto him, and let perpetual light shine upon him. The letter further advises that her letter has been referred to the District Finances Officer, Anglesea Barracks, Hobart, regarding Gratuity.
14 November 1920 NOK amended to son, Master Keith Wrathall C/o Mrs M A Wrathall, 97 Brisbane Street, Hobart, Tasmania. 14 November 1920 Letter from 80 Hargraves Street, Paddington:- Dear Sir, In answer to your letter. My Grandmother is over here with the boy. The doctor ordered him over here for his health. She asked me to write to you in reference to the Grave and the verse is very nice that you have picked out for the two lines. I remain Yours Faithfully V. Wrathall 20 November 1920 Letter to Miss V Wrathall from Base Records acknowledging change of address for her brother and requesting the names of the parents of the late soldier. 18 February 1921 Mrs M.A. Wrathall NOK address amended to C/o Mrs M A Wrathall, 272 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania. Letter passed to A.I.F. Canteen Funds Trust on 26 February 1922. April 1922 A Memorial Scroll and the Where the Australians Rest pamphlet were forwarded to William s son on 3 April 1922, addressed to Master Keith Wrathall. The Scroll was returned on 14 June 1922. 30 May 1922 NOK amended to Son, Master Keith Wrathall, 339 King Street, Newtown, Sydney. 16 June 1922 Scroll returned No Kings Message 19 June 1922 K. Wrathall signed and returned the Receipt Slip for Memorial Scroll to Base Records, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne. 11 November 1922 Circular from Imperial War Graves Commission, 82 Baker Street, London W.1. advising that the following entry was entered in the Register for Pernois British Cemetery: WRATHALL, Spr. William, 4807. 2nd Australian Tunnelling Coy. Died of accidental injuries 7th Aug., 1918. Age 40. Son of William and Anne A. Wrathall, of Hargraves, Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales. Native of Hobart, Tasmania. III. C. 12.
November 1922 A Memorial Plaque was forwarded to William s son on 13 November 1922, addressed to Master Keith Wrathall 2 February 1923 Letter from Base Records, Victoria Barracks Melbourne, to Master Keith Wrathall, 339 King Street, Newtown, Sydney advising details of his father s grave being officially registered at Pernois British Cemetery: Plot 3; Row C; Grave 12. End Notes: a. 600, IMRIE, James Brough, Sapper, 2nd Tunnelling Company, AIF, embarked 20-Feb-16, RTA 20-May-19 b. This paper is prepared in chronological order because I had trouble following the events as they unfolded. c. There are several points of contradiction: i. The Red Cross reports, when compared with the Board of Inquiry evidence, indicates that all reports were basically hearsay and rumour. This must cast doubt on ALL such reports in any future research. ii. The apparent confusion at Base Records level about the death of William s wife, an event which appeared to be common knowledge in the Red Cross reports. d. further research: from Military records: William Wrathall b. 1878-80 (35yrs 10 months at enlistment Feb 1916) Keith Wrathall b. 1906 (13 in 1920) Vera Wrathall b. 1902 (18 in 1920) Kathleen Wrathall b. 1901 (19 in 1920) William & Annie A Wrathall William s parents from BDMs & F/History websites: Kathleen V Wrathall m. Stanley J Crew, 1921 at Sydney, NSW
Mary Wrathall William Wrathall at Hobart (William s parents?) William Albert Wrathall & probably our William) d. 9-Feb-1918 (William s wife) m. 2-Mar-1878 Annie Maria Mulholland b. 16-Apr-1880 at Hobart (son of above Endnote: His name was William Albert Wrathall. William s brother also served in World War 1. 1581 Private Robert James Wrathall, 12th Infantry Battalion, A.I.F. Enlisted December 1914. Examined and accepted as fit for active service on 3 December 1914. Embarked HMAT A46 Clan McGillivray 2 February 1915. Sailed from Suez 24 April 1915 per Suevic for return to Australia as: Medically Unfit Rheumatism. Dis-embarked Australia 20 August 1915 Discharged 27 August 1915: Medically Unfit Rheumatism. Entitled to wear and issued with: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal Qualified for, and in receipt of, Disability Pension as from December 1916 for: Robert James Wrathall: member Eva Wrathall: wife of member Dorothy Victoria Maud Wrathall: ex-nuptial daughter of member (living at different address - trustee Annie Christian, living at same address as Dorothy mother?) Herbert Vincent Wrathall (legitimate son) was not mentioned in pension entitlements Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau 1914-18 War; 1DRL/0428 4807 Sapper William Wrathall, 2nd Tunnelling Company. 1424 Sapper Charles Wagstaff MARSLAND (RTA 6.9.19) interviewed at No 74 General Hospital on 11th October 1918 I saw his body after he had been killed on a Railway Line by a train as he was walking down the line at night near St. Owen on the Villers Bretonneux Sector on the 6th August
1918. He was buried near St Owen. He was about 5 feet 8, very thick set, dark, about 35 / 40 years of age, a married man with six children. I believe he came from Victoria. 1424 Sapper Charles Wagstaff MARSLAND was again interviewed at the Australian Convalescent Camp, Rouelles, on 24th October 1918 and said that he knew Sapper Wrathall and thought he came from Victoria and had been transferred into the 2nd Tunnelling Company in September 1916. He saw his body on the railway line. We were coming up from the Rest Camp at St Quentin in August 1918. He was run over by a train about ten kilometres from St Quentin on the Amiens side. Lt Petheridge in charge of the party handed the body over to the Authorities for burial. (probably Lt Harry Vernon PETHEBRIDGE, RTA 14.4.19) 636 Sergeant Patrick McCARTHY (RTA 9.12.18) interviewed at No 2 General Hospital on 27 September 1918 reported that Wrathall came from Tasmania and that in March he got gassed on the Cambrai front at Metz. While there Wrathall had news that his wife had died in Tasmania leaving 7 kids. He returned from Blighty in August going up to rejoin his unit which was at Villers Bretonneux at that time. He was with Sapper Emmery of the 2nd Battn M & T Coy. Emery stated that on the road near Amiens a train went over Wrathall cutting him to pieces. How the accident occurred I don t know as I was in Blighty at the time but I know this is an absolute fact. I know his body was buried at Corbey but the grave I have not seen. 636 Sergeant Patrick McCARTHY, in a second interview at Bath War Hospital, Bristol on 7 November 1918, reported Wrathall was gassed and sent to England, while there he received a telegram that his wife was dead leaving 7 children. He applied for permission to go back to Australia but I believe this was refused. He returned to France and the first day he was run over by a train between Corbie and Villers Bretonneux. This occurred about August 6th. He is buried at Villers Bretonneux. Sgt Mc McCarthy was considered reliable. 602 Sergeant Frederick JACKSON (RTA 4.12.18) of Kingston, South Australia, interviewed at Green Lane Auxiliary Hospital, London on 7 November 1918 stated that Wrathall worked under him and that while returning from his leave he was accidentally killed at a railway station between Harve and Brieux. Wrathall and another soldier named James Emery left the train to get something to eat at a café at the station, and it was while rejoining the train the accident occurred. The other man was badly injured. The soldiers who saw the accident had to go on by train and so brought the news to the company. Jackson thinks the station was Rouen, but is not certain. He was not an eyewitness. The interviewer marked Jackson s card as very intelligent.
6681 Sapper John Frederick PROBST (RTA 13.7.19), in a letter from France dated 27 October 1918, Re 4807 Sapper W. Wrathall. He was killed at Peronios on the night of the 6-7-18 at a railway crossing which was the railway head at the time. He was buried by the Australian Army Medical Corps but could not say where, but there was a Clearing Station there, most likely there would be a soldiers cemetery, and inquiries from the A.A.M.C. would most likely give you information required. He left England on the 29-6-18 and was on his way to rejoin his Company. He was knocked down and run over by an engine which he failed to hear. His description: is inclined to be fair, thick set, 5ft 10 high and would weigh about 14 stone and was a Tasmanian. Peronios is a very small village near St Ledger. 6683 Sapper Albert Arthur SELBY (RTA 19.4.19), in a letter written 12 October 1918 stated I was in the same section and Coy. as Wrathall. Early in Sept., when I was in 2nd London General Hospital I heard from Spr. J Probst 6681 2nd Tun. Coy., that Wrathall had been killed accidentally, being run over by a train. I know no other details. 4799 Sapper Michael Morton FISHER (RTA 7.7.19), at No2, General Hospital (Palais) on 1st October 1918 stated I came over with this man from Tasmania. He fell out of the train during the night whilst proceeding from the Base at Havre, to rejoin his Coy. Near Corbie. His body was found on the line next morning. I do not know where it was picked up or where he was buried. 7842 Sapper Charles Wesley KERR (RTA 2.1.19) of East Greta via Maitland, NSW, interviewed at Hagh Place, Maidstone, London, on 7 November 1918 - His brother, Lieut Wrathall of the same Company could give all details. Lieutenant Edwin Marsden TOOTH (remained in England), Adjutant, 2nd Tunnelling Company, A.I.F., in a letter to The Secretary, Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau, Australian Red Cross Bureau, stated reference your letter of November 6th 1918, addressed to Lieut. Wrathall of this unit. Lieut. Wrathall has handed this letter over to this office for action and wishes us to state that No. 4807 Sapper W. Wrathall was not his brother, nor was he any relation of his. We are, however, able to supply the information you require, as the O.C. No. 4 Casualty Clearing Station has advised us that the grave of Sapper Wrathall is situated as follows: Grave No. Plot 3.c.12. Map Reference; Sheet 57 E. (Eastern Half) Q.27.d.7.6. Donna Baldey
with information provided by Carol Cosstick