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only to show who from the local community had answered the “Empire’s
Call” but also to encourage further enlistments in 1917 and 1918 when the
war was in the balance.
REDHEAD SOLDIERS PARTICIPATION IN WORLD WAR 1
The personal history of the four local enlistments who were Killed in
Action (KIA) and thus made the “ultimate sacrifice” and did not return to
Australia, will be examined first.
All information relating to each soldier, both those killed in action and
those who returned to Australia, has been taken from the Australian War
Memorial and National Archives records as well as any personal family
contact.
Therefore, as errors in name spellings such as those on the plaques and
more complicated mistakes are made in heat of battle reports, readers are
asked to appreciate these difficulties and not be over judgemental.
Relatives and researchers are asked to help get the facts right.
Lastly, as a reference point the Redhead Memorial Hall opened in 1925
by a Miss E. Croudace recognizes the sacrifice in the war just completed
in 1918. A stone tablet in the garden was a part the original Memorial
Hall now operating as Redhead Community Pre-School.
Lest We Not Forget the four soldiers who did not return and in their own
way ensured that we enjoy the civil liberties we do today.
SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION
Herbert Bradley (Regimental Number 2280)
Herbert was the son of Ralph and Mary Bradley and was born at
Lambton.
He was a mine labourer who attended Redhead School and was a
foundation member of Redhead Surf Club.
At age 19 Herbert enlisted in the AIF. He enlisted on 29 April 1916 and
underwent a period of training, then embarked from Sydney on 17
October 1916 for the war in Europe.
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