The AIF Project

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Embarked Brisbane on HMAT 'Wandilla', 31 January 1916.

Marched into camp, Zeitoun, 7 March 1916; attached to 4th Training Bn, 29 March 1916; marched into 4th Training Bn, Tel-el-Kebir, 3 May 1916.

Admitted to 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital, 4 May 1916 (gastritis).

Proceeded overseas to France from England, 7 November 1916; taken on strength of 4th Australian Divisional Base Depot, Etaples, 9 November 1916.

Admitted to Liverpool Merchants Hospital, Etaples, 29 November 1916 (myalgia); discharged to duty, 13 December 1916; taken on strength of 4th Australian Divisional Base Depot, 14 December 1916.

Admitted to Liverpool Merchants Mobile Hospital, 22 December 1916 (inflamed phorynx). Embarked Havre on HS 'Warilda' and proceeded to France, 31 December 1916 (bronchitis, laryngitis); admitted to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, 2 January 1917; transferred to Cobham Hall, 26 January 1917; discharged to No 1 Command Depot, Perham Downs, 6 March 1917; marched into Infantry Drafting Depot, Perham Downs, 6 March 1917.

Proceeded to France from Tidworth, 24 March 1917; marched into 4th Australian Divisional Base Depot, Etaples, 24 March 1917; marched out to field, 28 March 1917; taken on strength of 15th Bn, 2 April 1917.

Reported missing in action, 11 April 1917; reported prisoner of war by American Express company. Repatriated to Ripon, England, 1 January 1919.

Statement made by D'Arcy at Ripon, 1 January 1919, reads: 'At about 5.a.m. on April 11th 1917, my Battalion took part in a Brigade attack on Reincourt. My objective was Reincourt. I reached the second trench with my Sergeant and about eight men. It was impossible to go on. We defended ourselves for about 5 hours in the second trench. The enemy bombed up the trench from both flanks and also bombed up the first trench and put heavy machine gun fire over the top of us. It was impossible to advance or retire, and when our ammunition was exhausted, I, with a few men I had left, surrendered. We were completely surrounded at this time. Captain Lesley was in charge of the wave my platton was in, and was killed. Lieutenant Luxton of 'D' Company was also killed. Captain McIntosh, my Company Commander, was wounded. I was the only Officer of my Company to reach the second trench. After capture I was taken to Ecourt St. Quentin and questioned and searched. From there I went to Karlsruhe. I was there for about six weeks then went to Strohn, and on January 22nd 1917, moved to Bad-Colberg. I was not personally illtreated but the treatment generally was very bad. The food was very bad. I received Red Cross parcels after about three months captivity. They were excellent. I came via Gronen to Rotterdam and there embarked on the SS 'Derbyshire', arriving at Hull on December 31st 1918'. Moved out to No 1 Command Depot, Sutton Veny, 28 January 1919; moved out to 1st Training Brigade, Sutton Veny, 17 March 1919; granted leave to attend motor car manufacturers, London, 30 March 1919; to be Captain, 1 April 1919; granted extension of leave, 31 May 1919; returned to duty, 1 September 1919; granted leave, 17 September 1919.

Commenced return to Australia on HT 'Port Napier', 23 December 1919. Appointment terminated, Sydney, 12 April 1920.