Capt. S.W. Harry, AIF

Captain Samuel William HARRY
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HARRY
Captain Samuel William

D Company, 15th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force

Born 9th February 1882, in Pennsylvania, USA

Educated: Boys' Central State School, Charters Towers, Queensland

Single; Town clerk (Charters Towers), of Town Hall, Charters Towers, Queensland

Next of Kin listed as: Mother; S.H. Harry, of Windsor Terrace, Red Hill, Brisbane, Queensland

Photos of Captain Harry are known to exist in the following locations:
Charters Towers Town Hall. Group photo, Chataway p18 (facing). Sydney Mail 9 Jun 1915 p34. The Queenslander 17 Jul 1915 p28


Died of wounds
10th May 1915
at Quinn's Post
Aged 33







15th Battalion, AIF


No Known Grave


Notes:

Previously served in 2nd Infantry.
Originally reported as 'Missing'.

Born Pennsylvania, USA, 1881. Moved, with parents, to Charters Towers, at the age of 7. Educated at the Boys' Central State School. Commanded the local Senior Cadets at the outbreak of war. Widowed mother 'of mature years.' Four sisters, two brothers; all married. (Rockhampton Daily Record 29 Jul 1915 p7).

Three parties of the 15th Battalion had pushed forward from Quinn's Post (beginning at about 10:45pm, 9th May) and seized disconnected sections of the Turkish trench 30 yards in front. They attempted to reverse the parapet of this trench, but discovered that it was composed mainly of rotting bodies covered with soil. Meanwhile Turks poured into the gaps between each of the parties, and it became difficult for the Commander, Colonel J.H. Cannan, in Quinn's Post, to keep touch with the progress of the attack:
'Although gallant men continually risked their lives to ensure that headquarters should be kept fully informed, the intelligence which reached Cannan was disconnected and fragmentary. Eventually Captain Harry, acting adjutant of the 15th, volunteered to bring news of each party. After reporting that all was well with the left and right, he again went forward to find Frank Armstrong of the centre party. He reached the trench, but was never seen again.' (Bean V2 106)
(Chataway p.42). (See also the record for Lieutenant FL Armstrong).

A letter from Lt. Harry appears in the North Queensland Register 5 July 1915 p29.

And:
'Word has been received by Alderman J.T. Harry (of Charters Towers) from Major R.H. Carter (at Captain Harry's request in case of anything happening to him) stating that Captain Harry had died at his post, having gone over with a party when they charged the enemy's trenches.' (North Queensland Register 26 July 1915 p69).

On the 21st September 1915:
'At the Town Hall today, at the request of the mayor, Councillor J. Millican and Mr Pritchard performed the ceremony of unveiling the photos of Captain S.W. Harry and Major Quinn, who were killed at the Dardanelles. Captain Harry was town clerk, while Major Quinn was a native of Charters Towers. A touching speech was made by the mayor regarding the good qualities of both officers. Captain Harry's sword was hung under his portrait.' (Brisbane Courier 22 Sept 1915 p7).

Major Quinn, Captain Walsh and Captain Harry, all killed at Gallipoli, were boyhood friends in Charters Towers.



Lest We Forget


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