Lieutenant H. A. Biggsley, AIF Clicking on Photo will return to Page A - B

BIGGSLEY Lieutenant Herbert Alexander (Special Mention for acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable services) 1st Reinforcements, 6th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force Born 13th December1885, in Sale, Victoria. Educated: 'State school'. Single; Law clerk, of 50 Foote Street, Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria. Next Of Kin: Mother; Barbara Biggsley (nee Jones). Father; Charles Alexander Biggsley, of 50 Foote Street, Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria. Despite 16 years of research, no photo is known to exist of Lieutenant Biggsley. Should anyone have information on where we might find one, we would be most grateful.

2nd Lieut. 11 Nov 1914. Lieut. 23 May 1915. Embarked 22 Dec 1914. NOK (1930), Mrs B. Biggsley, 'Rhondda', 6 Blackburn Street (Corner Montrose & Blackburn Streets), Surrey Hills, Victoria (AWM 131 & notation on Application for commission).

Brother[?] John Bigglsey, collected Lieut. Biggsley's death plaque in 1917. Father deceased by 1920.

Known brother; Harrington Lewellyn Biggsley.

Worked for Strongman & Crouch, solicitors, Melbourne.

Previously served 5.5 years in 6th A.I.R., 2.5 years in A (Kew) Company, 56th Infantry (The Yarra Borderers). Commissioned 2nd Lieut. 14 Oct 1912.
2nd Lieutenant, 1st Rfts. Promoted Lieutenant 23 May 1915.

Special Mention in Divisional Orders No.161 for acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable services during the period 6th May to 28th June 1915 (Army Corps Orders dated 13 July 1915).

Killed at Steele's Post by artillery fire:
'Among others, Major Flockart of the 5th and Lieutenant Biggsley of the 6th - who had fought with such distinction at the Landing and at Helles respectively - were killed in these recurring bombardments, while between July 13th and 18th the 2nd Brigade lost, mainly from this cause, over 130 men.' (Bean V2 p29, 32, 342 quoted).

'Heard full account of Bert Biggsley's death. He was the bravest of the brave and loved by his men. His batman came down the hill crying like a baby and told Col. Bennett. The same man makes a daily visit to the grave and lavishes his spare time making it look decent with stones. It seems a .75 caught Bert after plunging through a solid traverse in a place regarded as perfectly safe and killed him and a small group instantly.' (Diary of Col. (then Capt.) A.R.L. Wiltshire, 22nd Battalion. 14 Sep 1915. ML MSS 3058)).

'Steels have been getting it hot with big stuff tonight and one company commander was killed outright.' (Diary Cpt William Leslie Sutherland 18 July 1915. ML MSS 1046).

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