GURR, Harold
| Service Number: | 27051 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 January 1916, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Last Rank: | Gunner |
| Last Unit: | 13th Field Artillery Brigade |
| Born: | Brunswick, Victoria, 2 March 1891 |
| Home Town: | Kapunda, Light, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Kapunda Public School |
| Occupation: | Jeweller |
| Died: | Killed in Action, Belgium, France, 22 August 1917, aged 26 years |
| Cemetery: |
Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Vlamertinghe, Flanders, Belgium VII. F. 6 |
| Memorials: | Adelaide National War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Kapunda District Honour Board, Kapunda Dutton Park Memorial Gardens WW1 Plaque, Tanunda Roll of Honor |
World War 1 Service
| 17 Jan 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 27051, Adelaide, South Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Sep 1916: |
Involvement
AIF WW1, Gunner, 27051, 13th Field Artillery Brigade, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1, embarkation_roll: roll_number: 4 embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Port Sydney embarkation_ship_number: A15 public_note: |
|
| 7 Sep 1916: | Embarked AIF WW1, Gunner, 13th Field Artillery Brigade, HMAT Port Sydney, Melbourne | |
| 22 Aug 1917: |
Involvement
AIF WW1, Gunner, 27051, 13th Field Artillery Brigade, Third Ypres, --- :awm_ww1_roll_of_honour_import: awm_service_number: 27051 awm_unit: 113th Australian (Howitzer) Battery awm_rank: Gunner awm_died_date: 1917-08-22 |
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Born in March 1891, Harold Gurr was a son of Mr and Mrs J Gurr who were living at Torrensville at the time of his death, but came from Kapunda.
Harold Gurr was educated at Kapunda Public School before taking an apprenticeship as a jeweller and watchmaker with Mr H. H. matfield at Kapunda.
Harold then became a salesman working in Adelaide at Harris Scarfe and then Walter and Hall.
He enlisted on the 17th of January, 1916 in Adelaide as a signaller and went into camp in early February, 1916. In June he was sent to Maribyrnong camp at Melbourne wher he finished his training and embarked on HMAT Port Sydney (A15) on the 7th of September, 1916.
He spent very little time in the Salisbury Plains before he proceeded to France, which he reached 6 days before Christmas, 1916.
He was attachted to the 113th battery, 13th Field Artillerty Brigade, 5th Division.
Harold Gurr served with the 113th Battery until his death on the 22nd of Augusut, 1917.
His commanding officer, Captain A. J. Fullerton-Andrew wrote to his parents detailing how Harold was killed: "He was one of five of our men who were resting in their dugout when a shell fell on top of them and killed them all instantly."
Contrary to the Captains report, only 3 other men were killed with Harold Gurr. They included George Walter Burnett (VIC), David Livock Stewart (VIC) and Alfred Williams (VIC).
The Chaplain who buried Harold Gurr also wrote to his parents: "I am writing to extend to you my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. As Chaplain attachted to his Division, I buried him at the military cemetery at Vlamertingle. He was buried, as far as circumstances would allow, with military honour, and many of his comrades were present at his funeral. He was a fine lad, beloved for his many good qualities. I am sure you will be comforted with the thought that he has given his life fighting for his country. He has nobly done 'his bit', and God has called him to higher work, where sorrows and sufferings are no more. PS Moore, Chaplain."
Harold Gurr was buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery at Vlamertingle 5km west of Ypres. He was aged 26.
British War Medal: 46363
Victory Medal: 45831 (received 29/3/23)
Memorial Plaque: 329582 (received by father 7/9/22)
Information taken from Service Papers, Trove and 'Storm' by Peter Donovan.
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