Gordon Bishop
From Our Contribution
 Western Mail 4 Oct 1918 page 21 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 11 Apr 1890 |
| Place of Birth | Serpentine, Western Australia |
| Death | 30 Aug 1918 |
| Place of Death | 53rd Casualty Clearing Station, Peronne, Somme, France |
| Age at Enlistment | 25 Years, 4 months |
| Description |
5' 10 ½ " (1.79m) tall ; 136 lbs 61.689 kg ; dark complexion ; grey eyes ; dark hair |
| Occupation | Wood working machinist |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | NOK Anstey street, Mundijong, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Mother , Mrs Margaret Bishop |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 1215 |
| Date of Enlistment | 19 Jul 1915 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | 32nd Battalion, D Company |
| Date of Embarkation | 28 Nov 1915 ‒ 18 Dec 1915 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A13 Katuna |
| Fate |
Wounded in Action 29 Aug 1918 near Assevillers, France Died of Wounds on 30 Aug 1918. |
| Monument |
Mundijong School Roll of Honour Mundijong Honour Roll Canning Honour Roll Australian War Memorial |
| Medals |
1914-15 Star British War Medal Victory Medal |
Contents
Pre War
wood working machinist with Millar's Timber & Trading Coy. Brother of 1897 Frederick James Bishop.
War Service
Within a month of commencing his training, Gordon was allocated to 'D' Company of the 32nd Battalion which was then in the process of forming several Companies each in both Perth and Adelaide.
The battalion travelled to Egypt too late to participate at Gallipoli, and they entered France through Marseilles on 23 Jun 1916 aboard HMT Transylvania.
Gordon was promoted Corporal on 26 May 1916, and was made a temporary Sergeant on 24 Jul 1916. He was confirmed in that rank on 19 Oct 1916, following a training course in France during August 1916.
Gordon suffered several short periods of illness, myalgia and scabies, but spent most of the time with his unit until in late November early December 1917 when he enjoyed a fortnight's leave in England.
On 29 Aug 1918 the 32nd Battalion was back in the front line. The unit's War Diary doesn't speak of casualties, although the period 27th to 30th was spent in the front line advancing from north of Proyart towards Barleux. Gordon's wounds were most likely received as they moved from Fay to Assevillers on the 29th. His wounds were described as shell wounds to both hands, his side, and his head. He was the acting Company Sergeant Major of 'D' Company at the time.
Gordon was admitted to 14th Field Ambulance, before being transferred to the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station where he died nine weeks after his brother Fred.
Notes
Gordon's military records have conflicting entries for his travel to Egypt. One set records him leaving Adelaide aboard the HMAT A2 Geelong, and another the HMAT A13 Katuna.
Buried Daours Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot 7, Row A, Grave 58)