BANFIELD, Gordon Richard
| Service Number: | 3542 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 52nd Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Mathinna, Tasmania, Australia, 10 September 1897 |
| Home Town: | Queenstown, West Coast, Tasmania |
| Schooling: | State School |
| Occupation: | Carpenter |
| Died: | Killed in action, Mouquet Farm, France, 4 September 1916, aged 18 years |
| Cemetery: |
Serre Road Cemetery No.1 Plot VII, Row D, Grave 9. |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| Date unknown: | Involvement Private, 3542, 52nd Infantry Battalion |
|---|
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Born in September 1897 Gordon enlisted on his 18th birthday in September 1915. He was the eldest son of Richard and Alice Banfield of Queenstown, Tasmania. His father was a miner there. The local nespaper reported that he was a smart, intelligent lad and prior to enlisting was an apprentice at the Mount Lyell mine's carpenters' shop in Queenstown.
He was with the 12th Battalion but transferred to the 52nd Battalion in Egypt in March 1916 during the reorganisation of the AIF.
During the last attack by the Australians on Mouquet Farm the 52nd Battalion suffered very heavy casualties. He was reported missing. Eye witnesses stated that he was last seen working his Lewis Gun in a mine crater at Mouquet Farm.
He was confirmed as killed in action about 8 months later. His remains were discovered during 1923, identified by clothing, titles and a Dickeson spoon. His parents were notified in 1924 that Gordon's remains would be buried in the Serre Road No.1 Cemetery.