BIDGOOD, Kingsley Arnold Wesley Cyril
| Service Number: | 2887 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 21 June 1916, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 50th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Saddleworth, South Australia, 25 February 1899 |
| Home Town: | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Adelaide High School, South Australia |
| Occupation: | Coachbuilder/Student |
| Died: | Killed in Action, Passchendaele, Belgium, 14 October 1917, aged 18 years |
| Cemetery: |
No known grave - "Known Unto God" |
| Memorials: | Adelaide High School Honour Board, Adelaide National War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Exeter Semaphore Uniting Church (fmly Wesleyan) Roll of Honour, Menin Gate Memorial (Commonwealth Memorial to the Missing of the Ypres Salient), Norwood War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 21 Jun 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2887, 50th Infantry Battalion, Adelaide, South Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Nov 1916: |
Embarked
AIF WW1, Private, 2887, 50th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '19' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: HMAT Afric embarkation_ship_number: A19 public_note: '' |
|
| 31 Jul 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2887, 50th Infantry Battalion, Third Ypres | |
| 14 Oct 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2887, 50th Infantry Battalion, Third Ypres |
Stories from the Newspapers
Dailey Herald, Adelaide, 21st November 17
PRIVATE KINGSLEY A. W. C. BIDGOOD.
When Kingsley Bidgood enlisted he was a scholar at the Adelaide High School and only 17 years of age. He entered the ranks on June 8, 1916, and left for the front on November 7 of the same year, being a private connected with the seven reinforcements to the 50th Battalion (Infantry). After spending some time at Gosford, England, he was sent to France. On June 15 he was wounded, and sent back to England. Recovering from his wounds he was again sent to the front, and fell in action on October 14, 1917.
By his schoolmates and by a large circle of friends he was highly esteemed.
He was a member of the Kensington Park Methodist Church.
Kingsley Bidgood was the youngest son of the late Richard Bidgood, of Saddleworth. His mother (Mrs. Esther Bidgood, of Kensington Park) has three more sons in the ranks.
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Chronicle Adelaide 19th October 1918
BIDGOOD.— In loving memory of my dear comrade, Kingsley A. W. O. Bidgood, killed in action in France on 14th October, 1917. A true soldier and friend.— Inserted by his oldmate, Private W. J. Musson, on active service
BIDGOOD.— In sad but proud remembrance of my dear brother, 2877, Private Kingsley Bidgood, killed in action at Passchendaele, 14th Oc tober. 1917.
A sacrifice for liberty ere life had scarce begun.— His loving sister Ivy
BIDGOOD. — In loving memory of our dear brother, killed in action in Belgium, October 14, 1917, aged 18 years 8 months. He was a young Australian lad. True-hearted, dauntless, and brave; For King and country and freedom's cause His noble young life he gave. And on Australia's roll of honor, You will find dear Kingsley's name.-
Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Myrtle and Edwin, and little nephews, Eric and Gordon
BIDGOOD. — In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Kingsley, who was killed in action on October 14th, 1917, in France
.
With the gallant 50th, And their colors, purple and blue, He fought and died as he had lived, Kind hearted, brave, and true.-
Inserted by Arthur, Ethel, Kathleen, Edward.
BIDGOOD.— In loving memory of my dear brother, Kingsley, killed in action October 14, 1917. Some may think the wound is healed, When oft they see me smile; They little know the sad, sad heart, That lies there all the while.-Inserted by his loving sister, Linnet.BIDGOOD.—
In sacred memory of my beloved youngest son (Kingsley), who was killed in action on 14th October, 1917, on Passchendaele Ridge, Belgium.
Oh, brave and gentle heart, Well hast thou played thy part afar in France.
The call of duty came, And set thy soul aflame.
No backward glance. Although the promise fine,
Of youth and hope was thine, No senseless lust for cruel strife sent thee
To die ten thousand miles across the sea,
Another creed Inspired that deed.
And now with other splendid dead at rest,
Thou liest folded close to Belgium's breast; '
Well hast thou fought in freedom's fight,
Or soldier youth, and so good-night. His mother.
BIDGOOD.— In proud memory of our youngest brother (Kingsley)
.
The Last Post now has sounded, You have laid aside your sword,
And God has called you from us, To your nobly won reward.
Our sad hearts are still united, With the same fond love for you,
And loving thoughts are cherished of one so brave and true. —
Inserted by his three brothers (on active service), Frank, Cliff, Gilbert.
HEROES OF THE GREAT WAR, BIDOOOD.- In fond and loving memory of our dear brother, Kingsley, killed In action October 14, 1917.
Just & little wreath of pansies, As they show sweet thoughts of you,
Just one little spray of roses, To show our love is deep and true.
Just a little sprig of wattle. From your own dear native land;
Could we lay them with your colors, Purple and blue, upon your mound:—Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Dick,
BIDGOOD.— In loving memory of my old school mate. Kingsley, killed in action, October 14, 1917. Sleep on, dear Kingsley, we'll not complain, But trust in God to meet again.
Inserted by his sincere friend, Roy Moir.
BIDGOOD.— In loving memory of Private Kingsley Bidgood, killed in action, October 14, 1917.
He was in his teens when he enlisted, Yet only a boy when he was killed,
With a man's work he was trusted. And that great task he fulfilled.
Inserted by his loving sister-in-law, Min., and brother, Frank (abroad)
BIDGOOD.— In loving memory of our dear brother, Kingsley, killed in action, October 14, 1917.
His country called, and honor bade him go.
To battle 'gainst a grim and deadly foe;
He helped to bring Australia into fame.
To build for her a never dying name.
Foremost was he in thickest strife,
For King and country laid he down his life.—
Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Lill & Bert,Petersville.
BIDGOOD. — In, loving memory of our dear uncle, Kingsley, killed October 14, 1917.
Beautiful flowers their fragrance shed, Over our dear uncle and comrade's bed;
Oh, what with their beauty can compare, Only a true soldier at peace,resting there. —
Inserted by his nephew and nieces. Reg., Alberta, and Hazell.
May he rest in Peace
Submitted 15 October 2015 by Elizabeth Allen
Biography contributed by Glenunga International High School
The First World War was the first global conflict that arose in between the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire against the allied forces Great Britain, France, United States, Italy, Japan and Australia. From 28th of July, 1914 to 11th of November, 1918, the war lasted over four years resulting in up to 9.5 million deaths of soldiers.
The major reason for Australia’s involvement in the Great War was due to it still being under control of the British Empire. Therefore, Australia was an instant ally as Britain declared war on the 4th of August, 1914. Australia’s highly recognised battles were in Gallipoli (25th April, 1915 - 9th January 1916) and the Western Front (within France and Belgium). Up to 500,000 Australians enlisted while approximately 60,000 soldiers were killed.
Kingsley Arnold Wesley Cyril Bidgood was born on the 25th February, 1899 in Saddleworth, South Australia, however, his family had later moved to Marryatville. Kingsley’s siblings, Private Arthur Bidgood, Corporal Gilbert Bidgood, and Driver Howard Bidgood also partook in war while his sister L Bidgood and widowed mother Esther Bidgood remained in Marryatville. Growing up, he was educated in Adelaide High School and held an occupation as a coach builder. He had also taken part of previous military service for 4 years as a cadet in the 77th Infantry up to his enlistment to the First World War. Without a wife or family or a family of his own, he followed the footsteps of his brothers and he enlisted into battle.
However, Esther Bidgood (also his next of kin), opposed to Kingsley’s participation for active service. She restricted him from leaving Australia until his 19th birthday with a confirmation letter on the 8th of June 1916. Yet, 18 years old, Kingsley enlisted to the A.I.F on the 21st of June 1916 as part of the 2nd Depot Battalion Unit. Later, on the 19th of October, Esther gave consent for his departure for active service before turning 19. During his time of service, Kingsley was moved to various units as a Private soldier. While still remaining in Adelaide throughout August, September and October, Bidgood was moved from D Company 2nd Depot to B Company and to A Company Based Infantry. Finally on the 7th of November 1916, as part of the 7/50th Infantry, Bidgood embarked on board HMAT A19 Afric ship as he left from Adelaide. He disembarked on the 9th of January 1917 in Plymouth, United Kingdom.
After 4 months of training in Plymouth, on the 10th of April, 1917, Private Bidgood proceeded overseas via Folkestone to the battle in Bullecourt, France. 5 days later, he was a reinforcement for the 13th Australian Infantry Battalion as he joined the unit. However, he was wounded in action in Belgium in the 10th of June 1917 and was admitted to the 16th General Hospital in France 5 days later. With a shrapnel wound to the elbow, Kingsley was embarked for England on the same day. After getting admitted to Chatham Hospital, on the 20th of July 1917, he was granted furlough and to report to Perham Downs in England on the 3rd of August 1917. Back in Australia, Esther Bidgood was informed of his injury from a letter from the Base Records in Melbourne.
Kingsley proceeded overseas to France again via Southampton on the 25th September, 1917 as part of the 4th Australian Depot Base Depot. After marching in Havre, France on 26th of September 1917, Bidgood re-joined the 50th Infantry Battalion in Belgium on the 6th of October 1917. There, he partook in the Third Battle of Ypres in the Western Front.
Eight days later, on the 14th of October, Private Kingsley Bidgood was killed in action in Passchendaele, Belgium. He was buried in a destroyed Military Cemetery in Broodseinde, Belgium with the map references SH. 28 NE D.23 C.3.5. Kingsley’s death was informed from the Base Records to his mother and asked Esther Bidgood to collect his inventory and Memorial Plaque, however, his sister L Bidgood proceeded in place of Esther due to her inability to attend. Due to Kingsley Arnold Wesley Cyril Bidgood’s death, his mother began to receive a pension of £2 fortnightly from the 7th of January 1918. Although Kingsley was not able to return from the Great War, all his brothers returned after the end of the war in 1918. Furthermore, Kingsley received one medal after the war on the 2nd of August 1921, however, the following possession was given and collected by his mother Esther Bidgood .
Biography contributed by Elizabeth Allen
Kingsley Arnold Wesley Cyril BIDGOOD was born on 25th February, 1899 in Saddleworth, South Australia
His parents were Richard BIDGOOD and Esther GOLDING
He had previous service for 4 years with the Senior Cadets (77th Battalion) & still serving when he enlisted on 21st June, 1916 with the Australian Army - he was with the 50th Battalion, 7th Reinforcements - Unit embarked Adelaide on HMAT Afric on 6th November 1916
Kingsley was Killed in Action on 14th October, 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgium aged 18 years - he was buried near the Military cemetery, Broodseinde, Belgium & is honoured on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial and the Australian War Memorial.
He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal -
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His brothers also served as follows:
1. Arthur Edward Frank - served Boer War & WW1
2. Gilbert Leo - served WW1 and WW2
3. Howard Clifford - served WW1 and WW2
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