The AIF Project

Henry Harnan FAIRNHAM

Regimental number54
Place of birthGlebe, New South Wales
ReligionMethodist
OccupationTurner
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation30
Height5' 8"
Weight156 lbs
Next of kinBrother, G Fairnham, 125 Abercrombie Street, Sydney, New South Wales
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date21 August 1914
Place of enlistmentSydney, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentSapper
Unit name1st Field Company Engineers
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/20/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A19 Afric on 18 October 1914
Rank from Nominal RollSapper
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Field Company Engineers
FateKilled in Action 26 May 1915
Place of burialBeach Cemetery (Plot I, Row G, Grave No. 1), Anzac, Gallipoli, Turkey
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
23
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli

Embarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (Gallipoli Campaign), 3 March 1915.

Killed in action, 30 May 1915.

Statement, Red Cross File No 1030801D, Corporal M. MASTER [66 N. MASTERS?], 1st Field Company Engineers (patient, Luna Park Hospital, Heliopolis, Cairo), 26 January 1916: 'I knew Fairnhma when we joined in Sydney. He was in my section and we called him Harry. I was with him at Anzac. He was killed about 20 yards from the beach. He was on his way to the beach to draw straws, and was assistant Q/Master. He was hit in the back by "Beachy Bill": the shell passing right through his back. I was him about a quarter of an hour after he was hit, and he was then dead. We buried him near the beach, and his name can be read on the wooden cross reproduced by the "Sydney Mail" of 1st Dec. He was one of the best chaps and was always talking of his young lady. He was giving up the job he was on, and it was about his last trip.'

Second statement, 153 Sapper H.J. CARMICHAEL, Engineers (patient, Ghezireh Hospital, Cairo), 22 December 1915: 'Informant was close to him one day about a month after the landing when a shell practically blew him to pieces. He was on his way towards the beach, and was hit by one of "Beachy Bill's" shells. He was a reserved quiet man and a great favourite. He was very highly thought of by all.'

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, FAIRNHAM Henry Harnan
Red Cross File No 1030801D

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